What would you do?

[fisharno]

I've got an idea for a military addon aircraft. I've been using this particular configuration for a couple of months, now, and I'd like to share it.

I've tried to contact 3 authors of existing addons to get their permission to use portions of their creations, and I can't seem to get a reply. I obviously don't want to use anybody's stuff without their consent, because at least one author explicitly asks not to. Cool. I respect his wishes.

But, what do you do if an author doesn't reply, for whatever reason? (I know, don't use it.)

Does there ever come a point where, after reasonable attempts to contact a person, where it just doesn't matter, any more?

[Scottler]

An excellent question.  It's not a repainting issue for me, but I've been trying to contact a software developer for weeks, with no luck.   It's too bad some of these guys (non-gender specific of course) don't have the courtesy to at least reply with a "Hey, I'm busy at the moment, but I did get your email" to let us know they're not dead.  lol

[fisharno]

EXACTLY!!!!

I have to respect a developer's wishes, if he doesn't want anybody to alter or use his work. These guys spend a lot of time doing their thing. And, I have to give them their props.

But, if it's that big of a deal, then an e-mail saying, "I perfer you wouldn't", would be sufficent. It does involve some repaints, or something in addition to the original. But, mostly some improvements, and the intigration of yet another 3rd party design.

I guess my project is on hold until someone gives me the green light.

[ozzy72]

Fisharno under these circumstances (it may be that the developer has changed their email address or such like), if you put a foot note in the readme file to the effect that you tried to contact them, say when and their address (oh and keep a copy of the email).
Therefore you have covered yourself on the grounds you tried to notify them. If they object they can always contact you, and if necessary the work withdrawn.
I've yet to meet a developer who had objections to the things I've done to their creations. On the whole I think most developers are flattered that someone thinks their creation is worth doing stuff too.

Ozzy

Ps. I've never had a designer not get back to me though.

[fisharno]

Thanks, Ozzy.

I sent a 3rd notice to the folks I've been trying to contact, this morning. I think I'm going to give it until the end of the week, and then may do what you suggest. As individual creations, these stand out, and are really good stuff. But, there's potential for them to be a lot better.