[I'mDaMac]

Hey, this is directed to those of you who have had someone create an unauthorized port/copy of your theme against your wishes. I notice that Max and Swiz don't seem to mind having Windows users make ports of their themes. I've had a few people contact me on granting them permission to port PantherPro to Windows. I've politely declined and haven't had any problems 'til now. I've asked this person to stop his copy/port of my theme and while he said he respect my decision he is still continuing to copy PantherPro by seemingly redrawing the resources himself. The finished product will still be PantherPro with a different name - Puma.

I've shot out another email to this person with the hopes that I can appeal to the artist side of him. Hopefully this will work out but this whole situation has got me discouraged with theming in general. It seems that there is less respect for someone's creative rights when theming is involved. If it was a painting I'm sure there would be a public outcry and whispers of plagiarism. In theming it seems as if this type of behavior is encouraged. If I can't have a say-so in the development of my ideas where is the justice in that? This is starting to be more trouble than it's worth; at this point theming is really feeling like too much of a headache to continue with.

[kmkkid]

Are you declining the port simply because it's a windows theme? If so, that would be wrong. I know exactly who you are talking about, cause he just asked me to use my cursors in his theme and of course I allowed him to.

Again, if you arnt giving permission just because of bias, then you should reconsider. Not to mention that the two themes virtually look nothing alike, apart from standard aqua effects.


Chris

[bbxstudio]

Originally posted by I'mDaMac:
Hey, this is directed to those of you who have had someone create an unauthorized port/copy of your theme against your wishes.

Does Panther Pro contain 'unique' elements you've created from scratch or is it all derived from existing Apple artwork? It's generally a cut and dry case if the artwork in question is 100% original, unfortunately artwork derived from Apple's designs isn't technically original and you'll probably find little sympathy on the Windows side of the fence. If on the other hand it were a 100% original theme, you could simply hit Stardock, Wincustomize, etc. with a 'pardon me, but this is an unauthorized rip' message and they'd most likely remove it (nowadays, anyways - this wasn't always the case). If the person in question insisted on continued distribution from his or her own site, you might try contacting their ISP and inform them that one of their subscribers is distributing copyrighted materials from their site. But we get back to the issue of themes 'inspired/derived' from Apple's designs, in which case you wouldn't have much of an argument.

Personally, I think unauthorized ports are the ultimate in both laziness and disrespect on the part of the perpetrator, regardless as to whether or not your theme is 100% original. Those who do this sort of thing are generally sad talentless losers who want to belong so bad they feel justified in ripping off somebody else's hard work for the chance at a little glory (because they couldn't design an original theme if their lives depended on it). If it's really important to you, fight it out and flame their forum posts with 'talentless thief loser' messages - but expect a ton of backlash... the only thing worse than the deadbeat portboys are the gibbering masses of lemmings screaming for the chance to use the next best thing at any cost (for a couple of days anyways until they get bored of it).

It's sick, get used to it. The only way around it is to start doing your own ports for Windows and doing simultaneous releases or recruiting somebody competent on the Windows side to do an official port. Otherwise you lose control of your own creation.

[iFix Rene]

I would give the person permission and
would see it as a compliment...
the theme wont show up on OSX so it wont
be competition, just windows users having a nice theme to.


I read in another thread that you might
not finish panther metal, is THIS the reason?

Just give the guy permissions... windows happy

finish the mac theme, we here all happy

[I'mDaMac]

Originally posted by bbxstudio:
Does Panther Pro contain 'unique' elements you've created from scratch or is it all derived from existing Apple artwork? It's generally a cut and dry case if the artwork in question is 100% original, unfortunately artwork derived from Apple's designs isn't technically original and you'll probably find little sympathy on the Windows side of the fence. If on the other hand it were a 100% original theme, you could simply hit Stardock, Wincustomize, etc. with a 'pardon me, but this is an unauthorized rip' message and they'd most likely remove it (nowadays, anyways - this wasn't always the case). If the person in question insisted on continued distribution from his or her own site, you might try contacting their ISP and inform them that one of their subscribers is distributing copyrighted materials from their site. But we get back to the issue of themes 'inspired/derived' from Apple's designs, in which case you wouldn't have much of an argument.

Personally, I think unauthorized ports are the ultimate in both laziness and disrespect on the part of the perpetrator, regardless as to whether or not your theme is 100% original. Those who do this sort of thing are generally sad talentless losers who want to belong so bad they feel justified in ripping off somebody else's hard work for the chance at a little glory (because they couldn't design an original theme if their lives depended on it). If it's really important to you, fight it out and flame their forum posts with 'talentless thief loser' messages - but expect a ton of backlash... the only thing worse than the deadbeat portboys are the gibbering masses of lemmings screaming for the chance to use the next best thing at any cost (for a couple of days anyways until they get bored of it).

It's sick, get used to it. The only way around it is to start doing your own ports for Windows and doing simultaneous releases or recruiting somebody competent on the Windows side to do an official port. Otherwise you lose control of your own creation.

I realize that PantherPro is a variation of Aqua which is owned by Apple. The interpretation of those elements into a Pro theme are mine. Swiz made his interpretation of a pro interface as well. While our two themes may resemble each other they are distinctly different.

There is also a definite lack of integrity to port/copy a theme and distribute without the original author's consent no matter what the circumstance. It seems that all I can hope for is karma to rear it's head in the future.

[swiz]

I have a group of people who collaborate on ports of my themes for Windows. They requested first and their quality was near identical so I allowed it. There are still of course others out there who still decide to release ports of my themes with no permission, and even with the knowledge that a port is already available (which is quite dumb I think). But the authorized ports of my themes include a graphic which states that I endorse the port. I don't know, it doesn't really bother me cause in the end the users I care about(Mac users) know where it came from.

[iFix Rene]

I sure hope karma does

but....


please please please make Panther metal

please

[I'mDaMac]

Originally posted by iFix Rene:
I would give the person permission and
would see it as a compliment...
the theme wont show up on OSX so it wont
be competition, just windows users having a nice theme to.


I read in another thread that you might
not finish panther metal, is THIS the reason?

Just give the guy permissions... windows happy

finish the mac theme, we here all happy

Shouldn't it, at the very least, be my decision whether I'd like my theme ported or not? ...and to pick who does the porting?


Yes, this is the reason that I may not continue with PantherMetal. The lack of integrity shown by others who steal ideas and concepts without repercussion is disturbing to me. As a graphic designer most of the work I complete is owned by the client, plus I get paid. With themes it is very different. There is no legal recourse to pursue disputes or accusations of plagiarism. The only recourse you have is depending on the integrity of others - complete strangers for that matter. What is the reward for theming? Having your ideas raped/stolen by someone else who either cannot or will not think creatively to develop their own ideas?

It's disturbing reading users post in the forums at neowin.net giving him praise for something he didn't create. Ironic that he states, "I don't like the normal white shiny Aqua look myself, but I love the structure of OSX, hence this was born." Uh, excuse me? "This" was "born" because you saw a screenshot of PantherPro and liked it so much you wanted it on XP (his emails to me prove this point).

So yes, this is discouraging to say the least. At this moment I can honestly say that I don't feel like developing any more themes if this is the result.

[swiz]

Originally posted by I'mDaMac:
Shouldn't it, at the very least, be my decision whether I'd like my theme ported or not? ...and to pick who does the porting?


Yes, this is the reason that I may not continue with PantherMetal. The lack of integrity shown by others who steal ideas and concepts without repercussion is disturbing to me. As a graphic designer most of the work I complete is owned by the client, plus I get paid. With themes it is very different. There is no legal recourse to pursue disputes or accusations of plagiarism. The only recourse you have is depending on the integrity of others - complete strangers for that matter. What is the reward for theming? Having your ideas raped/stolen by someone else who either cannot or will not think creatively to develop their own ideas?

It's disturbing reading users post in the forums at neowin.net giving him praise for something he didn't create. Ironic that he states, "I don't like the normal white shiny Aqua look myself, but I love the structure of OSX, hence this was born." Uh, excuse me? "This" was "born" because you saw a screenshot of PantherPro and liked it so much you wanted it on XP (his emails to me prove this point).

So yes, this is discouraging to say the least. At this moment I can honestly say that I don't feel like developing any more themes if this is the result.

Yeah I've hit that wall before too. After the initial disgust with these people fades away you'll just accept the fact that they are really pathetic and you'll get inspired; create a new theme and just say screw em.

[I'mDaMac]

Originally posted by swiz:
I have a group of people who collaborate on ports of my themes for Windows. They requested first and their quality was near identical so I allowed it. There are still of course others out there who still decide to release ports of my themes with no permission, and even with the knowledge that a port is already available (which is quite dumb I think). But the authorized ports of my themes include a graphic which states that I endorse the port. I don't know, it doesn't really bother me cause in the end the users I care about(Mac users) know where it came from.

I've seen the authorized ports of your themes and they seem to be faithful to your original idea. The guy ripping my theme just took Max's smoothstripes widgets and replaced mine with them so that he can try and show that it is not PantherPro. My policy was to not have ports of PantherPro to other platforms. I think I should have the control over when that policy changes and who does the ports. Someone with more integrity than this guy at least.

[TheIceMan]

I'mDaMac:
Sorry to hear about others doing unauthorize ports of your theme. As a consumer of themes, all I can say is that I truly do appreciate your efforts to create beautiful themes for the Mac platform. Similarly, I have also shared with Max (bOOzo), Kevin (swiz), and Billy (bbxstudio) about how much respect and admiration I have for their work. Whatever you decide, just know that there are many on this forum and on the Mac platform who appreciates your hard work.

[swiz]

Originally posted by I'mDaMac:
I've seen the authorized ports of your themes and they seem to be faithful to your original idea. The guy ripping my theme just took Max's smoothstripes widgets and replaced mine with them so that he can try and show that it is not PantherPro. My policy was to not have ports of PantherPro to other platforms. I think I should have the control over when that policy changes and who does the ports. Someone with more integrity than this guy at least.

Yes it really does all come down to a designers integrity. Or lack thereof ( you be the judge of whether I mean 'designer' or 'integrity') .

[I'mDaMac]

Originally posted by TheIceMan:
I'mDaMac:
Sorry to hear about others doing unauthorize ports of your theme. As a consumer of themes, all I can say is that I truly do appreciate your efforts to create beautiful themes for the Mac platform. Similarly, I have also shared with Max (bOOzo), Kevin (swiz), and Billy (bbxstudio) about how much respect and admiration I have for their work. Whatever you decide, just know that there are many on this forum and on the Mac platform who appreciates your hard work.

Thanks, and that is the dilemma I face. I wanted to follow up the success I had with PantherPro and provide you guys with another theme PantherMetal. I do appreciate the support I got when PantherPro was released but if this is the result of the hard work I have to evaluate if it is worth the headache. Do the pros outweigh the cons if you will.

[bbxstudio]

Originally posted by iFix Rene:
I would give the person permission and
would see it as a compliment...

Unless you already have something in mind (like an official port) and/or the guy asking to do the port isn't known for quality work... both have happened to me.

[kmkkid]

I'mDaMac,

You didnt answer my question. Are you not allowing the port simply because it's a windows user?

Also, like I said above, the two themes look virtually nothing alike. So I don't even think it can be called a port. The author of this theme took KoL's SS msstyle (which was ported from max's SS skin) and did some recolouring and replacing of widgets which he drew from scratch.

I'm all for defending authors against rips, as I've had to deal with rippers myself. But this clearly isnt even a rip.


Chris

[Zimphire]

There are about 10 different versions of Sosumi out there for XP.

I don't really care, I didn't make a XP theme.

They actually did a decent job.

[bbxstudio]

It sounds like this joker is prepared to claim credit if you don't give permission - plus he's playing 'cut and paste' - that's ripping by any standard (and is frowned upon by many Windows users and hosts as well). The guy's a serious loser from the sounds of things... I'd tell him that if he wants to do a faithful complete port and give proper credit, fine - otherwise f*ck off, get a life and leave my widgets the hell alone, talentless cut-and-paste boy (with no friends).

This is precisely why I've considered moving into pure shareware (cheap of course) or maybe a subscription-based scenario - the work I do is 100% original but if that's not enough in the eyes of the law, the fact that somebody's messing with and redistributing commercial shareware sure is - no ISP or customization site would allow the posting of elements ripped without permission from commercial software (or software enhancements as the case may be). Of course, you'd have to really make your shareware 'kit' worth the hassle of charging end users for it by pumping in tons of must-have extras. And I doubt you could justify doing it with remixed Aqua elements existing commercial work created and owned by somebody else. There are PC shops (including Stardock, creator of Windowblinds) creating original makeover kits and packaging them (and defending them) as shareware... but it's real freaks or groups of them and would be a lot of work for one guy to pull off (months if not years). There's a (relatively) huge market for quality shareware customization on Windows, but nothing like that (yet anyways) on the Mac.

[kmkkid]

Originally posted by bbxstudio:
It sounds like this joker is prepared to claim credit if you don't give permission - plus he's playing 'cut and paste' - that's ripping by any standard (and is frowned upon by many Windows users and hosts as well). The guy's a serious loser from the sounds of things... I'd tell him that if he wants to do a faithful complete port and give proper credit, fine - otherwise f*ck off, get a life and leave my widgets the hell alone, talentless cut-and-paste boy (with no friends).

This is precisely why I've considered moving into pure shareware (cheap of course) or maybe a subscription-based scenario - the work I do is 100% original but if that's not enough in the eyes of the law, the fact that somebody's messing with and redistributing commercial shareware sure is - no ISP or customization site would allow the posting of elements ripped without permission from commercial software (or software enhancements as the case may be). Of course, you'd have to really make your shareware 'kit' worth the hassle of charging end users for it by pumping in tons of must-have extras. And I doubt you could justify doing it with remixed Aqua elements existing commercial work created and owned by somebody else. There are PC shops (including Stardock, creator of Windowblinds) creating original makeover kits and packaging them (and defending them) as shareware... but it's real freaks or groups of them and would be a lot of work for one guy to pull off (months if not years). There's a (relatively) huge market for quality shareware customization on Windows, but nothing like that (yet anyways) on the Mac.

erm, have you even compared the two? Or heard his side of the story.

Let's not jump the gun here people.


Chris

[bbxstudio]

Originally posted by kmkkid:
Are you not allowing the port simply because it's a windows user?

Although I myself have allowed dozens of ports of my work to Windows (nothing against Windows users), there does seem to be a much larger problem with Windows guys burning Mac designers than the other way around - and the attitude 'f*ck permission' is rampant on the Windows side of the fence (although nowhere as bad as it once was - correction, there are just as many people doing it, but it's become much less acceptable amongst the general theme-using populace and GUI host sites). So really, it's not surprising that many Mac designers have that 'once bitten' thing going on. Not saying that's the case here...

Regardless, I've never subscribed to the notion that work done for one platform must by necessity be shared with all others for the common good, permission be damned - if a guy spends the time making something and just doesn't want it ported, nevr mind why - he doesn't want it ported. Anybody who disrespects that (or supports this kind of cross-platform rape) should be smacked in the mouth with a blowfish stuffed with buckshot.

[kmkkid]

Originally posted by bbxstudio:
Although I myself have allowed dozens of ports of my work to Windows (nothing against Windows users), there does seem to be a much larger problem with Windows guys burning Mac designers than the other way around - and the attitude 'f*ck permission' is rampant on the Windows side of the fence (although nowhere as bad as it once was - correction, there are just as many people doing it, but it's become much less acceptable amongst the general theme-using populace and GUI host sites). So really, it's not surprising that many Mac designers have that 'once bitten' thing going on. Not saying that's the case here...

Regardless, I've never subscribed to the notion that work done for one platform must by necessity be shared with all others for the common good, permission be damned - if a guy spends the time making something and just doesn't want it ported, nevr mind why - he doesn't want it ported. Anybody who disrespects that (or supports this kind of cross-platform rape) should be smacked in the mouth with a blowfish stuffed with buckshot.

The only reason you don't see it the other way is because theming on the Mac is almost non existant, and the userbase is alot smaller. Trust me given the chance and opportunity, mac users would rip someone off just as fast as a windows user.


Chris

[bbxstudio]

Originally posted by kmkkid:
erm, have you even compared the two? Or heard his side of the story.

Let's not jump the gun here people.


Chris

Link? Has someone posted a link?

Just giving the guy the benefit of the doubt at this point... I've seen 'original elements' 'inspired' by my own work enough times that a moral violation seems entirely plausible, but I reserve absolute judgement until I've seen (not that my opinion on the matter means sh*t).

Without seeing the two side by side, who knows... it's always murky territory anyways with these Aqua remixes

[I'mDaMac]

Originally posted by kmkkid:
I'mDaMac,

You didnt answer my question. Are you not allowing the port simply because it's a windows user?

Also, like I said above, the two themes look virtually nothing alike. So I don't even think it can be called a port. The author of this theme took KoL's SS msstyle (which was ported from max's SS skin) and did some recolouring and replacing of widgets which he drew from scratch.

I'm all for defending authors against rips, as I've had to deal with rippers myself. But this clearly isnt even a rip.


Chris

So these two look "virtually nothing alike?"


Just because it's a poor hack job doesn't mean he didn't steal my idea. So, if I slightly re-color Max's Milk or Swiz's Studio Pro (perhaps re-draw a few elements) and distribute it without their permission- that's O.K.? What if I take SS Studio Pro and slap Max's sunken widgets then distribute - that's fine with you guys? Eh? He's even admitted to me in initial emails that it was based on PantherPro. Sure, since I denied him permission he's felt the need to change a few things, but the look is still definitely PantherPro. If this type of thing happened here between mac themers the perpetrator would get beat on like he stole something. I tried to appeal to the guy as one artist to another but I see that he is no artist. There is honor among artists.

Also, does it really matter what my reasoning is behind my "no port" policy? Can't I have a say so on whether or not that policy changes and if so who does the port? Is it really that unreasonable that at the very least I feel I deserve that much?

[kmkkid]

Originally posted by I'mDaMac:
So these two look "virtually nothing alike?"
Just because it's a poor hack job doesn't mean he didn't steal my idea. So, if I slightly re-color Max's Milk or Swiz's Studio Pro (perhaps re-draw a few elements) and distribute it without their permission- that's O.K.? What if I take SS Studio Pro and slap Max's sunken widgets then distribute - that's fine with you guys? Eh? He's even admitted to me in initial emails that it was based on PantherPro. Sure, since I denied him permission he's felt the need to change a few things, but the look is still definitely PantherPro. If this type of thing happened here between mac themers the perpetrator would get beat on like he stole something. I tried to appeal to the guy as one artist to another but I see that he is no artist. There is honor among artists.

Also, does it really matter what my reasoning is behind my "no port" policy? Can't I have a say so on whether or not that policy changes and if so who does the port? Is it really that unreasonable that at the very least I feel I deserve that much?

err, for one thing, they arnt the same colors, and for another thing, they are all standard aqua element's recoloured, in both cases! And he based his off of SS, so no I dont see it being a direct rip.

And yes your reasoning does matter, because if it's to spite a platform I'd say grow the f*** up.


Chris

[dru]

Originally posted by I'mDaMac:
Hey, this is directed to those of you who have had someone create an unauthorized port/copy of your theme against your wishes. I notice that Max and Swiz don't seem to mind having Windows users make ports of their themes. I've had a few people contact me on granting them permission to port PantherPro to Windows. I've politely declined and haven't had any problems 'til now. I've asked this person to stop his copy/port of my theme and while he said he respect my decision he is still continuing to copy PantherPro by seemingly redrawing the resources himself. The finished product will still be PantherPro with a different name - Puma.

No offense but this is lame. Isn't PantherPro actually based on Apple's theme used in FinalCut Pro? If it is than just get back to creating your themes and stop hassling folks for doing exactly what you've done.



Come back and bitch when you've actually done something original that's been swiped.

[I'mDaMac]

Originally posted by kmkkid:
The only reason you don't see it the other way is because theming on the Mac is almost non existant, and the userbase is alot smaller. Trust me given the chance and opportunity, mac users would rip someone off just as fast as a windows user.


Chris

Doesn't matter who does the ripping. It's wrong by any standard. I personally would never rip anyone else's ideas. When i did Panther I asked quandarry for permission since his theme provided the base and Max for permission to use his black menu items. If either of those guys refused I wouldn't have released Panther.

[bbxstudio]

Originally posted by kmkkid:
The only reason you don't see it the other way is because theming on the Mac is almost non existant, and the userbase is alot smaller. Trust me given the chance and opportunity, mac users would rip someone off just as fast as a windows user.


Chris

Aha - well you are correct, given the sheer numbers there are bound to be more bad apples 'theming' Windows. We have had some bastard Mac guys as well, but given the comparitive numbers and the current state of affairs (and tight-knit nature of the present OSX theming community, made up of maybe a dozen and a half active themers presently), it's hard to argue that there are a hell of a lot more violators in the Windows camp by far. I never said Mac users were a better breed than Windows users - I've got lots of friends theming and developing for Windows... including myself.

[kmkkid]

Originally posted by bbxstudio:
Aha - well you are correct, given the sheer numbers there are bound to be more bad apples 'theming' Windows. We have had some bastard Mac guys as well, but given the comparitive numbers and the current state of affairs (and tight-knit nature of the present OSX theming community, made up of maybe a dozen and a half active themers presently), it's hard to argue that there are a hell of a lot more violators in the Windows camp by far. I never said Mac users were a better breed than Windows users - I've got lots of friends theming and developing for Windows... including myself.

I agree that alot of people no matter what platform will rip, and that because of windows' userbase, that is alot of people. I have dealt with many of these issues, I'm a skinner on windows, so believe me I know. I just feel sick when people on these forums make windows users out to be the worst people in the world.

Chris

[bbxstudio]

And yes your reasoning does matter, because if it's to spite a platform I'd say grow the f*** up. [/B]

FWIW, I think he's more pissed off because it looks like his theme, not because it's for Windows. You seem convinced somehow that there's a Mac vs. Windows dynamic at work here, but I just don't see it.

[I'mDaMac]

Originally posted by dru:
No offense but this is lame. Isn't PantherPro actually based on Apple's theme used in FinalCut Pro? If it is than just get back to creating your themes and stop hassling folks for doing exactly what you've done.



Come back and bitch when you've actually done something original that's been swiped.

Sure it's base on Apple's pro UI, but so is Swiz's SS Studio Pro. They both look distinctly different though. Also nothing in Apple's Pro UI looks like PantherPro. The widgets aren't sunken, the titlebar appears more like SS Studio Pro's Apple variation titlebar, etc. The way I brought these elements together and fused them in the finished theme is my idea. Is it too much to ask that people come up with their own ideas instead of taking credit for others.

[bbxstudio]

I just feel sick when people on these forums make windows users out to be the worst people in the world.[/B]

To be honest, I don't think anything like that is happening in this thread so far.

[I'mDaMac]

Originally posted by bbxstudio:
FWIW, I think he's more pissed off because it looks like his theme, not because it's for Windows. You seem convinced somehow that there's a Mac vs. Windows dynamic at work here, but I just don't see it.

Yeah, I would've been just as upset if someone here took PantherPro and slapped Max's sunken buttons then distributed it without my permission. I know people have done it but they've had enough respect to not distribute it and use it only for personal desktop use.

[quandarry]

Originally posted by I'mDaMac:

jeezuz! this pic makes me wanna run out an buy a peecee...except for that windows logo...why would anyone in their right mind leave that in?!

man i luv the way that windows gui can be manipulated...

i don't know how much longer i can embrace the mac...i really feel stifled by os x...like being in a closet and everyone else is on that green grassy hill with a fresh breeze mildly blowing over their faces and through their hair...

slap! slap!

ok ok...i'm awake...phew!

[bbxstudio]

After having seen both, it's obvious the guy is trying to reproduce the same or similar look in windows, most likely inspired by Panther Pro - but having said that, there isn't a single original thing about this theme other than this specific mish-mash of pre-existing or colorized elements. I'm not going to play sides, but really there's no way an Aqua remix of any flavor can be defended as original artwork seeing as it all originated with Apple's artwork or influence.

Personally, I'd rather see this bunch start producing more original work with their talent/know-how instead of revisiting the same thing over and over again. Mac theming is rife with Aquafied rehashes... try some new shapes, some new surfaces, do something 100% original... there's precious little of that happening, which is sad - think about it, you've got full alpha transparency, 24-bit color, live dropshadows... the possibilities (while not endless given the limitations) are pretty exciting given a little imagination. Am I the only one sick to death of Aqua and it's bastard offspring or what?

Not preaching, just thinking out loud.

[quandarry]

just came back from my first visit to neowin...

deduction: peecee people hate the look of windows with a passion and luv the os x look...

maybe they're onto something that we're missing?

[bOOzo]

Originally posted by kmkkid:
The author of this theme took KoL's SS msstyle (which was ported from max's SS skin) and did some recolouring and replacing of widgets which he drew from scratch.

Well, knowing that KoL is not keen on letting other people use his msstyles as a basis for other themes and that I have not given him permission to use my widgets, I think he is clearly over the line.

This is what KoL said about an other unauthorized port:

my decision of not give permission is nothing to do with DT² or you guys is because I dont want to loose control of my themes. A lot of people are doing just some little changes to my Visual Styles (ports and originals) and are asking me for permission. Im not going to allow more of those request I want to protect my themes. sorry
Im not the only one that made the milk port, well Im the main author of the port but D'Blade made a lot too that makes him the author too.

I hope you understand guys

I don't like being ripped either, but fortunately the last time it happened (with a simple mod called BlackMilk) I just posted there and said that this port is not authorized and I think that is disrespectful, and everyone else backed me up. What I'm going to do for my next theme is to send the resources to a porter that I trust and let him port it before any one knows that this theme even exist and then I will release the Mac theme alongside with the Windows port on my homepage. Maybe you should do the same?
I understand the problem with the Panther Pro theme being so Aqua like, but PantherMetal looks completely original to me, so you should not have the same problem with that theme.

Originally posted by Zimphire:
There are about 10 different versions of Sosumi out there for XP.

I don't really care, I didn't make a XP theme.

They actually did a decent job.

The difference is that your theme has been out for a long time and you don't seems to care what happens to it, while ImDaMac's theme just was released and he clearly feels strongly for it. I know the feeling, when I released Milk I was very protective of it.

[honz]

Well I'm probably considered a noob here as I've only had a mac since December this year, but I've been themeing Windows for close to 3 years now.
Personally speaking, I don't think you have a leg to stand on. The theme you made is not 100% original by you. It's derived from already available Apple graphics.
If you can take the pieces and make a theme out of it without having to ask anyone for permission then why shouldn't the other guy on Windows? I really don't see how he should write to you for permission in the first place? If anything he should be writing to Apple, the original artists.

At the end of the day I don't think you hold any kind of copyright rights with this theme. If it was 100% your creation and was unique then yes, of course you have copyright, but not in this case. In this case it all belongs to Apple and both parties are 'in the wrong' for not having Apple's consent.

[catsank]

yo! respect the honz - the brit speaks da truth !



All themers are hackers and offensive to the corporate monster that
is Apple, it's interface designers and da Jobs - Just the way I like it.

[digitaljames]

I understand the problem with the Panther Pro theme being so Aqua like, but PantherMetal looks completely original to me, so you should not have the same problem with that theme.

It's already happened....

Metal Panther Pro Windowblinds Theme

Although Maxneosynthetic is not offering it for redistribution....

[cmove]

hey look I'm da mac
they buttons from your theme panther metal is not make by u
stefanka made that since a long time

[digitaljames]

Which particular screenshot? Those, by posting date are quite recent.

Originally posted by cmove:
hey look I'm da mac
they buttons from your theme panther metal is not make by u
stefanka made that since a long time

[cmove]

Originally posted by digitaljames:
Which particular screenshot? Those, by posting date are quite recent.

august 4
the preview of panther metal was not here
so panthermetal is not 100% original
so you can't take a copyright for this

[Zimphire]

Originally posted by bOOzo:

The difference is that your theme has been out for a long time and you don't seems to care what happens to it, while ImDaMac's theme just was released and he clearly feels strongly for it. I know the feeling, when I released Milk I was very protective of it.

No, When the themes first came out Sosumi was at it's height of popularity. And I was still messing around with it.

BTW I still care what happens to it.

I just didn't care someone made a XP theme.

As long as they gave me credit, I didn't care.

I saw it as flattery.

No one is going to ask you to port your theme if it sucks.

[I'mDaMac]

Originally posted by cmove:
august 4
the preview of panther metal was not here
so panthermetal is not 100% original
so you can't take a copyright for this

Where in the August 4 screenshot? Nothing in that screenshot looks like PantherMetal. Why are you trying to instigate?

[I'mDaMac]

Originally posted by digitaljames:
It's already happened....

Metal Panther Pro Windowblinds Theme

Although Maxneosynthetic is not offering it for redistribution....

I can't believe people can be such leeches.

[cmove]

Originally posted by I'mDaMac:
Where in the August 4 screenshot? Nothing in that screenshot looks like PantherMetal. Why are you trying to instigate?

nope but they buttons looks like your buttons ...

[wil]

My take:

spend your energy on making stuff you like. if you want to share with the world, then share. if you don't feel like sharing, then don't. but don't worry about controlling the world, especially if you plan on participating.

I like what you've done and I'm glad you share. plus, I have the bonus of being able to use YOUR version of YOUR work!

This obviously relates to theming only. I don't think of themes/skins as worth anything outside of the communities that support them and the fun they provide to said people.

[mrtew]

Geez, I can't understand why anyone would want to stop people from copying their themes! The only reason for being a themer as far as I am concerned is to help other people make their computers more beautiful. If someone ported my theme to another platform, or even ripped elements of my theme for another OSX theme I would be tingling with excitement knowing that I made the world a more beautiful place. Who knows... maybe someone has copied my theme.... does anyone know?

[sushiism]

ahh if i made a theme which i will pretty soon because ive been wanting to since my windows days but windowblinds was way too crap back then. I wouldnt want someone porting it without permission and I doubt id give that out just because ive been in the windows custo scene and its mostly filled with annoying morons these days

[quandarry]

Originally posted by I'mDaMac:
Where in the August 4 screenshot? Nothing in that screenshot looks like PantherMetal. Why are you trying to instigate?

i don't see it either i'mdamac...

i don't see no stinkin' metal buttons cmove!

heh got that from a movie...ok...it was bad attempt at humour...

[Cerbero]

Originally posted by I'mDaMac:
I can't believe people can be such leeches.

digitaljames just said the guy isn't distributing it. What's the harm then?