I didn't respond earlier because i wanted to hear the opinions from others around this first. So here i go...
First comments on the three you reported:
- Nao Messenger
Miamoto mailed me after you created this thread. First a mail with a request to remove his skin from the db completely. But before i got around reading it i got a new mail with a v3.3 (apparently the last version we'll see from Nao 
) which is on the DB now. I trust you guys have contact and can work it out together.
- Longhorn Theme skin
Received an update from coolzee too (online on db), the problem you mention with the .dll seems fixed.
- Dheano Live Messenger
Isn't submitted to the db yet, but looks like you guys worked it out already 
.
Skin-kiddies isn't a fair term to use, there's nothing wrong with learning by example as long as people keep on reading the documentation too. But, you do have a point in the skins you mentioned where people take your graphics directly without asking.
quote:
Originally posted by mynetx
What is protectworthy? How much is a skinner allowed to copy from an existing creation?
- Taking images or DLLs from other skins without permission is definitely not allowed. For images i mean original images that you created, not simple gradients, images you found on the web or images based on the interface of an existing application (like vista icons for example).
- Also not allowed is taking complete style/definition files. I say complete, because like Cookie said style/definition files have a strict format. Style/definition are bound to look the same, even while the skins are visually completely different.
- Names should be original to avoid confusion, like Nathan changed the names of his script to Ribbon Messenger to avoid confusion with the Office07 skin. I think this covers what you name faking?
- Using the same file structure is completely ok
.
- As for stealing ideas... a skin based on an existing application/OS/brand is never considered an original idea, unless you are the creator of that application/OS/brand. But i will limit how many skins based on the same enter the skins db. For example if another Office based skin gets submitted it will need to significantly better/different to be accepted.
quote:
Originally posted by mynetx
What about the skins database?
Like Patchou said: "If they just copied your stuff and don't mention your name anywhere, you have the right to complain and the skin could be removed from the db as a consequence. It's generally better to contact the other skin developer directly as more than often, this kind of problem can be resolved in a more appropriate way like that." So if there is an issue: Try to contact the skinner first and work it out (be polite and reasonable), if that doesn't work, contact me (skins@msgpluslive.net). When you contact me, be specific, describe which files are stolen exactly, mynetx did a good job at that in the opening post.
quote:
Originally posted by mynetx
How much works does he/she have to put in it, to express their own design instead of reusing others' work? Should there be a limit of unique-level for each skin to be accepted?
Unique-level can't be measured. When accepting them in the skins db i'll try to make the best choice and ask Patchou when in doubt. We can't compare all files with every other skins each time. When you think a skin in the db stole your resources/idea, contact me like written above and we'll work it out together.
quote:
Originally posted by mynetx
What about licensing? Can licenses be applied to skins, such as GPL (allowing modifications is they are published), or a different one, permitting use, but forbiding integration into other skins?
You'll have to study if the license you want to use allows it, i never got into that. Skins are a Messenger Plus! feature and integrated into Windows Live Messenger, that could cause some problems for licenses.
quote:
Originally posted by mynetx
and (4) being published in such a prominent place that everybody has to cope with them when developing a skin.
Where are you suggesting? I want to avoid pages long rules on /skins/submit/, but maybe somewhere else?
quote:
Originally posted by warmth
4. I think some rules must be applied to DB submits... Nao Messenger shouldn't be accepted there for now...
Nao Messenger looked fine on inspection. I simply can't compare all the files with all other skins all the time. From the outside Nao looked original. This is why i'll partly rely on reports from other skinners.
quote:
Originally posted by Voldemort
a report button could be added to report plagiarism
I'll consider that for the next skins db, for now email works fine.
BTW: Was this posted in beta for a specific reason? It's probably better in the regular skinning forum so other skinners can read/contribute too.
[Discussion] Skinning copyrights, cloning, and idea recycling
/ 
