ppl using my code without making a reference to me...

[CVMichael]

Today I found a second thread where someone posted my code without making a reference to me...

Here shirazamod copyed and pasted the RndCrypt function from my thread in CodeBank
http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?t=368362
The CodeBank Thread: VB - 31 Bit Encryption function

Here Static copyed and pasted my QuickSort function from CodeBank
http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?t=373378
The CodeBank Thread: VB - Quick Sort algorithm (very fast sorting algorithm)

I don't think its fair that someone should get repped (if they did) for something that I did...

These are 2 threads that I found myself, but since I found those 2 threads, i'm wondering how many others are like this.

Instead of copying and pasting the code, I think people should post a link to the thread where the code is...

Don't you think that's the fair action ?

[MartinLiss]

I agree 100% and members have been given negative reps by me and others for posting someone's code without crediting the author, or at least saying something like "I don't remember where I found this code".

[szlamany]

These are 2 threads that I found myself, but since I found those 2 threads, i'm wondering how many others are like this.

Where you see one rat...

Those of us in the database section of the forum are much more respectful - I've been referenced many times and/or linked to

[RhinoBull]

I would say they MUST be banned at least... Would that be effective? Don't know but some action is necessary, I'm sure of it.

Hmmm, perhaps HALL OF SHAME might work better... I'm just afraid that this may create monster even bigger than rep system...

[RobDog888]

Yes, posting links is the proper way to "repost code". This not only gives the original poster of the code the ability to get the respect/credit/reps for writting the code but also looks good that you had the mannors to give credit where credit is due.

[|2eM!x]

Honestly. I dont think its a big deal. It's not copyright or anything..no offense, that is how I feel. Maybe you should stick credits in the middle of your functions/classes or whatever so it shows that they had an effort to remove your name etc

Personally, if someone posts code that someone helped them with before..I dont think it matters. I have posted code that I have saved in a special folder on my computer for excellent posts so I dont have to go searching..

Just my 2 cents..

[RobDog888]

True but when you post others code do you mention that you didnt write it? If you dont then they think you did and then if you get reps then most members feel its not ethical.

My 3 cents

[|2eM!x]

No I dont post that I didnt write it, I'm like, Here try this code:

Honestly, searching in a pain in the shmeggiggle. This is the internet! Open Source is everything!

[RhinoBull]

... its not ethical.

My 3 cents

I totally agree...

My 4 cents.

[dglienna]

If it's possible to give credit, then great. I've seen my code posted before, and rarely have said anything about it. I have 450 samples that I've posted (in 4 pages of attachments), and I know that I've copied most of them, and made changes to half of them.

I usually post links from my attachment list, that I have posted before.

If someone wants to take credit, they can comment the code with their name, just like ALLAPI does. I've never removed comments from code samples, but if they weren't there, and I have no idea who wrote it, then all I can do is say I may have not written all the code that I'd posted.

I was going to put it in my signature before, but decided not to.

I look at 200 attachments per page.

[Hack]

its not ethical.

My 3 cents

I totally agree...

My 4 cents.

I totally totally agree.

My 5 cents.

[Harsh Gupta]

well it is unethical and i agree with CVM, Hack and RhinoBull, but see on the other side. ppl use whole project from vbAccelerator thesis work and dont even bother to put name of the site or the author (Steve McMahon) in the Biblio section or in the acknowledgement, even though vbAcc copyrights them.

i do agree that its a bad practise, but honestly, none can stop this. rather just give a negative rep to them.

[brad jones]

It could be claimed that any positive rep points given to the re-poster of the code was for the posting of the code and not the writing of the code. In looking at how the code was presented, I did not see the re-poster taking any ownership of it, but rather simply providing it as a solution. As such, I see nothing wrong with it.

Having said that, yes, I agree that a link would have been more appropriate - but I see nothing wrong with what the poster did.

<in my opinion> If it is critical that your name always be associated with the code, then you should include it in the code or in a comment line at the beginning of the code.

This is the internet! Open Source is everything!

Just to clarify, code being open source doesn't mean that you can ignore copyright notices or authorship credits (just like it also doesn't mean that the code is necessarily free).

[mendhak]

I'm with the above poster on this. The fact that you're providing a solution here on VBF means that everyone is going to have a look at it, and you shouldn't worry so much about it being re-used later. After all, we're here for helping out more than we are for credit. Right?

My €1. (More valuable than a cent, more valuable than a dollar )

[Hack]

I'm with the above poster on this. The fact that you're providing a solution here on VBF means that everyone is going to have a look at it, and you shouldn't worry so much about it being re-used later. After all, we're here for helping out more than we are for credit. Right?

My €1. (More valuable than a cent, more valuable than a dollar )

I agree, and that is why I don't get too terribly upset about it (I've seen code I've written and posted reposted numerous times).

But, from a purely philosophical standpoint, I do think it unethical to use others code without some form of author's acknowledgement.

[CVMichael]

Thanks for everyone's feedback !

I edited my threads in the CodeBank, and just added a comment line in the code like "Made by Michael Ciurescu (CVMichael from vbforums.com)".

When I originally posted the code, I did not think it is neccessary, but it seems I was wrong...

[Edit], I also added a link to the original thread in the code as a comment.

[|2eM!x]

Just to clarify, code being open source doesn't mean that you can ignore copyright notices or authorship credits (just like it also doesn't mean that the code is necessarily free).

Of course not, but on vbforums anything posted is not copyrighted..

[dglienna]

CV, I wish everyone had done that for the past few years. I'm not deleting all of my attachments, and VB Samples folder and starting again. I agree with Brad, that if I can find a link to the solution, and post it, then the thread gets resolved quicker. If I have your program, and I post it, I won't know it if I downloaded the old version.

[CVMichael]

Well, I did not edit the threads where I have code as atachments, because I loose the number of downloads for that attachment...
If there was a way to edit my attachments without loosing the download count, then I would add "Made by CVMichael" in the atachments code also...

[MartinLiss]

No there isn't but it's not that important is it?

[dglienna]

I use different version numbers to a few of my attachments, and have no problem replacing old code with new, when I add something that will be helpful to everybody. Who cares how many people downloaded it? Also, you don't know where else they might be using your code. I don't worry about it, unless somebody slaps me for using their code "multiple times,' and then searches the forums to find the threads!

It only happened once, and I tried to complain about it. Now, it doesn't really matter. I try to add a disclaimer to anything that could be controversial, and seem to have less problems, in general.

[RobDog888]

Of course not, but on vbforums anything posted is not copyrighted..

I disagree 100%. When Jupiter Media purchased vbforums there was an uproar about ownership of the posted code. To quote Brad from a past thread - "Code posted on vbforums is owned by the poster and JM assumes that the poster either is the author or has the permissions to re-post it. Jupiter Media is licensed to use the code but still all copyrights are assumed to be of the poster." It is quite close to his exact words and maybe I can find the post and properly quote him or maybe Brad can just verify this.

[|2eM!x]

That doesnt make sense..If i make my code up, paste it on here, it is not copyrighted, and free to use by all. If you mean thats not allowed here..- Man im out then..

[RobDog888]

How could you get that from what I posted? If you post your code then it is automatically assumed that its yours and you have the copyright. Thats all. If its yours and you want everyone to use it then thats up to you. If you dont want it to be sold or reposted on other websites then you have rights as its automatically copyrighted by posting it if you have the right.

[|2eM!x]

How could you get that from what I posted? If you post your code then it is automatically assumed that its yours and you have the copyright. Thats all. If its yours and you want everyone to use it then thats up to you. If you dont want it to be sold or reposted on other websites then you have rights as its automatically copyrighted by posting it if you have the right.

Im not sure we are talking about the same stuff to beign with..It seems like I dont know how to type because no one understands me anymore..

[RobDog888]

Same here.

[dglienna]

Brad posted in #13. By what you say, anyone that copy/pastes off the forum or downloads source code is in violation? I think you have to include a (c) if your intention is to copyright it anyways, plus include the year.

Ever notice that the same code is posted on more than one forum? Are you going to sue that forum for violating your copyright, or should JM go after them, and shut them down?

Ever notice that there is usually 4 times the number of guests than members? What do you think they're doing?

[RobDog888]

No, you dont really need the © symbol or Copyright notice. As an author of the code you automatically obtain that right. I have researched the copyright process before and the © is absolutely not required but it helps.


If something is copyrighted on another forum and a member posts it here then because of JM's AUP you are the only one liable for copyright infringement. If the other site finds out they can contact JM and they in turn will contact you. Depening on the site they may pursue legal matters against you.


I dont know why its soooo hard to understand? If you read a book are you going to get sued? I thnk not. If you re-publish its contents then be all means you will be sued. Simple as that.

[szlamany]

Ever notice that there is usually 4 times the number of guests than members? What do you think they're doing?

Reading truly stupid cat-posts in CC that prove how .... never mind ....

[szlamany]

I dont know why its soooo hard to understand? If you read a book are you going to get sued? I thnk not. If you re-publish its contents then be all means you will be sued. Simple as that.

I find it a natural tendency to not steal from another person the code they wrote. I do look at ideas and concepts - and they obviously become part of my life...

I've fired people who worked for me that felt that copy-right-infringement (music, software - whatever) was not important.

I don't need their karma dragging me down...

[|2eM!x]

This is so pointless..dont post code if you dont want to share..

I find it a natural tendency to not steal from another person the code they wrote.

How is it stealing if its been posted? Stealing is taking something without consent. Posting anywhere, definately makes it legit..

[dglienna]

All music is based on the same 12 keys, which JS Bach invented a long time ago.
He standardized music, with his Equally Tempered Clavier Composition

Everything since then has been a copy, but they don't count it that way.

Movie scripts have been re-written and changed. You get credit for the concept, but you can't stop them from writing a new version.

There are people that "can't post their code" for whatever reason. Apparently someone doesn't want it to be given away.

If you don't want to share, then stay in Chit Chat! (and even that gets stolen occasionally)

[szlamany]

CV - I think that this all needs to be put in perspective.

Quicksort - one of your issues - is a standard algorithm, published for decades now.

I understand that when you see your exact "keystrokes" copy/pasted that you feel ownership - but for that one - not really.

I've shared a large amount of proprietary concepts with people on the forum. My partner has chastised me occasionally for it - but in the long run - I benefit from the relationship that I forge with other on the forum.

It is a give and take - that's what the forum is all about...

My 2 cents anyway

[RhinoBull]

... Jupiter Media is licensed to use the code ...

This WAS a big deal when JM took over VBF back (hmmm...) about 4 years ago or so. Some people left just because of this statement.

[dglienna]

and became guests?

[RhinoBull]

I'm a little confused about this whole debate thing: how much effort is needed to say something like "originally posted by ..." or "HERE is a link to orinal therad" ??? Or people tend to compete for number of posts so they don't want to type few extra words?! I'm really sick of that "you bit me again..." kind of crap.
I trully believe that Michael's complaint is justified. There is a serious point and I don't quite get it WHY in heck some of you are trying to say that this is OK when its NOT !!! Common guys - stop this nonsense. This is wrong.

Cheers all.

[RhinoBull]

and became guests?

NO, they left for another board, though.

[dglienna]

I stated that I have 450+ folders, and no idea if any of them are unmodified, or copied, and fixed, or written as samples. If you want to figure it out for me, you can identify them. Then I'd still have to delete my attachment (and lose downloads) and upload the replacement.

I think we could set a precedent for the future, though, if we all aggreed

[RhinoBull]

I stated that I have 450+ folders, ...

What are you talking about ?

[dglienna]

Post #10. It seems to be a two-edged sword...