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Recreational Forums => Trek Discussion => Games => Topic started by: Villain on February 16, 2010, 08:13:31 AM

Title: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Villain on February 16, 2010, 08:13:31 AM
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but recently I discovered my SSV Normandy model was stolen for use in another mod on a completely unrelated game (Complete with the hard work YopYop and Tiq put into it).

The mod is Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer. it can be found here: http://www.moddb.com/mods/nightstalkers-universe-mod

I'd appreciate it if other modders went through the images and ship list and posted here if they spotted work they made that has been taken without request (If that is your policy on releases) as a few of these craft look like they were taken straight off of BCF and slapped on here with his name all over it.


I recall a while back, DJ came across the same problem, and I felt it was everyones right to be notified of stuff like this. I have already sent him an email, and am yet to receive a reply.

Atlantis looks like the one on BCF, as does the Wraith Hive, I believe I saw something about an Enterprise F but didn't see whether it was the Century or not.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: JimmyB76 on February 16, 2010, 10:54:25 AM
i really really really hate thieves...  i hope something can be done about this!
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Dalek on February 16, 2010, 11:02:28 AM
I had a quick snoop around on the site:
I don't think that Atlantis is the one released for BC. That one despite looking rather blocky is much wider and flatter than the BC version.
The Wraith Hive doesn't look like the BC version either, the back section is completely wrong. Not so sure about the Wraith Cruiser though...picture is too dark to make out details.

Just curious, how old is this game? Older or younger than BC?
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on February 16, 2010, 01:28:57 PM
I'm willing to download this mod and look through it to see if anything from the BC community is in it, though I've hit a wall in registering at the site to download it, apparently all new registrations have to be PERSONALLY approved by admins...  :wtf that's a first.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Bones on February 16, 2010, 03:24:01 PM
Ehhh I hate these kinds of people, they don't even bother to ASK or even CREDIT people....
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Kirk on February 16, 2010, 04:07:37 PM
apparently all new registrations have to be PERSONALLY approved by admins...  :wtf that's a first.
Some do it to cut down on spam accounts.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on February 16, 2010, 04:56:43 PM
Some do it to cut down on spam accounts.
Funny I thought that's why they made captcha, but anyways....

Still no approval from these people, now that's a good way to build a community *sarcasm*.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Nebula on February 16, 2010, 05:12:32 PM
admins have lives... you may not get in for 24 hours...

also some people may not know how to add mods or hacks to forums to get antispam things like it in...
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Villain on February 17, 2010, 12:45:40 AM
Have a look through the actual Forum Announcements board, you can get to the latest NSU download thread without registering and can freely download it. I only didn't because half a gig takes a long while here.  :(

Freelancer is around the same age as Bridge Commander... It has many issues with model quality and such as it suffers BC's lighting problems too. It seems really hard to come across models of what we're spoiled with here in Freelancer (Or when it thrived, at least), though some spectacular things have been done.  The game itself is quite fun, and the community (Save for the odd jerk like this) are good people.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on February 17, 2010, 01:58:13 AM
Have a look through the actual Forum Announcements board, you can get to the latest NSU download thread without registering and can freely download it.
I looked in every thread in the forum announcements but can't seem to find it, can you provide a link please?

EDIT: Scrap that, the admins have approved me and I've downloaded the file.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on February 17, 2010, 01:32:07 PM
Ok so now that I have the file I can start looking through it to see if there is anything in there that shouldn't be. I've hit a wall though, apparently Freelancer uses some odd file extensions (.cmp, .3db, and .sur). Google isn't being of much help can someone give me some info on these and what program I should be using to view these files?
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Villain on February 18, 2010, 05:55:28 AM
Milkshape 3D. Handles it all.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on February 18, 2010, 12:24:19 PM
Milkshape 3D. Handles it all.
I used that briefly to try and learn 3D modeling, the trial period is expired and I'm strapped for cash right now so I can't purchase a license. Could GMAX possibly open one of these files?
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Adonis on February 18, 2010, 12:50:39 PM
On the screens so far I have seen Raven's C-9A.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on February 19, 2010, 11:40:47 AM
Does anyone here have Freelancer? I can't open these files so to check this thing it'll have to be installed into the game. If someone has it I can send the mod over to them.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Villain on March 03, 2010, 07:04:41 AM
Just an update, I've been in touch with Moddb admins and supplied some evidence, waiting on their judgement.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: teleguy on March 03, 2010, 10:25:08 AM
Ok so now that I have the file I can start looking through it to see if there is anything in there that shouldn't be. I've hit a wall though, apparently Freelancer uses some odd file extensions (.cmp, .3db, and .sur). Google isn't being of much help can someone give me some info on these and what program I should be using to view these files?

I found a MPE like tool that should be able to open these files.


Edit: Screenshots
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Bones on March 03, 2010, 01:07:31 PM
Right, about that Normandy I see on pictures... why we still don't have it in BC  :wtf
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on March 03, 2010, 01:25:10 PM
I'd say those Century, Bugship, and Armored Voyager screenshots are our smoking guns there. Teleguy where did you find that tool?
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: teleguy on March 03, 2010, 02:30:26 PM
It's part of a mod tool pack. I've attached the file to my last post.

Quote
I'd say those Century, Bugship, and Armored Voyager screenshots are our smoking guns there.

To be fair though he gives credit for every ship.

Quote
....
- KDF C-9A ?Heart of Kahless? (Kahless tIq vo?) class Battleship, concept by Raven Night, textures and mesh by Raven Night
- Juva-class Betelgeusian Star Cruiser, Design: Atolm, Modeling: Atolm/Furyofaseraph, Textures: Furyofaseraph
- Ambassador-Class Starship, textures and Mesh by Rick Knox
- Excelsior-Class Starship, by P81
- NX Defiant/Pathfinder Class Bridge, by Capt. LC Amaral, Viper Leader, Mark, Sean
- SSV Normandy SR-1, by yopyop-TiqHud
- Super Wraith Hiveship, By Dave975 + DKealt
- New Enterprise and USS Kelvin, by Baz1701
...

Maybe he also asked the respective authors for permission?
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on March 03, 2010, 05:48:48 PM
Maybe we should ask them and be sure.

We'll also have to ask him to correct his credits. He's using Wiley's JJPrise, not Baz's.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: JimmyB76 on March 03, 2010, 05:58:27 PM
i have a good feeling at least Dave didnt give permissions for his ships to be used...  
an explanation from these people should be demanded...  unless they think that just giving credit is ok, but i somehow dont think they actually asked...
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on March 03, 2010, 06:00:32 PM
Should someone contact Nightstalker directly then? Get a straight answer (that we'll verify of course).
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: JimmyB76 on March 03, 2010, 06:01:47 PM
i strongly feel that should be done... 
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on March 03, 2010, 06:03:01 PM
Then I volunteer to be the "olive branch," I've already registered at these new forums he's set up since the old one has been taken down for maintenance.

EDIT: Message Sent.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: ACES_HIGH on March 03, 2010, 06:16:42 PM
I know that if they'd asked, DJ would have said no, it's against his policy, and I don't think 3e's policy would allow them to use the defiant bridge either.  Rick Knox's ships are fine with the credit given though.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on March 03, 2010, 07:28:39 PM
Ok Nightstalker has responded to me. He listed the authors of the ships included in his work and said this to me:

Quote
Most of these have come from various fl mods I just made sure I chased down the correct credits for the models. I've also got permission for most of the models through OutaLance Shipyards (One's that belong to them that is). I have been in contact with most (Some cannot be contacted anymore either because they have left the community or their e-mail address are no longer valid). Most of the models I got came from Battleclinic (Several I know are from different games like Armada and Bridge Commander). I do not "steal" ships, I always make sure they are properly credited and contact the author if the readme specifies.

Of the BC authors I've seen in his list he gave me I saw Adonis, Dave975, Dkealt, DJ Curtis, MRJOHN, Raven Night, USS Prime, yopyop, Tiqhud, Executioner_de, LC, and probably a few others. If anyone would like me to post the entire content of Nightstalker's reply here I'll do so.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: CaptainGMAN on March 03, 2010, 11:35:49 PM
Jimmy are you thinking we may have a new GJO? lol
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: bankruptstudios on March 04, 2010, 02:33:45 AM
It's obvise that his statement is false. Prime would not have started this topic if he was asked. DJ's ship can't be ported over to another game as per his policy, and LC, well we all know he allows nothing. This being said, he has not contacted many people.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Villain on March 04, 2010, 07:05:09 AM
I had already sent my own cease and desist letter to him with no response whatsoever even still. So he's either lying entirely, or just neglected to ask the ones who would've said no.

And Bones... http://bridgecommander.filefront.com/file/SSV_Normandy;100212 ;) I really must finish that updated model sometime..
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Bones on March 04, 2010, 07:14:55 AM
I had already sent my own cease and desist letter to him with no response whatsoever even still. So he's either lying entirely, or just neglected to ask the ones who would've said no.

And Bones... http://bridgecommander.filefront.com/file/SSV_Normandy;100212 ;) I really must finish that updated model sometime..
Now... errr... how did I missed it... there is comment left by me... so I did downloaded it ... I'm confused... but hey it's just me :roll I just found it in BC 'to-install' folder lol
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: JimmyB76 on March 04, 2010, 09:11:23 AM
i think every one of those authors whose ships are being used should be contacted...  and if there is only one who never gave permission, we should all do something about this...
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: 086gf on March 04, 2010, 12:25:58 PM
DJ's ship can't be ported over to another game as per his policy...

Actually DJ has allowed for his ships to be used in Armada 2 and Legacy.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on March 04, 2010, 12:29:33 PM
I've already contacted LC, Wiley, and Dave and notified them about their stuff being used in this mod. LC and Wiley have confirmed not giving any permissions. I'm still waiting for a response from Dave, but I have a good feeling of what is answer will be.

So that leaves the question of the next step. I can ask Nightstalker to remove the ships if that's the authors wishes.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Joshmaul on March 04, 2010, 01:00:41 PM
I can ask Nightstalker to remove the ships if that's the authors wishes.

Yeah, you can. Question is, will he? People like this tend to be stubborn asses about it.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on March 04, 2010, 01:47:12 PM
We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: CaptainGMAN on March 04, 2010, 03:01:03 PM
Actually DJ has allowed for his ships to be used in Armada 2 and Legacy.

I dont think DJ has ever let someone port to Leg before DJ's old policy I believe stated all ports where ok except Leg with his ok.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: cinqnic on March 04, 2010, 04:34:16 PM
hi there i was looking at this post and i dont think its my Atlantis model but it I might be wrong and i did give permission a long time ago for someone  to use my Atlantis model  I THINK ,but i not sure any way i thought i just say that,
plus i have abit of a open policy as long as credit is given to people who have put in alot of hard work and they say yes to use there stuff.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: tiqhud on March 04, 2010, 05:05:50 PM
from the Master Permissions Thread .   DJ Curtis no ports to legacy
http://bc-central.net/forums/index.php/topic,2146.0.html
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: JimmyB76 on March 04, 2010, 05:16:42 PM
DJ has given a few special specific permissions for a few of his ships to be in Legacy... 
this much can be confirmed...
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on March 04, 2010, 05:24:37 PM
Well if his profile here and at Excalibur is correct he hasn't been online here since January and at Excalibur since February, if someone has an email for him could they get in touch with him and find out if he has given permission for his Century to be converted to Freelancer and what he would like done if it hasn't?
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: bankruptstudios on March 04, 2010, 08:30:46 PM
I have his email, i can send a massage, but what should i say?
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on March 04, 2010, 09:13:07 PM
Just let him know that there has been an investigation into mod theft going on here, and that his Century class has been used in a mod for Freelancer. Find out weather or not he gave permission (just in case) and direct him to this thread so he can check out everything going on if he wishes.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: eclipse74569 on March 04, 2010, 11:54:34 PM
If he doesn't reply it might be due to the fact he's a teacher...we all know how rowdy kids can be :P

But anyways I hope this person has had GENUINE permission...it upsets me when people just take mods for granted like this :(
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Villain on March 05, 2010, 04:31:44 AM
We all know how rowdy TEACHERS can be. :P

Either way I'm amazed SOMEONE was able to get in contact with Nightstalker, who seemed to ignore my attempts at communication.

@Joshmaul

If he doesn't remove them on his own, moderators of filehosting sites can be contacted to remove the download entirely. Personally, this seems like the easiest solution.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: baz1701 on March 05, 2010, 04:38:38 AM
Nero was kind enough to check through the mod for us.

Unfortunatly he spotted my Kelvin-A refit

http://bridgecommander.filefront.com/file/Baz1701_USS_Kelvin_Refit;99559

And I can confirm I have only given permission for this or any of my ship for use with legacy and armarda 2 (with the exception of vger which was ported to the space sim Celestia).

I have never even heard of this game before this thread. The thing that hurts is I have never turned anyone down who has had the decency to ask to use my work.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: El on March 05, 2010, 08:24:32 AM
You may also want to check with Mark, Viper and Sean. I doubt that Pathfinder Bridge has any permissions..
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: JimmyB76 on March 05, 2010, 08:45:53 AM
are there forums for this?  if so, a bunch of us should register and speak outward about this there...
(edit - ive renamed the thread for clarity)
Title: Re: Mod Theft
Post by: bankruptstudios on March 05, 2010, 08:54:26 AM
OK, i send off a mail to DJ with all the information and links. Hopefully he'll have the time to reply him self, but i said that if he does not at the moment, jest reply to my mail with a yes or a no. I sujest that any other owners of these models be contacted at once to find out if they had be contacted and given promission. I also think that no further contact should me made to this guy untill we have a full list of mod from BC and if the owners gave promission to use it or not. Once this is done, then maby one of our Moderators should handle this as they can speak on your behalf and they have a title, witch may make them seem more official. I would vote for Jimmy because he is smart, funny, and he scares me........
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Villain on March 05, 2010, 11:20:27 AM
Titles mean nothing, and to be honest it should be handled by the people who are actually affected. But I do sort of agree that maybe things should be stopped for now until more are notified.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: JimmyB76 on March 05, 2010, 12:51:05 PM
Prime is correct...  the modders should be the ones that get together (or have one speak for all of them) and speak outrage of it... 
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Morgan on March 05, 2010, 12:52:26 PM
Quote
Titles mean nothing, and to be honest it should be handled by the people who are actually affected. But I do sort of agree that maybe things should be stopped for now until more are notified.

That's the modders' prerogative. I haven't communicated with him since the initial PM, and didn't intend to until some resolution was found. If he decides to communicate with me any further for some reason I'll make sure to post the message here to keep everything in the open.

Quote
are there forums for this?  if so, a bunch of us should register and speak outward about this there...

Jimmy you read my mind about speaking at their community.  :evil That could be the only option if this guy decides to be a jackass about this; as he runs the forums where the mod is available. Unfortunately there isn't much of a community over there to expose this to. Here's a link to their forums. The mod is also available from there if any more modders wish to look through it and check for their work. I encourage all modders to do so.

http://z11.invisionfree.com/Shadow_Work_Studios
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Joshmaul on March 06, 2010, 12:32:48 AM
If he doesn't remove them on his own, moderators of filehosting sites can be contacted to remove the download entirely. Personally, this seems like the easiest solution.

Indeed; it seems simple enough to me, given that we have several fairly respected modders up in arms about this whole brouhaha. If I were a modder (well, enough of one to do better than a couple retextures for my amusement in both BC and in Klingon Academy eons ago), I'd go for that route myself, but I tend towards the vindictive in situations like this, so maybe my logic is a little skewed.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: baz1701 on March 06, 2010, 04:24:26 AM
the problem I foresee with posting stuff on the forum over there is he is an moderator and can just simply delete them!

I have come to accept this kind of thing will happen from time to time and there is not much that can be done if the person used your stuff with out permission he sure are hell does not care when you email him asking him to stop it.

We need a lawyer like Denny Crane to get involved if you want him to stop. The read me files are clear enough and our only support against such theft.

I for one will be making my far more clearer in the future.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: WileyCoyote on March 06, 2010, 02:47:15 PM
Quote
I have come to accept this kind of thing will happen from time to time and there is not much that can be done if the person used your stuff with out permission he sure are hell does not care when you email him asking him to stop it.
I have to agree with Baz on this one. It is a risk we all take by posting stuff onto the internet. As long as no one is making a profit off of our mods I'm fine.
Title: Re: attn Modders: Mod Theft - Nightstalkers Universe mod for Freelancer
Post by: Villain on March 18, 2010, 05:26:13 AM
Well, I have some good news, kids.

Moddb will no longer support Nightstalkers "contributions" anymore, and I thank the site moderators for this (even if it IS their job. :P)