Reporting some criminals (Skinmod.eu)

[Miasma]

Hi, I think it's not proper to promote illicit sites on these forums (http://www.simplemachines.org/).

What's wrong with this site (skinmod.eu):
- it's a warez site: eg check out this post http://www.skinmod.eu/index.php?topic=33.0 (Pirate version Photoshop)
- all their theme "designs"/coding is rip off/stolen from someone.

Examples of stolen designs:
- A lot of their themes are steals from CompleteVB
http://www.completevb.com/premade.php?premades=36
- "Like Vb4" theme is a steal from Vbulletin.
- See Skinmod's theme demos here: http://www.skinmod.eu/adaptations/

These kids think stealing is "adapting".

I don't think I need to go on. I found all this after few mins on their site.

What I suggest is remove all their posts/themes from this forum/site and ban everyone involved in this crime ring.

[Illori]

we have no control over who uses the software we just provide it, if you have issues with people using the software contact their host.

[Miasma]

You don't get it.

I must have posted this on wrong forum. This has nothing to do with software usage.

Themes forum would me more appropiate maybe, move?

[Illori]

we have no control over what others do, unless the author of the originals has an issue we cant do anything.

[Miasma]

You don't get it, stop posting.

I'm not calling anyone to take an action in order to stop their doings. I'm just reporting users posting illegal/warez content on SMF forums (this site). Which is against the rules.
Am I wrong in making this topic? All I ever see is everyone admiring those stolen themes on these forums. Time to reveal their true face, don't you think?

A quote from this thread - http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=189886.0:

No sites containing adult, warez, or otherwise illegal content.

[Illori]

those are rules for only that board, it does not apply elsewhere on this site.

[Miasma]

So promoting warez elsewhere is ok?

I just couldn't find any generic rules, but I'm pretty sure SMF does not support this stuff. Common sense?

[Illori]

as long as they are not asking for support here we have no control over what they do with their forum/site.

[Adish - (F.L.A.M.E.R)]

Miasma,
Supporting offensive/warez related/adult content related/illegal websites with SMF as their forum software is dependent on the individual member within the SMF team. Majority of the team members avoid supporting those websites when the owners of those websites ask for support related to their coding issues.

Any links relating to the offending websites are removed here at SMF forums in order to keep a family friendly environment. There are no rules against the usage of this software which should stop them from doing whatever they are right now.

The Showcase board is meant to show off their SMF forums but has a set of rules that needs to be followed in order to have a thread approved in that section of the forum.

I hope that explains your concerns?

[Miasma]

You don't get it.

I must have posted this on wrong forum. This has nothing to do with software usage.

Themes forum would me more appropiate maybe, move?

Move this topic. This has nothing to do with wether they use SMF or frickin Drupal for their site.

To those who don't get it I'll bring an example.
We all know Dzinerstudio, right? Would you approve someone taking one of Dzinerstudio's premium theme and posting it on SMF theme site? That's what's going on...

[Adish - (F.L.A.M.E.R)]

Oh I get it!

You mean remove all of these themes? http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?action=profile;u=170308

Good discussion. I'll pass on the message.

[Miasma]

Not just 1 guy. It's a whole community dedicated to stealing designs.

http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?action=search;name[]=skinmod;desc[]=skinmod;start=0

Code Select Expand

http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?action=search;name[]=skinmod;desc[]=skinmod;start=0

[NanoSector]

As for the warez stuff on there -- It's the site's responsibility to stay out of trouble. SMF as in the software can't do anything about it, nor can Simple Machines.

Oh, here's a fixed link:
http://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/index.php?action=search;name=skinmod;desc=skinmod;start=0

[Gary]

Before I take any action against these authors, I want to be clear:

- You're claiming that these themes are rips from CompletevB without permission?

Can you PM me the complete list indicating which SMF Theme is a rip of which vB skin?

(I don't have time to go through pinpointing which SMF theme is a rip of which vB skin.)

[ARG01]

I have been following Skinmod for some time now and know their themes and code writing well. There really is nothing to suggest that they are ripping themes from anyone. All I see them doing is what most designers do, getting ideas from others and using them in their own designs.
Other that implementing a bit of outside code (which is available to anyone) in a few of their themes I see nothing illegal going on as far as theme designs that they are offering.

As far as the material that any site is offering such as illegal copies of Photoshop that the OP linked to, I do not agree with that at all and any promotion of ones site here at SMF should indeed be considered for discussion by the SMF team.
Any activity such as unlawfully offering and transferring any known copyrighted material on any website is not acceptable and should not be acceptable here at SMF.  It's just not good business.

[Miasma]

I have been following Skinmod for some time now and know their themes and code writing well. There really is nothing to suggest that they are ripping themes from anyone.

I don't think you're paying attention.

Compare this http://www.skinmod.eu/index.php?topic=228.msg1495#msg1495
To this http://www.completevb.com/product/4


Not every design is probably stolen.

I'm pretty sure they tried to do something of their own with this theme:

You can see their real "skill" from that pic. 

When it comes to end users, they don't use this theme of course, they'll use one that has been stolen, the good looking ones. Without even knowing they're breaking law.

[Gary]

Compare this http://www.skinmod.eu/index.php?topic=228.msg1495#msg1495
To this http://www.completevb.com/product/4

That's certainly a rip, however, I can only take action against themes that are on the theme site on SM.org. What they distribute on their site is their business.

[ARG01]

How do you know that they did not gain allowance to convert any theme from another program to SMF? What proof do you have available?

[Deaks]

Miasma, we were not aware that this user was doing such action, if you can please provide Gary with details he asks in a pm we will look into them further. As for the posting of there site we are discussing this.  I understand what you are saying perfectly, but please just chill with this for now.  I promise you that any theme that they have ripped will be removed from this site, as for there own site well illori did had one correct point we cannot take action on there site so it will be up to the designs respective owners to issue DMCA's where applicable.

[Ozzie]

i dont know if this is relevent but  the skin given as a example here "crystal clear" has in the copyrite at the bottom Theme adapted to SMF by YIHAD
designed by CompleteVB so he is giving credit to the origanal designer and it links back to the designers site so maybe the gun is been jumped a bit here

[Gary]

^ Just saying that it was adapted, doesn't make it legal.

[NanoSector]

^ Just saying that it was adapted, doesn't make it legal.

Yes, but maybe the site got permission to port/adapt them.

[ARG01]

^ Just saying that it was adapted, doesn't make it legal.

Yes, but maybe the site got permission to port/adapt them.

Many themes have been ported to SMF from other programs. But the fact that it is originally a premium (paid) theme may raise a few questions as to if it was indeed ported legally. Especially since skinmod.eu has suddenly changed their settings to require login to view content since this topic began. That alone may raise a few suspicions about investigating the matter.

[Gary]

It certainly creates some red flags. But like I said earlier, knowing which theme rips off which skin would be needed.

[redone]

You might want to change the title of your form post too, "Reporting some criminals (Skinmod.eu)"

At this point you have no proof that they are engaged in anything remotely criminal. This could be a misunderstanding - to claim "criminal activity" without doing your homework first is a bit much.

Just my 2pence.

[busterone]

I agree as well. They may be, they may not be, but there is no proof offered up as of yet, therefore, it is simply speculation and insinuation at this point.  If it was my site and I was innocent, I would certainly make a huge fuss over the title of this topic.

[Miasma]

Looks like CompleteVB did something. Their themes seem to have been removed from Skinmod site.

But Skinmod's obviously not doing it because they feel guilt, but because CompleteVB stepped in.

All other styles are still there.

Another ripped example (Original theme by VBStyles.com):


As I said earlier not every theme is probably 100% rip-off.
So what? No ripper is an artist. Keeping their themes here just helps them make money or fame off someone.
Once a black sheep, always a black sheep.

@ last 2 guys: read the topic.

[Deaks]

Misama have you reported the themes or given us a list.

[busterone]

Looks like CompleteVB did something.
@ last 2 guys: read the topic.

I have read it. Until there is positive proof, I still say the topic title is wrong.

[Gary]

Given Matt's reply on the CompletevB site, pretty much confirms it.

But like I've said before, I still need a list of specific themes to remove from our theme site.

[ARG01]

Given Matt's reply on the CompletevB site, pretty much confirms it.

But like I've said before, I still need a list of specific themes to remove from our theme site.

Well since it seems that this has been considered confirmed by a staff member, It may be of SMF's best interests to simply remove all of skinmod.eu themes from the site. At least until an actual mutual confirmation can be agreed upon by all staff or proof is shown. 
Until skinmod.eu shows up to state their case there is really no logical reason to take the chance of supporting anyone who may be suspected of offering ripped, copyrighted material.

[Deaks]

i actually agree.

[Account Abandoned]

Yay, means I get to look for a new theme and custom logo....

[青山 素子]

What might be even better for relations is to reach out to the site that supposedly had their items stolen, let them know the team was given reason to suspect that some submissions are in violation of copyright and asking if they could point out any themes from this user that are unauthorized. It shouldn't be hard to pass along a link with only that user's submissions.

[busterone]

Given Matt's reply on the CompletevB site, pretty much confirms it.

But like I've said before, I still need a list of specific themes to remove from our theme site.

OK, at least there is something else to go on, so I retract my earlier statement about this topic title being too harsh.

[ARG01]

Given Matt's reply on the CompletevB site, pretty much confirms it.

But like I've said before, I still need a list of specific themes to remove from our theme site.

OK, at least there is something else to go on, so I retract my earlier statement about this topic title being too harsh.

The more info that comes in, the more people understand the actual issue.  The more one discovers, the better chances of one understanding. No real need to retract as everyone has their opinions and, opinions can change at any given time. That's the beauty of debate and conflict.

[busterone]

True that is. 

[Neekiinh0]

Espero que esten contentos, skinmod removio todas las adaptaciones de vb4 y completevb.

[Gary]

Use English in non-language boards.

Via Google:

I hope you are happy, skinmod removed all vb4 and completevb adaptations.

[ARG01]

Use English in non-language boards.

Via Google:

I hope you are happy, skinmod removed all vb4 and completevb adaptations.

Works for me. 

[Illori]

but are any of them on our theme site? as far as i know we have not gotten a list of such themes nor do i see that any have been removed.

[Gary]

That's my suspicion too. Which is why I asked for the help of the owners to assist in narrowing down what's their's so I can delete them all.

Let this be a warning to everyone. We take issues such as this very seriously.

[Neekiinh0]

Excuse the expression, but make me sick..

[Account Abandoned]

Excuse the expression, but make me sick..

Yep, me too. I use one of your themes and now it looks like I have to go to something else.

[ARG01]

Excuse the expression, but make me sick..

Lol. People that rip designs and attempt to offer them as their own make me sick. You should be ashamed to flaunt your Skinmod signature here, I know that I would. 

And I applaud the OP for bringing this to everyone's attention. 

[kenet]

1- Miasma, you who is believed to make these accusations against skinmod? que pasa, is a user resentful, and don´t know more than cry on the forums?

can you change the subject, unless you want to take legal action against you
besides get in touch with simplemachines to take the necessary measures as well.

2- Should not worry, I was the team of simplemachines and what can be posted here and what can not be
so no need to review the themes of theme site.

3- Miasma, You are complaining that the adaptations are stolen, download a theme of completevb, and one of skinmod and tell me if the code is the same, can have the same appearance, but the images have been made ​​in our pc like the code.

because it starts to look online, and claim all the websites that have vb premium themes in free download.
( criminals as you say ) but surely you in your pc does not have a legal operating system.

4- As they say and adaptations were removed, surely those who complain they will come asking for pm.

[Illori]

2- Should not worry, I was the team of simplemachines and what can be posted here and what can not be
so no need to review the themes of theme site.

when we request something there is a reason, we want to know if we need to remove any themes from our theme site that are involved in this.

[Miasma]

geez, what is it with those spaniards here. Have you not been taught what's right and what's wrong?

3- Miasma, You are complaining that the adaptations are stolen, download a theme of completevb, and one of skinmod and tell me if the code is the same, can have the same appearance, but the images have been made ​​in our pc like the code.

Well, I don't know about you guys, but the design of their VBulletin forum software default theme looks very similiar. For example, look at the board icons:


Took this screenie a minute ago.

but are any of them on our theme site? as far as i know we have not gotten a list of such themes nor do i see that any have been removed.

As ARG said, it may be may be of SMF's best interest. I think I've already proven they're rippers.

Well since it seems that this has been considered confirmed by a staff member, It may be of SMF's best interests to simply remove all of skinmod.eu themes from the site. At least until an actual mutual confirmation can be agreed upon by all staff or proof is shown. 

[Illori]

we are not removing all the themes until we know which HAVE to be removed. as requested please provide a list of any that you can find on the mod site.

[Gary]

can you change the subject, unless you want to take legal action against you

You break the law, and you're the one who's going to file legal action? It'd be you that ends up in jail, not Miasma.

2- Should not worry, I was the team of simplemachines and what can be posted here and what can not be
so no need to review the themes of theme site.

Now you're claiming to be an SMF Team member? That never happened, I've been since 2005. I've not seen you with a badge. If you did, and resigned, you'd have been given the Friend badge.

Given light of this situation, there is most certainly a need to review your themes. We will decide the best course of action and unless you can prove to us somehow that you've gotten permission to release these themes for SMF, they'll be deleted.

3- Miasma, You are complaining that the adaptations are stolen, download a theme of completevb, and one of skinmod and tell me if the code is the same, can have the same appearance, but the images have been made ​​in our pc like the code.

Code is not relevant. You can code it all you want yourself. But the design can be exactly identical, which is what's important, resulting in an illegal rip.

because it starts to look online, and claim all the websites that have vb premium themes in free download.

Not every user for vBulletin has to provide their themes for a price, if some don't want to then that's their choice.

( criminals as you say ) but surely you in your pc does not have a legal operating system

That can be quite wrong. In fact, I'll bet that Miasma has a legal OS.

Miasma - They're rippers indeed, but once again, please send us a list of the themes that were ripped so we can ditch them all. That's the information we need.

[Neekiinh0]

Excuse the expression, but make me sick..

Lol. People that rip designs and attempt to offer them as their own make me sick. You should be ashamed to flaunt your Skinmod signature here, I know that I would. 

And I applaud the OP for bringing this to everyone's attention. 

You make me sick, for getting into the issues of others without even knowing the codes and pictures of the themes were those of skinmod.

The world is full of hypocritical people ...

That can be quite wrong. In fact, I'll bet that Miasma has a legal OS.

Miasma - They're rippers indeed, but once again, please send us a list of the themes that were ripped so we can ditch them all. That's the information we need.

You do not need any information, the problem that we have in this case, completevb skinmod fixes it and the aforementioned site.

I am administrator and you skinmod I have nothing to tell.

[kenet]

les escribo en español por que no se ingles.

tanto a mi como a mi equipo nos estan llamado criminales. hemos matado a algien? somos un comando terrorista? yo creo que esas acusaciones son muy graves.

por otra parte, ya ablamos con completevb que son los unicos que nos pueden decir algo y hicimos lo que nos pidieron.

como les comente antes, yo creo que no hay que quitar ningun theme en el theme site de simplemachines ya que no hay nada ilegal en ellos. aunque eso es decision de ustedes.

sobre lo que no he pertenecido al equipo de simplemachines. pues estuve un año como moderador de la seccion española.

como les dije antes hagan lo que crean necesario con los themes del theme site.

[Illori]

since we have confirmed the main issue here, and are waiting a pm or email to follow up on this. I am locking this as nothing good can come from this from here on.