Feral Heart

Game & Forum Discussion => Game Discussion => Topic started by: hysteriaa on September 08, 2012, 01:51:36 am

Title: Character Stealing
Post by: hysteriaa on September 08, 2012, 01:51:36 am

This subject makes me quite mixed. But when it is obvious it makes me quite angry, I don't see why it shouldn't.

Sadly, as Tigg has stated before "You can not have a copyright on an FH Character unless its a Preset. You cant copyright a FH Characters Name too."
So this of course means other people cannot get into trouble for 'stealing' a character. But you can still report it to a modd, especially and even ONLY if you have screenshot evidence.


In some cases it could be a mistake. There are thousands of characters made by players and many popular color combinations and markings that people have. So in this case, you have to admit that it could just be a mistake. The same goes for character names. Like of course the most popular ones "Shadow", "Mist", "Angel", ect.


But when it is completely obvious, when she stole EVERY single detail in your or someone elses character, it's CHARACTER STEALING. xD.

For example, I make videos of wolves called 'Asacrecians'. They are getting quite popular now (even though they are suppose to be a secret bloodline) and people are starting to know they're names and appearances. Well, they have been around long before feralheart too.

I don't take credit for them, after all they aren't mine. And I don't want to be seen or even sneak around character stealing. Don't want to be an uncreative, lazy jerk. So, here's my example of obvious and enraging character stealing:

Secrecy is a popular wolf who has been around before feralheart. The character was made on feralheart whatever time after feralheart was created, I have no idea when. Not my character of course, and not yours either.
I came across a video named "Material girl" by the channel "Joey lane" on youtube. Her channel can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSduhPkyOEkW-l8mCkHqx7g (http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSduhPkyOEkW-l8mCkHqx7g)
Cute video, made in my map, just about to comment on it when I see the exact COPY of the character 'Secrecy'. When I say exact copy I really mean it... need a comparison?:

ORIGINAL
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab100/warriorhorse/Characters/aSecrecy.png)



COPIED
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab100/warriorhorse/wmplayer2012-09-0718-41-07-57_0002.jpg)
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab100/warriorhorse/wmplayer2012-09-0718-41-07-57_0001.jpg)
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab100/warriorhorse/wmplayer2012-09-0718-41-01-87_0001.jpg)
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab100/warriorhorse/wmplayer2012-09-0718-39-48-92_0001.jpg)
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab100/warriorhorse/wmplayer2012-09-0718-39-15-45_0001.jpg)


For more comparison, please watch my video and then her's:

MINE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70NBIxKZbZ8&feature=channel&list=UL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70NBIxKZbZ8&feature=channel&list=UL)

HERS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqw6unrOi_4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqw6unrOi_4)

For detailed comparison, they both have the same:
1. Same exact tail, body, and face markings.
2. Also, the same colors for EVERY marking.
3. Tiny details like dark green pupils, lime green line under the eyes and black above the eyes.
4. Same body, underfur, and tail colors.
5. Same exact tuffs (side mane, backmane, elbow tuffs).
6. Same exact mane color.
7. Same exact body structure. Length longer than height and width, as well as the long size of the muzzle.
Any other details I'm missing? I think I covered every single one... hmmm... xD


Might I also add that I commented about the exact details in the characters and that she did infact copy every single detail, and she immediately blocked me and made a comment pretending I didn't comment on the video:

"so first off i made some mistakes in this video i did not give proper credit to all the actors/actresses so here they are,:
Breeze- Summer Rose
Hail- Lilly Flower
The Crying Wolf
moon- carnation14
and number two i did not star in this movie my account is Silent Shadows feel free to friend meh or to request a new video! And number 3 some people are saying Hail (Lilly Flower's char) looks like? secercy I will ask lilly flower about that and i do admit they are close so i will talk to her bout that"

Close? Your friend? You admit they are close? Then why did you delete my comment and block me?


Ugh.... it's just sad that creations must be stolen and belittled like this :/


So, what are your thoughts on character stealing? And has anyone ever stolen or have a similar character or name as yours?

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: CloudFish on September 08, 2012, 03:08:56 am

Well as it goes, pretty much all the content on feral heart could be considered "stolen", even in the main game itself. there's nothing really original as far as content goes. we often have users "stealing" markings, presets, art, all of that.

however, like you mentioned, the characters themselves, along with the default markings can not be claimed in any way. there are only so many combinations you can make. and when your character is designed in a somewhat popular manner with somewhat popular markings and colours, there's not much you can do about it.

in the case of character stealing and it being punishable. i'm satisfied it's not. the reason being for this is; like i've already stated really. there's just so much stolen and copyrighted content on this game and site as is that someone copying your character isn't really that big a of a deal.

i can understand your frustrations, but when it comes down to it, there's not much to be done. instead feel honored they liked your design so much they felt it cool enough to make their own. who knows, might not even have been intentional, though in your case you seem to have proof that the comments were deleted so that she knew she was in the wrong.

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: Haruki on September 08, 2012, 03:36:36 am

Quite honestly, I say let them. The copy will always be second to the original. If they are specifically copying you, it is likely they are just trying to spite you. The copy will never be played correctly nor with the right personality. If you care about the character, you will lose interest far later than the copycat. Let them try and copy, they will always be second class and I invite anyone to copy my characters. It only earns you fame.

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: hysteriaa on September 08, 2012, 03:56:26 am

These are some good points. Although what makes me angry is that these aren't my characters, and I know for sure if anyone knew a bunch of people were copying them (without giving them credit) then they would be just as mad as me. On my video someone even commented that they've seen people copy the bios and poems that these people have made, is it in this case plagiarism? Because the poems are not copyrighted of course, but it is still someones creation/work in writing.


EDIT:
Oh and what you said about fame, tons of people do dedicate copies of the avatars to these characters. But of course, they give them credit. Even myself, I dedicate videos to them. But I give them the credit for their creations.

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: Tessel. on September 09, 2012, 11:35:26 pm

Like Haruki said, the copy will always be second to the original. But still, I see so much resembalence in those two characters.  Its like that othe person is trying to be you.

Also, is that map just for you and a pack, or is it for everyone? Because I would love to download it :3

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: teddybuddy on September 10, 2012, 12:06:54 am

hey does anybody know ChaosPanda?

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: teddybuddy on September 10, 2012, 12:09:46 am

I HATE having my charries stolen especially my main charries like for example if you've seen me "Tesla br beta" then you might have been mistaken because: (1) I've been offline (2) people don't like me so they make my charrie and make a bad rep for me (3) people can be jerks

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: Okami-Shiranui on September 10, 2012, 12:56:10 am

That does seem suspicious, but as far as we know, it could still be unintentional. By the way, your video is way better than her's.

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: marzishadow on September 10, 2012, 12:56:36 am

 I'd say more but Cloud already said it. Anyway, I'm sorry about this, similar things happened to me back in IT.

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: hysteriaa on September 10, 2012, 04:33:33 am

Quote from: BlaackeBeat on September 09, 2012, 11:35:26 pm

Like Haruki said, the copy will always be second to the original. But still, I see so much resembalence in those two characters.  Its like that othe person is trying to be you.

Also, is that map just for you and a pack, or is it for everyone? Because I would love to download it :3

Yes that is a public map, you can find it on the maps section. It's called "Music Concert Map"

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: Shadow13131 on September 10, 2012, 05:25:16 am

I honestly hate character stealing. Literally, I was just hanging around in bonfire, on one of my characters. Then some random wolf walks up to me and just literally stands there. Then, soon after they poofed out (which made me jump for joy) and then a few minutes later they poofed back in. With a character exactly like mine. I practically just raged on them, but then they ran into ficho.. Its like you can't do anything without atleast one person stealing your char >.<
Especially the mods chars, I always see copy's of Red, Tenda and Delay...

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: KillerJoke on September 10, 2012, 04:35:07 pm

I know the feeling !! Like i have a uniqe character and everyone is stealing it D: That is just not fair, If there is anything i can do to help you Tell meh, Ill show them not to steal characters like a BAWSS! ;)  :D

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: Alaskan on September 23, 2012, 08:08:03 pm

Well, I know you understand that there and tons of users of Feral Heart, and some may seem by copying. But there are limited markings, colors, tuffs, animals, etc. The pictures that I saw, a hyena is pretty popular, and I couldn't tell if it had the same name or not. The video, that was kind of copying. The best thing to do is if you think somebody is copying you, screenshot it and send it to a MOD. But hyenas are still pretty popular, I see them everywhere. The video, I think was copying. You can always talk to the person, too. Good luck. :)

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: MoscoMoon on September 23, 2012, 08:50:21 pm

Yeah this happened to me I was hanging by the stone bridge as my wolf character Sark and I thought he was very original looking, blood red on top, white celtic markings, black mane and white underfur and two fae's kept asking to be his mate. He kept refusing politely however but a person who was there mate begging poofed and turned back up as... you guessed it! The exact copy of Sark -_- name and all I was like: Really? REALLY? But they did not have his personality and literacy, so all the fae's looked at him like: -_- and came back to me *Smug face* So I agree with what everyone says these second hand charries will never live up to our legacies ;) 

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: wolvesaregreat on February 06, 2013, 06:11:58 pm

I don't like stealing because i think it's best to have your own character that is unique. That's all I have to say for now.

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: Demonology on February 17, 2013, 03:36:33 pm

It annoys me too, but as previously stated you can't claim markings etc. The way I "somewhat" avoid this is I try to use markings and color combinations that are not "popularly" used, but even then it still happens  :-\

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: Nemena on February 17, 2013, 04:54:45 pm

I don't want character thieves to be punished-- there's too many simple coincidences. It's just really, really inconsiderate and rude. But-...

This happens all the time.

Every day.

All the time.

I was roleplaying my main character, Drek'Avanji, in South Pole with some friends a few weeks ago. Within an hour, someone ran over, took one look at my character, and logged out. They flickered back in several times before eventually returning as (I had to chase them down for a screenshot!):

The name's tricky to see, but it's Drekavanj. :(

(http://i.imgur.com/ivVstUF.jpg)

This was when I was roleplaying with gryphon friends in Bonfire! Someone took one whiff of my character and-... (They luckily didn't steal the name, though they did try to become my character's mate!)
(http://i.imgur.com/dRGQnRL.jpg)

Similarly, I was idly roleplaying in Ficho. Someone had been trailing my character for a while-- I thought nothing of it until they logged, and this ran up to me seconds later. (They logged in a few more times to adjust the character and correct the name, but ran off before I could screencap.)
(http://i.imgur.com/G75xXQ7.jpg)

And this was last night. I was roleplaying my Nidorino for many, many hours. Popped afk for a little while before heading off to pester my group on a different character. A friend screamed: "COME LOOK AT THIS!" ten minutes later. :-[

(http://i.imgur.com/3JjZPSt.jpg)

My arcanine, Haru, gets it pretty bad, too (The last one's a joke; my friend made it after I'd vented on their shoulder!):

(http://i.imgur.com/DOsa5yz.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/P64N75t.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/PIW7g2l.jpg)

I honestly wish I had screenshots of every time it's happened, but they're quick to run off; they know it's wrong. I wholeheartedly understand that coincidences happen-- there's only so many ways to colour a character and very few names are unique. Even so, it really hurts me every time it happens (I wish it didn't- imitation's meant to be flattery!), and I certainly let the other person know my discontent before blocking them. Inspiration's fantastic and I've had lovely conversations with those who've edited their characters a little (I've done the same!) or have coincidently appeared identical to mine (it happens!).  But logging out, stealing the other's character and running away is-... Hngggh.

I really wish I could feel honoured about it.


(Sorry for the spam, I've had these screenies for a while!)

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: SteampunkWolfdog on February 17, 2013, 05:23:35 pm

I don't mind people having similar appearences or the same names as any of my characters; there's no garanteeing that no one will have a character that looks like one of your own and you can't copyright names either. Some names are very popular and a lot of people have them, whereas others are less popular with only a few individuals with that particular. There is a limit to character customisation.

However, when it comes to characters looking like clones then that is when I'd start to worry. I find it strange that someone would go through the trouble of copying the exact dimensions and colours of another character...and very worrying. It just does not seem normal at all. And the point of making a character is to make it unique, (or as unique as possible) and make it personal to you. Where's the individuality in copying and essentailly stealing someone elses character design?

I've not experienced people copying or stealing any of my characters, fortunately. But I have had people make 'mini-mes' which was just a bit of fun and for a laugh. I suppose we can consider someone making a similar character to ours intentionally as admiration perhaps? Maybe they like our character designs a lot and want to make characters like ours, and show their appreciation? It's a weird way of showing appreciation if you ask me, but everyone is different.

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: ResslessV on February 17, 2013, 05:45:14 pm

 Ugh, character stealing. It has probably happened to every one of us once in our time of playing on Feralheart.

People steal the look of your character because they are either lazy, or just don't have the creativity to make their own unique character. I am fine if maybe the other person has just a few similarities to my character, but what bothers me is if they take almost every single detail. I understand if maybe the character you made is off of a TV show or game (Like Okami, I see tons of people who look alike) That I am fine with, since it isn't really your character, after all. But when for example you made your character from your own mind, then someone completely makes an exact replica of yours.

This happened on my other account. I was on one of my OCs, and someone walked up to me and stood there. They kept logging off and logging back on and standing next to me. Eventually, they came back with a complete identicle copy of my character. It even had the same name. So basically, what happened to Shadow is what happened to me.

People should just stop copying other peoples characters and create their own for once. Not just copy the ideas of others, especially if you don't have permission to use their design.

  -V

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: Okami-Shiranui on February 23, 2013, 06:25:54 pm

Since the Feral-Heart default markings are there for everyone to use, I don't say anything when I see a character that looks like mine, as long as the name isn't exactly the same, and they aren't pretending to be me. But I've seen a couple people that have made characters that looked exactl liked Glitchy, and they had the name. My name for that character is "Glitch P". That isn't really a common name. Glitch, maybe. So, when I see a character with the same markings, colors, and they have the full name, I say something.

Title: Re: Character Stealing
Post by: mossstar1992 on March 13, 2013, 06:24:41 pm

my story:
I had a male wolf named Dimitri who was brown, white under side and a black markings {faded stripes tail,Leg stripes, eyes stripe} He had a black reverse mohawk, back,elbow,rump tufts, and emrald eyes.
Ok someone commented that they liked my char and:
now: one dimitri]
Later: two dimitris O.o