Great effort! Maybe you should add that taking information from external sources also, in some cases, might be illegal, like pictures and stuff :) But that's more legal matters than site matters though.
Anyway, good work, I now feel safer about making guides :)
Anyway, good work, I now feel safer about making guides :)
There is no victory without humility.
I would like to bring up there have been numerous complaints of "copying my guide format", like using the same bbc code / look for your guide. I have had people report and say "he even used orange lettering in the same place, that was my idea!"
I feel like copying guide format should go under the "What is allowed" section, as you can't copyright putting orange letters and centering them, etc.
I have also seen "this person is using the same pictures as me!", but I feel like this should only be an offense if the user created the image themselves, such as a jungle route image or painting, and the other user was not given permission to use. However, most of the time it wasn't their original creation, so it would not be an offense.
I feel like copying guide format should go under the "What is allowed" section, as you can't copyright putting orange letters and centering them, etc.
I have also seen "this person is using the same pictures as me!", but I feel like this should only be an offense if the user created the image themselves, such as a jungle route image or painting, and the other user was not given permission to use. However, most of the time it wasn't their original creation, so it would not be an offense.
Thanks to GrandMasterD for my sig!
I agree on guide format, I think that is something people should be willing to share with each other. Most authors look at other guides for ideas on what to include and how to format it, and they often ask each other "how did you do this??" so I think it's in everyone's benefit to share formatting tricks.
However it's also no problem for authors to give attribution if they use guide formatting ideas so, in fairness they should give credit for that if they do, at least in a section at the end of the guide.
Regarding images that were made by someone (such as jungle paths), that's a tough one. What does everyone think? Should those be off limits without written consent, or is it enough to include a credit? Should we require that credit is given immediately below the image that links off to the original author's guide, or is it enough if credit is given at the end of the guide?
However it's also no problem for authors to give attribution if they use guide formatting ideas so, in fairness they should give credit for that if they do, at least in a section at the end of the guide.
Regarding images that were made by someone (such as jungle paths), that's a tough one. What does everyone think? Should those be off limits without written consent, or is it enough to include a credit? Should we require that credit is given immediately below the image that links off to the original author's guide, or is it enough if credit is given at the end of the guide?
I just give thanks to everyone at the end of my guides. And if I want to use anything someone else has written, I first ask permission via PM. It should not have to be a rule, just common sense.
DuffTime wrote:
ok ok plz carry me omg
i was only waiting for you to ask
Temzilla wrote:
Too hot to be icecream.
Luther3000 wrote:
He looks like a hair gel advert on legs
Toshabi wrote:
Icecreamy, with hair as slick and smooth as the ocean waves of Cocobana
I think you should always ask for permission to use images, but I am an artist so I'm touchy about that.
I would normally think if they credit and link back to the original under the used image, it should be fine for most ppl.
I would normally think if they credit and link back to the original under the used image, it should be fine for most ppl.
Thanks to GrandMasterD for my sig!
Just going to go with a personal example.
jhoijhoi copied me in the jungle section of her guide. I also gave her permission and she linked it back to me. I assume that's okay?
jhoijhoi copied me in the jungle section of her guide. I also gave her permission and she linked it back to me. I assume that's okay?
Sig courtesy of GrandmasterD. Go get your own sig from them. :D
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What Is Not Allowed
Directly copying the written guide text from another guide is not allowed and is considered plagiarism, regardless of the source. It doesn't matter how many times you mention the original author's name, it's still plagiarism. If you do this we will un-publish your guide and request that you rewrite it yourself. If you do not comply and publish the guide again without fixing it, the only remaining recourse is a ban.
In addition, using resources that were created by somebody else without their permission is against the rules. This includes any graphics, videos, or guides posted on other websites. Do NOT use first and ask later.
What Is Allowed
Obviously there is a line somewhere. So where is that line?
We consider builds themselves to be common knowledge and not plagiarism. This is based on feedback from our authors in past situations, everyone seems to agree that this is fine. However, if you copy or expand on someone else's build, especially if it is a unique concept, please provide credit to the original author to help promote the sharing of ideas and knowledge.
Quoting the words of other authors is also permitted, but there is a line here as well. You cannot just surround the entire guide in a quote tag and say you quoted the original author. You are not providing any value to your readers and to an extent you are taking credit for another author's work.
The majority of the guide text must be your own words, experiences and opinions. However you may include some quotes here and there with correct attribution to help lend credibility to, or references for, your own words.
A simple test to do when you are unsure is to ask yourself the question, would a teacher or professor comparing the two works next to each other consider yours plagiarism?
Discussion
If you spot a guide that you feel is plagiarized, please report it and include a link to the original guide you feel was stolen. The mods will take care of it from there.
We are open to discussion about this of course, but we feel the above rules are fair and allow for sharing and growth of ideas without anyone feeling robbed or cheated. Feel free to reply to this thread with your own opinions, but keep it on topic.