AUP Update - January 19, 2012

[Asia Neko]

Any chance musicians can have some clarification on the Covers section? It's worded so karaoke tracks can only have original vocals added, is there a reason other instrumentalists cannot play the melody over a karaoke track?

[BJbear2001]

Memes and Photo Edits Memes are permitted provided the meme contains complete, original content (artwork, text, photography). "Add your own caption", "fill in the blank" or memes requiring copy/pasting of pre-existing work are prohibited, and will be removed. For the purpose of memes, stick figures are not considered "original content".

I don't understand. Will this destroy every meme ever created because one is always followed by another with content drawn into a template? Creator-provided templates are basically "copy-paste?"

[CoyoteCaliente]

It's not roadkill. It's not some mutilated thing that was hit by a car. That's why I went into such detail with the description.

"If I ran across a dead animal on a beach and photographed it," right there. Not allowed. Taxidermy is allowed, but just barely - but that isn't taxidermy.

Summercat I think you're getting the terminology wrong, as in "ran across" doesn't mean "run over", but instead to randomly find or come across... :U

[Punnchy]

If it's a photo of you, or a photo you took - then it's good. I'm sorta iffy on the 'permission to use' bit, I'd want to check with toher admins in those situations.

Reasons I believe they should stay. It's photo's I have of friends or have had taken of me, and the original image is completely gone, like it is in most people who use an image reference for their works.

[Uro]

WE MUST PROTECT THE CHILDRUN.

[Lvx]

Didn't get an answer

Referring to the 'manufactured items' section, what about the people that post pictures of their new tires on their car or pictures they took of someone else's car at a show or in a parking lot somewhere
Or pictures of cars in general that don't have custom paint jobs or decals being showcased that they made themselves

Adding to this, if we're reporting collection images or model kits and so forth what category would that fall under in trouble tickets
Can we just link to the submission and be done with it without having to explain why it's against the rules

edit: cause I see so much stuff that's against the rules but I just don't care enough to type out reasoning as to why it's against the rules every single time multiple times a day

[Mr_Initial_Man]

What if you trace a photograph that you took yourself?

[wolfrunner7]

k.

[fuzzyroo]

Clothing - All models featured in photography must be appropriately dressed, wearing both top and bottom garments. Underwear, bras or diapers are not considered acceptable articles of clothing. Clothing designed for explicit or implicit sexual themes are prohibited. Costumes, props, masks, jewellery and other worn items are permitted provided they meet the site's General rating (are work safe, rated for all users/ages).

Sooo here's where I raise my eyebrow. This has been "around" for a short time and submissions are being deleted via the description. Text. I can write how a VW micro-buss is a mustang convertible, but it doesn't make it "true". Just because something is talked about "like" or is written "as" fetish gear, doesn't make it correct in all sense. As Freud has said "Sometimes a cigar, is just a cigar". Now, if it's something that has a big floppy dildo strapped to it in various places, sure. BUT THAT'S VISUAL and in the picture itself. The picture uploaded is the issue, not the description text. If we are going on descriptions, should we make it standard that all descriptions must be a "General" rating for standardized compliance? Maybe we should just say "no collars, no masks, no Halloween costumes, no straps, no lace, only full business/X-religious (only christian and catholic *trollface*) church suits, khaki pants, and plaid long sleeves shirts allowed." What about intricate makeup jobs? Prosthetic zombie garb is not child or general friendly. They can get rather intense. Theater costumes that involve hyper-violence like gladiator scenes having wounds and weapons in traditional theater settings. Poor tortured classical Odysseus, what about him?

Also, just because some one lists material as mature or adult, doesn't necessarily mean it really "is". Since there really is no filter for galleries other than the maturate labels, some photos I just don't want non-registered users to casually browse. It's not the fact that there is anything really wrong or mature, it's just non-furries have a tendency to view things out of context making things a little awkward. So bumping a filter is a way to separate things for contextual reasons.

I do also have to mention, sort of casually, sort of out of concern for FA itself as an "art website", there goes probably over half of my submissions (which is a lot since 2005). Was good while it lasted, I guess? I think I'm having a hard time seeing "Where does it go from here?"

[fuzzyroo]

Didn't get an answer

Adding to this, if we're reporting collection images or model kits and so forth what category would that fall under in trouble tickets
Can we just link to the submission and be done with it without having to explain why it's against the rules

edit: cause I see so much stuff that's against the rules but I just don't care enough to type out reasoning as to why it's against the rules every single time multiple times a day

Along these lines in turn, what about fraudulent claims?

[fuzzyroo]

WE MUST PROTECT THE CHILDRUN.

Indeed. Damaged children are not nearly as delicious (Swift 1729) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modest_proposal

[rizel]

If it's just posing a model, then no. Hmm. I'll see if I can't get Warmock to post on this in further detail; when I run into a 3D issue on FA and can't easily solve it, I usually kick it over to him.

Okay. I've submitted a bunch of trouble tickets before, regarding this issue, and it never gets answered. I just think it's unfair, maybe I'm being a bit too whiny about it all. I'd appreciate an answer regarding the issure so I can know to close my tickets and not whine about it every day. x3

[Serith]

The By you/ For you policy

I like most of this, and im in the television/film industry, so i know your intentions, but there's a huge problem.

"For You:
"For You" permits users to repost work created exclusively for them ONLY when the original artist has granted permission to do so. ... The original artist reserves rights to revoke permission at any time or any reason."

Unless a gift, ANY media that has been paid to be created is legally owned by the payee, and thus the rights to it. Only if the artist and the commissioner work out something before completion, or the artist has preset rules, can this work. FA has no part in the transaction, and thus no power to give or take away rights on permissions.

I understand what your trying to protect, but you need to re-write it

[Fay V]

The By you/ For you policy

I like most of this, and im in the television/film industry, so i know your intentions, but there's a huge problem.

"For You:
"For You" permits users to repost work created exclusively for them ONLY when the original artist has granted permission to do so. ... The original artist reserves rights to revoke permission at any time or any reason."

Unless a gift, ANY media that has been paid to be created is legally owned by the payee, and thus the rights to it. Only if the artist and the commissioner work out something before completion, or the artist has preset rules, can this work. FA has no part in the transaction, and thus no power to give or take away rights on permissions.

I understand what your trying to protect, but you need to re-write it

That's with contracts in which the artist gives up all copyright to the artwork, which unless the artist states otherwise, they don't. In commission work the artist is being paid for their service, in traditional work the artist is being paid for the service and one physical product.
Unless it was stated during the commission process that the artist would be giving up copyright, the artist retains the copyright.
In the professional field the majority of contracts have the artist give up their copyright, however that is something that needs to be stated, and you'll notice on many art gallery websites it informs users that the artists hold the copyright.

[GingerM]

REVISIONS to this AUP draft are highlighted in RED.

...

Screenshots, Screencaptures and Image Generators

• Screenshots - Screenshots (websites, desktops, applications, games or film) are not permitted unless the poster has designed the screenshot’s content completely. Any screenshots must be complete, original designs and may use no copyrighted material. Further, the screenshot must not include portions of the computer or browser interface.
• Image & Character Generators - Submissions created using content generators are prohibited. This includes character creators (in-game character creators, Flash builders) or template/interface generators (error message spoofs, de/motivational posters, card game templates).
• Fractals & Terrain Generators - Fractals and generated terrain are permitted provided they comply with the Flooding policy. Terrains created using in-game level editors are prohibited.
• Sprites - Sprites ripped from games (incl. modified/edited sprites) are prohibited unless they are uploaded as part of a comic (see the Comics policy).
  

3D Modelling & Texturing
User-created original 3D models are permitted with no limitations.

Re-textured Models
Users may submit re-textured models provided that the base model is not "stock" (packaged with an editing suite or game). These types of uploads must meet the following requirements:

• Focus: The submission's primary purpose MUST be to showcase the uploader's work. Submissions which focus on work not done by the uploader may be removed. Models which have been customized from the original source are only permitted provided significant work is done to separate them from the original design. In addition, users must link back to the original design to highlight changes.
  
• Presentation: If the submission is a screenshot from within a 3D editing suite or program such as Second Life, no part of the program's interface may be visible. Models may not be presented in their default pose (e.g. the "T-pose") unless presented as a character reference/design sheet.
  
• Background: The background of the submission MUST be blank/nondescript or an original design of the uploader's own creation.
  
• Description: The submission's description MUST include credit to the original creators of all content not made by the uploader, as well as a summary of the work the uploader did to customize the model.

First, thank you for the updates to the AUP; they are much clearer than previously! That said, there are a few points on which I'm still a bit hazy, and would appreciate further elucidation.

The first point is this: Second Life (I hear the groaning! ) can be seen as more than a game; it can also be a 3D modelling environment. Can it be considered so for the purpose of creating reference sheets? From the wording of the Presentation section, I infer that it is, but I would like confirmation.

The second point is easier to bring up by illustration: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/6685571/ This sheet contains 3 views of a character as created and rendered in Second Life; I took them in a 'studio' (hollow cube set to a lemon-y yellow), cropped and imported them into Paintshop where I added the text and so forth. If I read the AUP correctly, this is perfectly permissible provided I credit the sources in Second Life for the parts and pieces used on the avatar?

The third point - this is one sheet of three in a set. Because I also list character data on the submission info associated with the example above, I put the credits on the second page in the set. Is that sufficient, or do I need to list the credits on every sheet? Would it be acceptable to list the credits on one sheet and link the other two sheets to it with something like "Avatar component credits here >==>" (link)?

Last point, with regard to screenshots not used for reference sheets; the wording suggests that nothing supplied by default in the game environment (SL, WoW, whatever it might be) can be visible in the image. Does this extend to such things as land, water, sky, clouds, etc? If, for example, I have a screenshot of my character in her in-world "home", but the SL land and sky is visible through a window, does that need to be obscured somehow, or some other textures created by me substituted in? What about the body of the character? As you know, it is not possible (yet) to replace the basic human form in Second Life. It can be obscured by prim attachments; it can be skinned with custom textures. Is the simple appearance of the human shape forbidden due it being provided by the viewer software?

Thank you very much.

[JesusFish]

Photography
Photography is a valued form of artistic expression and is welcomed on FA provided it adheres to the following criteria:

Content
Photographic work must be suitable for all ages, and submissions may not be rated higher than General. Photography involving mature or adult situations or illicit activity are not allowed. This includes images containing nudity, sex toys, sexually modified plushies or fursuits (where modifications are visible or obvious), gore (blood, wounds, death) or alluding to illegal activity. Uploading adult or pornographic photography may result in an automatic suspension.

• Animal/Pet Photos - Animal/pet photographs may not contain sexually graphic or suggestive content. Images of pets feeding or otherwise preying upon other animals (live or dead) are prohibited.

Okay, that's fine... But what happens if it is a drawing of a photograph?

• Sculpture - Sculptures (papier-mâché, clay, sculpey, etc.) and other 3D physical media are permitted provided they meet the general criteria allowed for drawn images. Sculptures may contain mature and adult content in the context of a figure or scene (provided they are submitted with proper image rating and keywords), however sculptures solely of genitalia are not allowed.

Or a sculpture of a photograph?

3D Modelling & Texturing
User-created original 3D models are permitted with no limitations.

Re-textured Models
Users may submit re-textured models provided that the base model is not "stock" (packaged with an editing suite or game). These types of uploads must meet the following requirements:

• Focus: The submission's primary purpose MUST be to showcase the uploader's work. Submissions which focus on work not done by the uploader may be removed. Models which have been customized from the original source are only permitted provided significant work is done to separate them from the original design. In addition, users must link back to the original design to highlight changes.
  
• Presentation: If the submission is a screenshot from within a 3D editing suite or program such as Second Life, no part of the program's interface may be visible. Models may not be presented in their default pose (e.g. the "T-pose") unless presented as a character reference/design sheet.
  
• Background: The background of the submission MUST be blank/nondescript or an original design of the uploader's own creation.
  
• Description: The submission's description MUST include credit to the original creators of all content not made by the uploader, as well as a summary of the work the uploader did to customize the model.

Or this?


Also, concerning Fractals and generated art...

What happens when the image appears to be of a totally different pattern than a few other images, but it is just a close-up of a different pattern within the original fractal all of the other photos had been derived from?

[Voodoo-owl]

Screenshots, Screencaptures and Image Generators

• Screenshots - Screenshots (websites, desktops, applications, games or film) are not permitted unless the poster has designed the screenshot’s content completely. Any screenshots must be complete, original designs and may use no copyrighted material. Further, the screenshot must not include portions of the computer or browser interface.
• Image & Character Generators - Submissions created using content generators are prohibited. This includes character creators (in-game character creators, Flash builders) or template/interface generators (error message spoofs, de/motivational posters, card game templates).
• Fractals & Terrain Generators - Fractals and generated terrain are permitted provided they comply with the Flooding policy. Terrains created using in-game level editors are prohibited.
• Sprites - Sprites ripped from games (incl. modified/edited sprites) are prohibited unless they are uploaded as part of a comic (see the Comics policy).
  

I couldn't find any other post about this yet but this is regarding the Screenshots in games. Does this mean that screenshots from Forza Motorsports are okay. I do a lot of paint jobs on cars on the game and would really like to share them. As long as the paint job is 100% mine is it okay to post screenshots of the cars. I see lots of screenshots when I search Forza on the site, but had trouble myself uploading my screenshots. Turn 10 (the company that made the game) added a screenshot purpose for people wanting to share their paint jobs. Was just wondering thanks.

[CaptainCool]

i find certain sections of the new AUP to be really confusing...
as voodoo-owl pointed out, does the new screenshot rule make SL, minecraft and other game screenshots where you build something with an editor ingame ok now?

and what about photos of guns and other collected items? the exception now says that they are ok as long as they showcase the skills of the photographer. but most of us are REALLY shitty photographers just like most people who upload drawn art to FA arent really good! in my opinion this creates a massive loophole that allowes any and all photos of manufactured items and other collections of stuff. so is something like this ok then? https://www.furaffinity.net/view/7259989/

[CerbrusNL]

so is something like this ok then? https://www.furaffinity.net/view/7259989/

That submission is gone, what was it?

The "Showcase the skill of the photographer" exception is pretty much to allow art like this:
https://www.google.com/search?tbm=is...fe+photography

[CaptainCool]

That submission is gone, what was it?

The "Showcase the skill of the photographer" exception is pretty much to allow art like this:
https://www.google.com/search?tbm=is...fe+photography

it was a gun. the user uploaded many gun photos in the course of the last hour.
but anyway, what is the difference between those still life shots and this photo: http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/000_0815.jpg ?
personally i DO know the difference but a bad photographer could simply argue that he was going for a still life shot (which is possible with guns: http://fc02.deviantart.com/images/i/...tarter_gun.jpg) and not just show off his collection.

[catboygamer]

One is a drawing/render that is a fake/fantasy, one is a photo of something real. What's the difference between a drawing of someone throwing a puppy off a cliff, and a photo of someone throwing a puppy off a cliff?

depends on if the drawing is of someone actually throwing a puppy off a cliff or not. if they didn't sit and draw some one really throwing a puppy off a cliff then there is a huge difference but if they actually drew someone throwing a puppy off a cliff then there is no diffrence.

[CerbrusNL]

it was a gun. the user uploaded many gun photos in the course of the last hour.
but anyway, what is the difference between those still life shots and this photo: http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n...r/000_0815.jpg ?
personally i DO know the difference but a bad photographer could simply argue that he was going for a still life shot (which is possible with guns: http://fc02.deviantart.com/images/i/...tarter_gun.jpg) and not just show off his collection.

Ah, yea, I had a hunch you were linking to one of those. I've already been in contact with the user, they're removed.
When a uploader can't tell the difference between a good still life shot, and, for example, the photobucket image you linked, he/she should really follow some photography courses.
In such cases, judgement over the submissions pretty much depends on the admin(s) involved, but mostly, it's pretty clear if it's a shot to show-off an item, or if it's a shot that's meant to be art.

[CaptainCool]

Ah, yea, I had a hunch you were linking to one of those. I've already been in contact with the user, they're removed.
When a uploader can't tell the difference between a good still life shot, and, for example, the photobucket image you linked, he/she should really follow some photography courses.
In such cases, judgement over the submissions pretty much depends on the admin(s) involved, but mostly, it's pretty clear if it's a shot to show-off an item, or if it's a shot that's meant to be art.

alright thanks, thats one ticket that i dont need to make today^^

what im getting at here is that the new rule creates an even bigger loophole than the wording in the last version.
the last version said that manufactured items and collections are ok as long as they "exist in an artistic setting". guns lying on the floor or your bed is no artistic setting, that much should be obvious. (although i have seen people making that claim...)
but with the new wording they can simply say that they have a crappy camera and just cant make better shots than that and "who are you to judge what art is, anyway!"
it simply has a lot more potential for causing unnecessary confusion than the previous wording.

[Voodoo-owl]

i find certain sections of the new AUP to be really confusing...
as voodoo-owl pointed out, does the new screenshot rule make SL, minecraft and other game screenshots where you build something with an editor ingame ok now?

Wondering about this still :\

[greywolfe]

i do let's plays of old adventure games [space quest/king's quest, and the like] and post the links in my journal.

i'm not seeing anything in the aup about this.

the links all lead to youtube.

do i just remove all the journals, everywhere?

for the sake of clarity, i live here:

http://www.furaffinity.net/user/greywolfe/

[so that you can see what i'm doing and more accurately answer the question.]