Recently there was a big discussion in chat about the following site rule:
This rule technically prevents people from decompiling any map, for any reason - but we're not sure if that's what we want. It's clear that some people are interpreting it differently to others, and we want to nail down what we mean.
On one hand, decompiling maps is great for learning tricky entity work or seeing how a particular cool thing is done (or even just finding a tricky prop). It's a great way to learn how to apply skills like lighting and optimisation in a actual map circumstance. We have the Valve Maps Decompiled thread, which is a great resource - but one that technically isn't allowed by site rules.
On the other hand, some people really strongly dislike the idea of their maps being decompiled. Decompilation makes it very easy (and tempting) to directly copy-paste or plagiarise, which we're very strongly against. And technically the site rule is that it's not allowed, though it's very hard to police.
So! What do people think? Should we change the rule to allow decompiling maps? Plagiarism and copy-pasting would still be banned. Or should we keep the rule as it is, but start more actively enforcing it? Including perhaps taking down or rethinking the Valve Maps Decompiled thread. Another option might be an opt-out system, where if the mapper prevents you from decompiling a map, then it's forbidden under site rules.
We might have a poll on this later, but for now: discuss! We're interested to hear your ideas.
9. Respect others work. Do not: decompile/change/release another mappers work without explicit permission.
This rule technically prevents people from decompiling any map, for any reason - but we're not sure if that's what we want. It's clear that some people are interpreting it differently to others, and we want to nail down what we mean.
On one hand, decompiling maps is great for learning tricky entity work or seeing how a particular cool thing is done (or even just finding a tricky prop). It's a great way to learn how to apply skills like lighting and optimisation in a actual map circumstance. We have the Valve Maps Decompiled thread, which is a great resource - but one that technically isn't allowed by site rules.
On the other hand, some people really strongly dislike the idea of their maps being decompiled. Decompilation makes it very easy (and tempting) to directly copy-paste or plagiarise, which we're very strongly against. And technically the site rule is that it's not allowed, though it's very hard to police.
So! What do people think? Should we change the rule to allow decompiling maps? Plagiarism and copy-pasting would still be banned. Or should we keep the rule as it is, but start more actively enforcing it? Including perhaps taking down or rethinking the Valve Maps Decompiled thread. Another option might be an opt-out system, where if the mapper prevents you from decompiling a map, then it's forbidden under site rules.
We might have a poll on this later, but for now: discuss! We're interested to hear your ideas.