Skinning etiquette?

[-Tj-]

Hey folks

As you probably know, I've only recently started skinning models that other people have made, so I'm relatively new to the whole skinning 'world'. So, here's a question for the skinning veterans.

Is there a common etiquette when creating skins for other people's models and/or using their original textures as the basis for your own?

I ask this because I've always thought that you should ask before skinning for someone's custom model, or before you use their textures for use in your own skin. This, of course, excludes OEM models, unless the game's EULA specifically states the game models should not be modded in any way (which is usually not the case for a game like UT).

Here's what I thought was the skinning etiquette:
- Ask the creator of the custom model before releasing a skin for it
- Ask the creator of the original skin before releasing a modified version of it, or if you're going to use parts of it for your own skin
- Properly credit the original authors of the skin/model in the readme.text file

I've had more than a few people ask me if they could release their skin packs both using the Felina original textures as a base for their own textures, and for the Felina model, in which case I'd direct them to Hide, since the model is actually his and only a size mod was done to the model itself.

For all the skins, I gladly granted permission so long as I was properly credited, but there were some skins I've seen released that I wasn't exactly pleased to see, such as one excessively revealing skin in the Kankuro pack. I've also heard some similar concerns from friends about skins released without their permission as well.

I'd like to hear some thoughts from the veteran skinners. Since I'm new to this myself, I really want to know what I should be expecting from myself and from others while skinning for games.

[daloonie]

You should contact the creators who doesn't do the courtesey of asking the original author permission(unless it's the original UT games characters).
This is the either unknowing "noobs"(excuse the expression) or ones who just doesn't care. These people I could gladly do without.

What you did/do is the right thing, always ask permission. Unless it is a total reskin with 100% your work. I would do the excact same thing if I was ever to do that(can't remember one where I did use custom created skins for a base for my own skin).

One I remember is a skin that popped up here on the forums called "Carbons Skin" using my Cress skin 100%, only recolored and without TC's. Don't know where the guy had it from but pleased I was not. So do the courtesey and ask before using.

[SaD]

....
Here's what I thought was the skinning etiquette:
- Ask the creator of the custom model before releasing a skin for it
- Ask the creator of the original skin before releasing a modified version of it, or if you're going to use parts of it for your own skin
- Properly credit the original authors of the skin/model in the readme.text file
....

Absolutly agreed . The best way is to ask the creator of a model/skin if you modify/use it for your work , before you start skinning .It would be a shame , if you work hours on it and don´t get the permission for a public release.


...but there were some skins I've seen released that I wasn't exactly pleased to see, such as one excessively revealing skin in the Kankuro pack. I've also heard some similar concerns from friends about skins released without their permission as well.
...

This goes in the direction the SkinCity-etiquette.

I thought he had your permission . He also credited you in the read-me .
-Original Felina skin by Tj (Congratulation for his superb job!)

I always ask , when I get modified skins or used skins with used parts , if the creator got permission to do so .

If he didn´t got your permission I can delete the skin and set him on my ban-list. I get/got lots of skins with used parts from user skins .Mostly I get no answer , if I ask them , if they have permission . I don´t post them @ SkinCity .But to be true , I can´t see every ripped/stolen work . So , this is your part (the visitor @ SkinCity ) :
If someone knows about stolen/ripped work @ SkinCity , please send me a civil mail and I check it (delete it ASAP , if needed ).

Not posted Skins for UT2004 = 230
Not posted Skins for all UT-Series Games = 1217

This is my part of the etiquette . I can only ask , if they have permission and I have to believe it. If they lied they go on my black-list and I don´t post no more skins from them .They don´t get the chance to release their future-work at SkinCity anymore.

Sorry for going Off-Topic with the SkinCity-Part -Tj- .

[CheapAlert]

heh i got my model deleted for saying a censored swear in the forum directed toward nobody! don't forget to stick that in the rules.

[-Tj-]

Ok, so I'm not wrong in feeling a little more than violated by this guy posting his work with my source material without asking first... If I'm not mistaken, there's also Hide's source material in there as well, from Feminna. He hasn't credited Hide for it.

There's no email displayed in the readme... I can't email him. Is this SonicSNAKE guy registered on this forum? I don't believe I've received any kind of permission request via email from him, but if you're able to contact him and he says I granted him permission, I'll double check. But I'm pretty sure he didn't ask.

I wasn't sure about MacTom27 either, but I've found the email he sent me under a different name (but same name for the email) so I know he's had the "go".

SonicSNAKE, on the other hand, I know didn't ask. SaD, if you could drop him a line, I'd much appreciate it.

Thanks for the info guys. :)

SaD: no worries about the off topic stuff. It's actually quite nice to know we have an excellent "firewall" for inconsiderate skinners.

[SaD]

heh i got my model deleted for saying a censored swear in the forum directed toward nobody!...

Reasons below.


fine, i best stay away from skincity then since it'll be a yiff yiff center, goodbye.


I shall not participate on the site or the forums again.



SonicSNAKE, on the other hand, I know didn't ask. SaD, if you could drop him a line, I'd much appreciate it.

Mail is on the way Tj.

[MäxX]

I always ask if I can use something (even if it`s only the bio or something) just to be on the "safe side" and also give the guys a link that they can see what I have done with their work.

I did this when added teamcolors to some of MacKoff`s (OT: Some of his skins really desire a review..... BT) great skins and will only use skins/models in the ADSU project which I have permission to do so. (again OT, sorry....SaD do you have a possibility to contact J2A? I also want to include some of his works)

proper credit is also an absolute must to do!

If someone used my works (I don`t think this ever happens, but just in case :lol: ) without my permission but gave credit I`d only ask him to ask first next time. As long the credit is there it`s not that kind of problem for me

[-Tj-]

Thanks, SaD. I really appreciate it!

[SaD]

Thanks, SaD. I really appreciate it!

I got no reply . Skin deleted .

[klasnic]

Absolutely right in everything you said, -Tj-. Once someone does everything they can to contact the author before even skinning a model or using a skin as a basis for another it's fine. If one can't contact an author, at least give credit in a ReadMe and include the original ReadMe if possible.

Always copyright your work and allow/disallow whatever you think is appropriate.

Finally if you've tried to contact someone and failed, use your own discretion as to whether to make it public or show it anywhere ;)