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!

[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".