Here's the reality though.
Compare this usage of copyrighted meshes to something like uploading ripped music files onto mediafire and selling them to a friend for the effort of doing the uploading, and then blaming something like fraps or audacity for having a record function on the computer.
Even though it seems far fetched from what the subject at hand is, it's basically the same thing that's going on. Now I'm not saying FH cannot get in issues from users doing this and this most likely need a checkup and provide users information regarding this, but we are very limited on ways to transfer this information, posting a forum post or notice wouldn't reach out to everyone without the help of you the players.
Just as much as you can stream music down to files, snatch copyrighted content off the internet, you have an ability to use the map maker to include material in your maps that aren't really yours, now let me very well remind you guys, not all of these meshes, music and textures used by EVERYONE since the launch of this game has gotten the proper checkup by the ones making the maps. People in general on the internet, young age especially don't quite know how copyright works, but yet again, there's those who try to enforce the copyright more than they actually know it for their own good.. With that said, you don't need to take payments in order to break the copyright law. I believe some of the meshes that brought this conversation up you are free to use for just mapping, but in the general picture when it comes to any copyrighted content.
The FH site and game doesn't host any of this material the users decide to put into their maps that are copyrighted, there's several things playing a part in this, so before anyone feels like making this out to be a lone FeralHeart issue let me make a run through.
List:
1. A user that downloads copyrighted meshes and turn it into a map. (User)
2. Sells it for points or money (Deviantart, paypal?)
3. Uploads it to filesharing sites (Sendspace, mediafire?)
So as you can see, even though the map was made on FH, it needs an uneducated user, a point tranfer system as of one on deviantart or money transaction site like paypal, and a filehosting site like mediafire. The difference is that FH is not a big site like those mentioned above. But they are all are as responsible if not more, but the one that is to blame, and that could get in the most trouble, is the one doing the whole procedure of making a map, uploading it, taking payments for it.
Now we should try to get some sort of reminder/sticky up on the forum in a related board clarifying the usage of copyrighted material in things like the map maker or preset maker, but that's the very best solution we have cause playing cyber polices will not get anyone far. FeralHeart as a game and site doesn't support this type of behavior or usage though and if needed we could take action towards users.
What you guys can do?
If you see users taking payments like these just remind them for their own good, try to explain why. Even though this is not a big issue at the current time and date the user is doing wrong and someone taking payments for others copyrighted material, will always be more severe than someone just taking use of it without permission.
I hope this post informed you all well enough regarding the matter.
