What parts of code are ok to "steal" Options

[esksmith]

I'm not sure this is a kosher question and I'm also not sure I'm putting it in the right place. If I have broken any rules, I am terribly sorry. I need etiquette help.

When creating a layout for any site (MySpace, Blogger, LiveJournal, etc.), what parts of code are okay to "steal" (I prefer the word "borrow", but I have to be honest and call it what it is)? I mean, if the background, buttons, colors, links, and everything else is yours either through customization or creation, is it acceptable to use another person's code so that you don't have to type it all out? I know that sounds incredibly lazy. And I know there are people who will probably want to have my head. But I've turned the situation around on myself and I honestly think that as long as the person used all their own images and I couldn't SEE that the coding was mine, I wouldn't care. Let's face it, a link to "pics" in MySpace is going to be the same whether you type it or I type it! The only difference is the ID.

So...at the risk of alienating myself...should I just type it myself, save it, and have a clear conscience? Or can I paste what I've already copied and say to heck with it....also with a clear conscience?

Please, please don't tell me to go jump off a building because I'm a horrible person. A simple, "No. You really should just type it yourself" will suffice.

And thanks!

[Mikeplyts]

No. You really should just type it yourself.

[fainaru]

To me, it's okay if you 'steal' parts of the code as reference to learn your HTML/CSS, BUT if you ARE going to steal, make sure it doesn't exactly resemble, element-by-element, tag-by-tag (etc) the original source code.


Refer to this blog entry:
http://thoughts.afterglow.nu/2009/03/silen...usions-designs/


The 'thief' there made no efforts to make her coding different from the original ADDED TO THAT the fact that her layout looked no different.


So to summarize, even if the person has a ready-made-code that matches exactly what you want to design, don't me Mr. Obvious and use the code in its entirety. Move some of the elements in a different order.

As well, it's important to recognize what it is you want to copy. If it's something simple like styling a:link and a:hover vs styling for fancy hover nav links, then it's something to think twice about. That being said, even a:link and a:hover properties can have a lot of elements that don't make them as simple as they seem.

[heyo-captain-jac...]

If I am going to steal something, it's hex codes. If there's a css property that always looks the same anyway, and I'm too lazy to code it, I might take that.

[Mikeplyts]

Refer to this blog entry:
http://thoughts.afterglow.nu/2009/03/silen...usions-designs/

[mipadi]

The great thing about web having openly-viewable source code is that you can pull chunks of code that you like from other websites, and incorporate them into your own work. I see nothing wrong with copying bits of code here and there.

If you copy a whole design, though, you should ask if it's okay, and give credit where credit's due. Same goes for copying images and other graphical features like that (buttons, etc.).

But yeah...as for code, I think that's fair game. For example, I grabbed the style for the page number buttons at the bottom of my blog from those at Stack Overflow -- no big deal.

[LittleMissSunshi...]

just re-type everything, in your own way :P. learn to switch it up and find your own tricks. it's easier that way.

[theerinkal]

I've seen people that have coding that other people have made and created them for coding the layout and then putting in the credits as well saying that they have edited the code and what not.

I think you should be able to do that. I mean if someone did that with my coding I wouldn't care 1 bit.

[karmakiller]

I think bits here and there are ok. Basic CSS and HTML is something that you can't just switch around. If you're going to take the edited code and color scheme, then you should probably ask if it's ok or give the person credit.

[Maccabee]

I type up my own template type things.
Ill make a folder called blank_template that has an, html file with the basic tags and that is conected to a stylsheet in that folder.
And then I always go back to it. So I just typed everything up once and then i copy and paste my own codes.

[esksmith]

To me, it's okay if you 'steal' parts of the code as reference to learn your HTML/CSS, BUT if you ARE going to steal, make sure it doesn't exactly resemble, element-by-element, tag-by-tag (etc) the original source code.
Refer to this blog entry:
http://thoughts.afterglow.nu/2009/03/silen...usions-designs/
The 'thief' there made no efforts to make her coding different from the original ADDED TO THAT the fact that her layout looked no different.

Wow. That's a totally blatant copy. I guess I didn't give myself very much credit. Even I know that site crossed a line! I see what you mean, though.

I guess it might help if I were more specific. Let's say you took this:

http://www.createblog.com/layouts/code.php?id=28776 and created your own layout by using its "bones" so to speak. You changed up the colors, design, the font (size, colors, and any applicable rollovers or animation) and even the "shape" of the display from square to a circle. The only things you really "copied" were the coordinates...you know.. because you're new to the whole Photoshop/Flash/Dreamweaver thing and don't have a clue how/where to find the "coordinates" in your own image... just, as an example. *insert awkward whistling here* Would that be wrong?

[Mikeplyts]

Not really, but just don't make it seem like you copied the exact coding which therefore means to 'switch' it up. Also, try renaming the classes and different tags too. But it would still be a good idea to ask the original designer if you could use his code as a base code for yourself and if he/she says yes, then would also be a good idea to leave a credit link to their site and such.

[karmakiller]

Seeing as it's super easy to contact a designer here, why don't you just contact him and ask if it's ok for you to do that. (You can click Private Message under his photo.)

[xodollfaceox]

None are ok unless the person who made the codes said it was ok. Stealing is stealing. Plus be more original, and make your own.

[esksmith]

I want to thank everyone for their comments & help. I was worried that I wouldn't get much response because I'm a newbie and clearly unknown. I know it's going to take a while to be "accepted" into the group, but I'm really appreciative of everyone's help. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

It's also become obvious that I should just learn more before I try to put up something on my own. Man, this almost makes me wish for some "old school" HTML!!





I said "almost".

[*hoopsosovalntino*]

YAY!!! I'M NOT GUILTY ANYMORE

[Uronacid]

I see nothing wrong with pulling blocks of code and adjusting it to fit your needs.

1. It helps you learn.
2. Why re-invent the wheel.

The most important thing is that your code works.

[theerinkal]

I see nothing wrong with pulling blocks of code and adjusting it to fit your needs.

1. It helps you learn.
2. Why re-invent the wheel.

The most important thing is that your code works.

I agree. I do that all of the time. I completly edit EVERYTHING though cuz that wouldn't be cool if I just changed a few things here and there and called it mine. now THAT'S just wrong. TOTALLY wrong.

[Medi]

Header codes, some sites have put everything in their header, as far as keywords and meta, where to put the favicon, etc, etc. I think that would be the only thing that would be okay, because it's going to be the same, and it's much easier to 'steal' someone else's and change it for your purpose. It's not like your actually regurgitated the same exact layout code, tweaking it for your purpose. But you should always give credit, where credit is deserved. ^_^