I think someone missed flyakites point...
true dat.
dz: i wouldn't presume to put words in flyakite's mouth, but here's my take on the situation: flyakite isn't calling you a thief; he's calling you a hypocrite. if you're familiar with flyakite's work, you know that he's aware of (and takes full advantage of) fair use (to amazing ends, i might add).
me? i like the pretty pictures and i'll leave the legal arguments to you guys. anyways...can't we all just get along? 
I don't care what he's calling me, he shouldn't be doing it here in public.
Look, if you don't know that Aqua-Soft rips Apple copyright then your dense. I'm not saying it's right, but let's REALLY be honest here. Smooth Stripes? Its a derivative work of Aqua and violates copyright. Half the WOA and RAD E 8 icons are derivative works (which is why I laugh so heartily at Sasha Hoenes ever so proper discussion about copyright... he needs to read the international laws and the definitions of derivative works then take a long look at his own work before getting uptight about Lou.)
Everyone does it. And you know what? If you downloaded an Aqua based theme, wallpaper or icon chances are Apple could sue you and win. You've violated their rights. There is no 'fine line'. So let's stop calling people names, understand that WE ALL DO IT, and shut up about it.
Because damn it, Im getting tired of people posting desktop screenshots showing they've illegally downloaded a work that specifically violates someones copyright, then a month later theyve gotten mightier than thou and decided to start passing judgement on others. Thats the true hypocrite. At least I admit what I do, and do my best to stay out of others business.
So lets stop pointing fingers. If youre a member here, or have ever been a member here chances are highly against you that you've violated copyright.
At least I admit what I do, and do my best to stay out of others business.
So lets stop pointing fingers. If youre a member here, or have ever been a member here chances are highly against you that you've violated copyright.
I think you missed Chris' point entirely. He basically was saying the same thing. Except that he was reminding you that you are guilty of pointing the finger first, as per his example of Lou's post. You called someone out on copyright, then turned around and did basically the same thing yourself. Now understand, I think we can all agree, that for the most part all of us here at Aqua-Soft are guilty of that. I raise my hand emphatically. (But really, have you ever really read all the articles under the international copyright law? They are not clearly delineated and its very complicated. So complicated in fact, the law itself does not and cannot decide what is a violation or not. It is a jury or a judge who is persuaded by many factors that are outside the law. Point being, non of the copyright arguments that I've seen in many threads here at this board really seem to have a true grasp on what copyright law is all about -- leading to a lot of common misunderstandings in this community). (But I digress) At least you can admit that Chris has a point, can you not? You called out Lou. Why? I attest your understanding of the law is faulty and you are guilty of the same thing Lou did. Ok. So what. No big deal. Agreed. Just go back and let Lou release what he wants and we can drop this. Otherwise there remains a blurry line of hipocrosy lurking in this community about what is stealing, what is not, and who is deciding those issues -- and it is clearly not the "law" that is deciding.
Because I'm sick of people registering, taking taking taking, then getting a stick up their holier than thou ass and trying to tear this place down.
This is a little bit out of line, don't you think? Who exactly are you referring to here? Your post here is a rebuttal against flyakite's remarks but you sneak this line in. Flyakite has added a great deal to the community here and provided many fine releases that most of us actually use. This statement is absoultely irelevant to the discussion and is really nothing more than a smokescreen. And he has every right to be here and make these statements and continue to be invloved in this community. Or God I hope so. Let's hose down the egos and get back to what we enjoy doing most. Stealing from Apple. Those bastards.
Actually, if you knew the story behind Lou's troubles you'd know I was standing up for him. Calling Lou out as you put was never my intent. Why anyone thinks Ive condemned Lou for anything is silly - Ive got no issues with what Lou did. He broke the law, so what? I want to know why members HERE feel the need to get so self rightous they have to keep bringing the subject up. The back story behind that removal was because Lou asked me to remove it, and post a little something about copyright. He was tired of the controversy. Really though, its not anyones business but Lous. Why this issue is brought up by anyone around here is beyond me.
Really.
Because I realized a long time ago, when I helped start this site, that we would be breaking the law. I didnt care then and I dont care now.This sites not mine and I dont use Aqua. I wont host Aqua based stuff anymore. I mean, did any of you actually try to download this? I wont support people doing it anymore, but I dont call people out. Thats hypocritical, as is almost any member here even bringing the subject up.
I'll say it again. since its so f*cking hard for you guys to understand: If you've downloaded an Aqua theme, if youve downloaded a derivative work, youve broken copyright law. YOU HAVE BROKEN THE LAW. So shut up about it already and stop calling other people hypocrites. Just drop it.
Why is it so hard for people to understand this?
I guess the problem is that we have a new generation of boys and girls here at Aqua-Soft, and you don't really know me. You guys really dont know what this site has been about, the troubles we've been through.
Im out of touch. Guess that means I shouldnt be as harsh... still, I have limits for people poking their nose in other peoples business, like Flykite did. I stand by my remarks of holier than thou. His remarks were uncalled for and he should apologize for being a know it all busy body. Not just to me, but to this community, who rip Apple as often as possible.
After all, if thieves cant trust one of their own...
But if you guys really want to start calling people hypocrites, if you want to get involved in others business thats not your concern, then Ill clean the site up. That means EVERY SINGLE ITEM that breaks copyright law or is a DERIVATIVE work (which, BTW, BREAKS COPYRIGHT LAW) will be removed.
You know how much content would be left? Not very bloody much.
Otherwise, it would be wise to leave Zombie alone.
Look, I'm not appologizing to the community, I have done nothing to them. I am friendly to everybody who DESERVES it. I have EVERY right to speak my opinion. I have been following this site ever since it's inception.
And originally, I wasn't going to say anything more in this thread, but due to your recent post I've had enough. Here is what I have to say:
Sometimes I think you forget the things you've said in the past, we all do (from a thread where deadzombie was banned from GfxOasis)
To the point, I posted that since GFX Oasis was so concerned about copyright that they would label someone innocent of the crime (ripping is a crime boys and girls) that they should indeed moderate the ripped Doom 3 icon so proudly displayed. The damn icon is little more than a scan of a box top, cleaned up and published. If you're going to set a standard, apply it to everyone.
Another quote by you, just up above:
You've violated their rights. There is no 'fine line'.
Please note, in the thread the first quote was from, even another mod had to tell you to behave yourself and locked your thread.
You missed the ENTIRE point I've been trying to make. I don't care if using Apple's icons doesn't violate copyright law but distributing them does, that's not the point. The point is that somehow your work, which is also derived from Konfabulator widgets, didn't get pulled. What "secret" copyright law does Lou's skins break that your FTP skin did not break?
And by the way, copyright applies the second the work is in tangible form even when unpublished. So in all respects, Lou's icons at GFXOasis DID violate copyright, since you just said in that thread..."For example, you cannot make an 'original' icon of Mickey Mouse and expect to retain control of 'your' icons - the image still falls under Disney's liscense, even though you put the work into creating it 'from scratch'."
You stuck your nose in Lou and GFX Oasis's business, so quit being a damn hpyocrite. I'm not trying to stick my nose in anyone's business, I'm trying to understand why it is you feel your work is somehow okay to post while Lou's wasn't.I get so sick of you self-rightous pricks sticking your nose in someone elses business..... then in this thread.... At least I admit what I do, and do my best to stay out of others business.
And if you don't like what I've said, fine. Close the topic. Ban me from the community. I don't care, there's life outside of A-S and I'm fully aware of that. I'm sick of your attitute and your "I Am God" mentality.
All I wanted to know, from the start, is why your work was allowed and Lou's was not. Like you said, there is no fine line.
Also, I'm not trying to get anyone's work pulled. I respect this community and everything they do. Even if you don't create something original and it's just a port, so? It still takes skill, time, and effort on that person's part. I'm not trying to disrespect you, your work, or anyone else for that matter. I've seen the work you do, it's nice. The FTP Aero skins are great. I'm just trying to understand WHY.
You just opened up a thread that was basically dead to start a fight with me. You owe the community an apology.
You guys seem to forget this site is on borrowed time. Why you would start this up is not in your best interests...
And once again you missed another point: Lou asked me to remove it to stop the controversy. He was tired of it. No double standard applies.
My point is its not your business. So apologize.
I dont think Im God, not even close. But you guys miss the bigger picture so very often. Sick of me? I didnt open this subject up after months of it being dead. But Ill sure as hell not sit back while someone gets off telling me my place when they have no right or basis to.
You know what, fine, you're right. I'm sorry for opening up this thread. I'm sorry for causing this trouble.
I will not be gracing Aqua-Soft for the next month as I feel I need a break. When I come back however I will have some gifts for the community.
And I will apologize to you as well. Maybe I don't understand your reasoning for things, but that is not for me to understand. I am not you, nor am I a moderator. So being that it is, I will keep my thoughts and opinions to myself regarding future matters that I don't deem appropriate, as it is not my place to say what is right and wrong at this forum.
I'm sorry for the inconvenience,
Chris Kite
Take care.
Aqua-Soft Forums