well it seems to me that the root cause of the problem here is that the two sides here are approaching the issue from two different perspectives.

Michael is sticking to the letter of the law, and in this case both juni's and lonnies works are infringing on Microsoft's copyrights, hence both equally "wrong".

On the other hand, juni and jaffo are coming from the perspective that, while the images may not be original creations, the creativity and work put forth by juni should be respected. This postition may not have any basis in legality, but it seems to be a code of ethics that is followed, and accepted by, the general "skinning" community, and I can see where it is a good thing in encouraging and respecting the work of the skinners.

While, legally, Michael (and lonnie) may be perfectly correct, it does go against the accepted standards, and I think, will only hurt ppx in the long run, since it will discourage skinners from skinning for the program, if their work and time is not respected or protected.

I really don't care what it was about or what it has become beyond the fact that it is now getting to members of this site. I think it has hit tohe point of diminishing returns and also feel it is bordering upon becoming a point of serious contention for the members of this site.

It is also not something we care for or need...

So one of two paths can take place.

It can continue on to some serious chaos before it gets locked down which does nothing but draw negative attention to WinCustomize all while the GUI Olympics it taking place which will in fact impact it in some manner in public view.

Or it can be allowed to continue and do the same but without knowing exactly how far or where it wil lead down it's path to becoming a neative sink hole.

I vote it be locked and if a follow up is created to circumvent it, that also be locked while if a third is created the creator loses voice on the MSG-Brd.

#102 You get my vote

I vote it be locked and if a follow up is created to circumvent it, that also be locked while if a third is created the creator loses voice on the MSG-Brd.

I vote it be locked and if a follow up is created to circumvent it, that also be locked while if a third is created the creator loses voice on the MSG-Brd.

I second that...

do you need a third......BH got tired of it too

I think everyone should be listening to yuit [#101].....he got it in one....short, sweet and accurate.

The issue is that those who do not agree with a site's stance regarding image use/misuse/abuse will vote with their feet.

It would be unfortunate for any site and its community to inadvertently get the wrong end of the stick and see their popularity/custom wane.

The specific policy here at Wincustomize is that inherent OS images can be used in that OS's skin as they have relevance.  A Photoshop icon or image can be used to create a Photoshop shortcut bmp for LiteSTEP, for example.

When one skinner makes a unique or original use of such an image and HIS/HER methodology is copied by a second person, the latter is violating the policy relating to 'ripping'.

Anyone not understanding this statement.....go to English Comprehension classes.....or ask politely for explanation....

"and the fact that this thread has gone so far from Luni/lonnie makes me wonder what the true agenda of blarney and some of these others are? Wasn't it Luni/Lonnie that made the skins in Question?"

My agenda? My agenda is that I have both products (if you will.) I am a registered PPX customer and I have plenty of Juni skins. I fiddle with PPX every now and again, but Juni's today theme is on my iPAQ every day. I heard about this thread off BH when that thread was closed...so I am here to talk about it. That's about all there is to my agenda...

P.S. I've been a member of Wincustomize for probably a year now

hmmm...looks like PPCAddict picked this up: http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/modules.php?name=ForumNews&id=2172

hey, I just noticed...the original JuniIssue.txt file was hosted on ppx3k.com not ppxskins. If you go to PPXSKins and click their "**Juni Issue - Statement Here**" the link is to: http://www.ppx3k.net/JuniIssue.txt

Michael, if you have NO POWER with PPXSkins, and if the two organizations aren't linked, why would the JuniIssue.txt file be linked from PPXSKINS to PPX3k.com ?????????
[Message Edited]

PocketPC Addict should add these things too:

PlainSong:
"In what dreamworld are you in, to think that there is an understanding that any graphics posted on the web is ok to copy and redistribute without the author's permission."

Then this nice graphic: http://www.ppx3k.net/anyquestions.jpg

Then they should add that in no way did anyone associated with PPXSkins.com ever call Juni "scum" and there was never any personal attacks on Snoopsoft or Dashboard, too bad the converse cannot be said.

Who are the real bullies? I only came here to see why someone would have the nerve to complain to the cops about someone stealing their cocaine (the equivalent of) I never attacked anyone and neither has PPXSkins.com.

I think PPXSkins.com should remove those skins but on the basis that it was found that Juni violated a 3rd party copyright, so if he has a problem with them, that means Lonnie is in violation too. End of story.

Just read #106.

THAT is the 'end of story'.