25 replies to this topic

[CodeCat]

With the emergence of the C&C3 Mod SDK and its new XML files, another issue presents itself. Since XML files are compiled rather than just put into BIG files as raw text, this means that anyone downloading/receiving a mod can no longer look at its code to see how it is made. Also, anyone wishing to start off modding can no longer use an existing mod - not even if their work is only for personal use. Furthermore, the modding community has its foundations in people helping each other out with their work, and people learning from each other's mods and implementing their own ideas based on the work of others.

Now, we see the danger that people will be keeping their work to themselves, where a mod is no longer a community project but merely a product that you can download and use. It would be like buying a computer but not being able to add to or modify its hardware. The right to view and modify the mod will fall only with the developers, creating a strong split between the developers and the rest of the community who can then only 'consume' a mod rather than taking an active part in development themselves. We should realise that in the end, mods are made by the community, for the community. We're all modders, so let's not take that right away from others by denying them ideas and knowledge merely because we thought of them and not they.

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I'm therefore calling for C&C3 modders to include their mod's original source code in the form of the uncompiled XML files, included either in the mod download or offered to be downloaded separately together with the mod itself. This way, we will not be denying others access to the common knowledge base that is the community and its members.

If you want to show your support to this in more ways than just releasing the source code of your mod, you may use this banner:

Please also link to this topic using either the banner or text you include with it, so that it is clear that the banner represents more than just a three-word name. For example, in signatures, you could use the following code (I've inserted new lines to make it more readable, please remove them when using it):

[url=http://forum.cncreneclips.com/index.php?showtopic=17324]
[img]http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/codecat42/userbars/openmoddingalliance_logo.png[/img]
[/url]

If you're using XHTML, use this for example:

<a href=&#34;http&#58;//forum.cncreneclips.com/index.php?showtopic=17324&#34;>
<img src=&#34;http&#58;//i63.photobucket.com/albums/h129/codecat42/userbars/openmoddingalliance_logo.png&#34; alt=&#34;Open Modding Alliance&#34; />
</a>

Thank you.

[Dauth]

Although i don't mod, i fully support this concept, Well done CodeCat.

[Vengence]

How do I link?

[Sgt. Rho]

I fully support this.

Wasnt there a tool du decompress the big files?

[Slye_Fox]

I also suport this, but i'm still not goign to release the C&C3:ConRed code.

But i will release RepWars and SI's source.

[Slightly Wonky Robob]

Supported!

[Jazzie Spurs]

Supported

[Ascendancy]

Well, if someone wants the Enhanced Veterancy Mod or whatever mod I develop in the future's code, then it will be released upon request.

Supported.

[Soul]

I support this Code, but I don't think I can use that Open Modding Alliance image in my sig since I can't mod what I don't have .

[CodeCat]

You can support a cause without having the ability to take part in it. Just as that I could support proper healthcare without needing any healthcare myself, for example. Your voiced support alone is helpful.

[Soul]

Ok then Code .

Edit: What lines do I remove?

Edited by Soul, 26 August 2007 - 16:42.

[☆FreedoM_FighteR☆]

suported
eh to much sigs

[medicdude]

Good thinking, eh.

[CodeCat]

freedom_fighter, on 26 Aug 2007, 19:05, said:

suported
eh to much sigs

Yeah you'd better get rid of a few cause you're over the limit, sorry.

[Soul]

freedom_fighter, on 26 Aug 2007, 13:05, said:

suported
eh to much sigs

You could move some to be beside another or you could remove one or two, just a thought.

[CodeCat]

Well, be aware that there is also a maximum width, although we're generally lenient with that.

[☆FreedoM_FighteR☆]

wmmm what i will remove let me think
edit:fixed the sigs

Edited by freedom_fighter, 26 August 2007 - 18:41.

[Hostile]

I am 1000% behind this idea. I will include any XML source with anything I release.

[Judgement]

I support this. Although I still think that some modders would rather have the source code to themselves.
There is always mod theft to be looked at(Look at what happened a while ago in regards to RotR stuff being stolen by some guy and renaming it CNC Turkey).

Thats why I support it to a certain point. It shouldnt be an obligation, but more of upon request they can decide.

[CodeCat]

I'm referring to code only here. I can understand that most people would rather not release w3x files.

[Crush3r]

I don't mod CnC my self, but I fully support this.

[Judgement]

O the code.
Seems reasonable. Although, it can still happen. In cases where someone makes something really cool(like some cool effect or such in coding) and someone uses it blatently without credit.

[Foxhound]

Supported, for sure.

[Alias]

Supported, but I'm out of sig space.

[tank50us]

Should I seal this alliance in bloo...erm, ink?
hell, what do I have to loose? as long as I can get help if needed, I've had my fare share of seeing the bottoms of peoples noses