XNALara Netiquette /Community Guidelines

Love2Raid · 25-07-12, 00:46

The official rules are created and enforced by the forum staff. Make sure to not break those, because you could get a warning or even a ban if you do. But there are a few more things that you should know (and are expected to know!) if you want to contribute to the XNALara community:

*XNALara Netiquette*

What is 'netiquette'?

Netiquette is a term that describes etiquette on the Internet and is a combination of the words 'net(work)' and 'etiquette'. It is a list of guidelines that one should follow to be accepted by the community and to avoid being 'flamed'. In a lot of cases, those guidelines are unwritten and new members are expected to just know them by reading tons of posts before joining. The XNALara community prefers to have more transparency, to make it easier for new members to jump right in and have a good time. By the time you've reached the end of this wall of text, you'll already feel much more at home. ;-)

General netiquette/'things you should know'

This is not specific for this area of the forum, it applies to the entire forum and you can read all about it right here (read it!). For the most part, it simply comes down to using your common sense. Remember that we are all real human beings here, treat others the same way you would want to be treated. One more thing: write in English, otherwise people might not understand what you are saying. It's okay to make mistakes, but at least show that you tried your best.

XNALara specific netiquette (and guidelines)

Introducing yourself
You can make a thread here to introduce yourself, if you are planning to be active on the entire board and want to make friends outside of the XNALara forum as well. If you aren't interested in Tomb Raider, other videogames or Britney Spears, you can introduce yourself as well by simply posting in this thread and start to get to know people.

Learning XNALara
Instructions are written here and here. If you need help, it's best to ask in this thread instead of making a new one. Be patient, people can be off-line or too busy to respond immediately. You are expected to read those instructions before asking for help. Use the search function first, someone else might have had the exact same problem in the past. If you're really stuck, don't hesitate to ask for help. Members are generally glad to help and share their knowledge.

Posting images
Show off your work in this thread. If you have used other rendering engines, like Blender or Maya, you can also post it in those threads. We have threads for 3ds Max, Blender, Cinema 4D and Maya. If the image is really big (larger than 1024x768 pixels or 500 kb), post it as a link or use a thumbnail. After all, not everyone has a light speed connection and really big images distort the forum layout (which is annoying). When you quote pictures to comment on them, convert them to links to keep the thread tidy (simply delete the [img] or replace by [url]), unless you think that people might have missed it and want to give it more exposure. Sometimes your work won't receive any comments. This sucks, obviously. There can be many reasons for it, but don't feel bad about it. It's never personal, just keep trying. Commenting on work by others will usually result in more comments for yourself, it's just how life works. Don't go acting all desperate though, cause to be frank: it looks bad.

Requesting models
Some advice: it's better to not let your very first post on the forum be a request. It's not unacceptable, but some people might not appreciate it. Don't make a new thread about it, simply ask here. Don't ask too much at the same time, be selective. If people don't reply, it either means that they haven't seen it yet or that they don't want to do it or can't do it. Be patient, wait a few days before you ask again. It can go a lot faster if you try to help a bit yourself, for example by doing the extraction of the data only (maybe you're one of the few people who has this particular game!). When you've finally got what you wanted, show your appreciation by thanking the person who helped you. It doesn't cost you anything, but it can mean a whole lot.

Sharing models
You can share your original models here. Make sure that they are usable in XNALara! Most people don't appreciate 'lazy ports'. It means that people expect you to take advantage of what XNALara can do. For example if a model has normal map and specular map textures, you are expected to assign them to your model so that it looks pretty. If you don't know what those are, it would be better to look (and ask) around before you upload your work. It also means that you should get rid of ugly seams in the models (wherever it's possible) and that you perform a bug-check before uploading. Rename the bones of the model so that they are easier to pose. If you don't want to, make it clear that you haven't done that so that someone else can do it for you. When people find a (serious) bug in your model, you are expected to fix it and make a new upload.
You can share 'raw' models here (don't share game files that have nothing to do with models!). Modifications of models that have already been posted in the recap thread, go in the modding thread. Always post a picture that shows what people can expect. It doesn't have to be pretty, just to let them know what they are downloading. Make sure the picture/model doesn't break the rules!

Sharing poses and scenes
These can be shared in this thread (and requested). Don't request or share poses that break the forum rules, so nothing obscene or pornographic. Use your common sense here. Again, a simple 'thank you' if someone fulfilled your request doesn't take a whole lot of effort. Making an awesome and anatomically correct pose can take quite long!

Re-uploading
If a model (or a pose, or anything else) has a working link, don't create a new one. If a link no longer works, contact the person who uploaded it. Why is it down? Maybe the person doesn't even know (Mediafire for example tends to delete links). You can do them a big favour by letting them know about it, so that they can re-up it themselves. They might have taken it down for a reason, maybe it has an error or it needs an update. Contacting them will clarify this for you. If the person can't be reached in any way, anyone who was lucky enough to download that model is free to share it with others, if people are asking for it.

Credits and copyright
Never forget that, when it comes to original models (or modifications of original models), the developers and the publishers of the game hold all rights. You cannot claim copyright or any kind of ownership over them. Thus far, what we do has been 'tolerated' by most companies (except for Bethesda, it is advised to not share their models here), but if this forum receives complaints then the staff has no choice but to take action. Read more here.
Since the developers and publishers are the only rightful owners of the models, they should always be credited. So do that when you upload a render, a model or a modification. The model 'porters' have no right to claim the XNALara models as their own. However, that doesn't mean that you should totally forget about them. It can be a lot of work to get a nice looking model in XNALara. It is a time-consuming process and we all have our real lives and other hobbies. So it's a sign of your appreciation to credit the person who converted the model to XNALara as well. It can also help other people to find the model that you used. Sometimes a model porter/modder explicitly mentions that they do not wish to be credited, so in that case you don't credit them. This also applies to poses etc.

Using work by others
When you share something, like a model or a modification, it is advised to include a so-called readme file. In this readme file, you can write things like instructions and your 'terms of use'. Always check if there is a readme file when you download something. If the modder wrote in that readme that they don't want others to take textures/meshes/armature etc. from the model, then don't do it. Even if the modder doesn't legally own the original model, it is advised to respect their wish if you want to stay on friendly terms with the other members. You are always free to contact the modder and talk about it. Who knows, they might make an exception for you or even change their mind about this altogether. If there is no readme, contact the modder about it. If you can't reach them, you can either decide to use it or not use it. If you do, at least make sure to credit that person to avoid trouble when they return to the forum and see it. Try to place yourself in their shoes, how would you want to be treated?

Work in Progress (W.I.P.) thread
When you are working on something or you want to work on something in the near future, let others know about it in this thread. It's also good to take a look in there and see if someone else isn't already working on that same project. In general, it is advised to not bite off more than you can chew. While you are free to show anything you want, many members don't find it very cool if you tease things that you'll never share with others.

Competitions
We've got some cool competitions going on now and then, don't hesitate to jump in! It's a good incentive to improve your skills, a good way to get to know people and it's just fun (unless you're a bad loser ;-)).
If you want to start a competition, ask yourself if you have the time to manage it. Also check if there isn't another similar competition running already. When you think all of that is good, first discuss your idea with the other members. If enough people are interested, you can go ahead and start it. Take a look at other competition threads to get an idea about how it's supposed to be done.

Regarding deviantArt (and similar websites)
It's okay to link to your deviantArt account when you're sharing a render, a pose or a model. However, you are potentially subjecting minors to your entire gallery by doing that. This forum does not want to take responsibility for that, so you are required to 'hide' all your mature deviations by tagging them as 'mature'. If you make sure you've got that covered (pun not intended), there should be no problem. There are some disagreements between a few members of TRF and deviantArt. Try to not take 'drama' from that place to this forum.

If you've got any questions, feel free to send me (or any other member) a message. Have fun contributing.

XNALara 'netiquette'/community guidelines were approved by the following members:
BlueJ97
TRDaz
king.neko212
XNAaraL
Love2Raid
RoxasKennedy
thePWA
Walleye
o0Crofty0o
Kukla
Goha
RazKurdt

RoxasKennedy · 25-07-12, 00:47

I approve of this, too! D:
XD

Love2Raid · 25-07-12, 00:51

Sorry! Added your name. XD

king.neko212 · 25-07-12, 00:52

great job

if only newcomers read that .

thePWA · 25-07-12, 00:58

Should clear things up. Well done.

Walleye · 25-07-12, 02:05

I also approve of these guidelines, not only because they are helpful, but because I want my name on the list. :P

Love2Raid · 25-07-12, 02:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by king.neko212

great job

if only newcomers read that .

Thanks!

Many probably won't. >_>
But instead of explaining the same things over and over again, you can simply post a link to this thread and be done with it. :-))

Quote:

Originally Posted by thePWA

Should clear things up. Well done.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walleye

I also approve of these guidelines, not only because they are helpful, but because I want my name on the list. :P

Okay, I'll put your name up there as well.

Walleye · 25-07-12, 02:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by love2raid

okay, i'll put your name up there as well. :d

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! Acceptance!

o0Crofty0o · 25-07-12, 07:35

Approved.

TRDaz · 25-07-12, 07:59

I think this should be stickied, then its easier to find

Great job with this L2R

25-07-12, 00:46	#1
Love2Raid Member Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 20,738	XNALara Netiquette /Community Guidelines The official rules are created and enforced by the forum staff. Make sure to not break those, because you could get a warning or even a ban if you do. But there are a few more things that you should know (and are expected to know!) if you want to contribute to the XNALara community: *XNALara Netiquette* What is 'netiquette'? Netiquette is a term that describes etiquette on the Internet and is a combination of the words 'net(work)' and 'etiquette'. It is a list of guidelines that one should follow to be accepted by the community and to avoid being 'flamed'. In a lot of cases, those guidelines are unwritten and new members are expected to just know them by reading tons of posts before joining. The XNALara community prefers to have more transparency, to make it easier for new members to jump right in and have a good time. By the time you've reached the end of this wall of text, you'll already feel much more at home. ;-) General netiquette/'things you should know' This is not specific for this area of the forum, it applies to the entire forum and you can read all about it right here (read it!). For the most part, it simply comes down to using your common sense. Remember that we are all real human beings here, treat others the same way you would want to be treated. One more thing: write in English, otherwise people might not understand what you are saying. It's okay to make mistakes, but at least show that you tried your best. XNALara specific netiquette (and guidelines) Introducing yourself You can make a thread here to introduce yourself, if you are planning to be active on the entire board and want to make friends outside of the XNALara forum as well. If you aren't interested in Tomb Raider, other videogames or Britney Spears, you can introduce yourself as well by simply posting in this thread and start to get to know people. Learning XNALara Instructions are written here and here. If you need help, it's best to ask in this thread instead of making a new one. Be patient, people can be off-line or too busy to respond immediately. You are expected to read those instructions before asking for help. Use the search function first, someone else might have had the exact same problem in the past. If you're really stuck, don't hesitate to ask for help. Members are generally glad to help and share their knowledge. Posting images Show off your work in this thread. If you have used other rendering engines, like Blender or Maya, you can also post it in those threads. We have threads for 3ds Max, Blender, Cinema 4D and Maya. If the image is really big (larger than 1024x768 pixels or 500 kb), post it as a link or use a thumbnail. After all, not everyone has a light speed connection and really big images distort the forum layout (which is annoying). When you quote pictures to comment on them, convert them to links to keep the thread tidy (simply delete the [img] or replace by [url]), unless you think that people might have missed it and want to give it more exposure. Sometimes your work won't receive any comments. This sucks, obviously. There can be many reasons for it, but don't feel bad about it. It's never personal, just keep trying. Commenting on work by others will usually result in more comments for yourself, it's just how life works. Don't go acting all desperate though, cause to be frank: it looks bad. Requesting models Some advice: it's better to not let your very first post on the forum be a request. It's not unacceptable, but some people might not appreciate it. Don't make a new thread about it, simply ask here. Don't ask too much at the same time, be selective. If people don't reply, it either means that they haven't seen it yet or that they don't want to do it or can't do it. Be patient, wait a few days before you ask again. It can go a lot faster if you try to help a bit yourself, for example by doing the extraction of the data only (maybe you're one of the few people who has this particular game!). When you've finally got what you wanted, show your appreciation by thanking the person who helped you. It doesn't cost you anything, but it can mean a whole lot. Sharing models You can share your original models here. Make sure that they are usable in XNALara! Most people don't appreciate 'lazy ports'. It means that people expect you to take advantage of what XNALara can do. For example if a model has normal map and specular map textures, you are expected to assign them to your model so that it looks pretty. If you don't know what those are, it would be better to look (and ask) around before you upload your work. It also means that you should get rid of ugly seams in the models (wherever it's possible) and that you perform a bug-check before uploading. Rename the bones of the model so that they are easier to pose. If you don't want to, make it clear that you haven't done that so that someone else can do it for you. When people find a (serious) bug in your model, you are expected to fix it and make a new upload. You can share 'raw' models here (don't share game files that have nothing to do with models!). Modifications of models that have already been posted in the recap thread, go in the modding thread. Always post a picture that shows what people can expect. It doesn't have to be pretty, just to let them know what they are downloading. Make sure the picture/model doesn't break the rules! Sharing poses and scenes These can be shared in this thread (and requested). Don't request or share poses that break the forum rules, so nothing obscene or pornographic. Use your common sense here. Again, a simple 'thank you' if someone fulfilled your request doesn't take a whole lot of effort. Making an awesome and anatomically correct pose can take quite long! Re-uploading If a model (or a pose, or anything else) has a working link, don't create a new one. If a link no longer works, contact the person who uploaded it. Why is it down? Maybe the person doesn't even know (Mediafire for example tends to delete links). You can do them a big favour by letting them know about it, so that they can re-up it themselves. They might have taken it down for a reason, maybe it has an error or it needs an update. Contacting them will clarify this for you. If the person can't be reached in any way, anyone who was lucky enough to download that model is free to share it with others, if people are asking for it. Credits and copyright Never forget that, when it comes to original models (or modifications of original models), the developers and the publishers of the game hold all rights. You cannot claim copyright or any kind of ownership over them. Thus far, what we do has been 'tolerated' by most companies (except for Bethesda, it is advised to not share their models here), but if this forum receives complaints then the staff has no choice but to take action. Read more here. Since the developers and publishers are the only rightful owners of the models, they should always be credited. So do that when you upload a render, a model or a modification. The model 'porters' have no right to claim the XNALara models as their own. However, that doesn't mean that you should totally forget about them. It can be a lot of work to get a nice looking model in XNALara. It is a time-consuming process and we all have our real lives and other hobbies. So it's a sign of your appreciation to credit the person who converted the model to XNALara as well. It can also help other people to find the model that you used. Sometimes a model porter/modder explicitly mentions that they do not wish to be credited, so in that case you don't credit them. This also applies to poses etc. Using work by others When you share something, like a model or a modification, it is advised to include a so-called readme file. In this readme file, you can write things like instructions and your 'terms of use'. Always check if there is a readme file when you download something. If the modder wrote in that readme that they don't want others to take textures/meshes/armature etc. from the model, then don't do it. Even if the modder doesn't legally own the original model, it is advised to respect their wish if you want to stay on friendly terms with the other members. You are always free to contact the modder and talk about it. Who knows, they might make an exception for you or even change their mind about this altogether. If there is no readme, contact the modder about it. If you can't reach them, you can either decide to use it or not use it. If you do, at least make sure to credit that person to avoid trouble when they return to the forum and see it. Try to place yourself in their shoes, how would you want to be treated? Work in Progress (W.I.P.) thread When you are working on something or you want to work on something in the near future, let others know about it in this thread. It's also good to take a look in there and see if someone else isn't already working on that same project. In general, it is advised to not bite off more than you can chew. While you are free to show anything you want, many members don't find it very cool if you tease things that you'll never share with others. Competitions We've got some cool competitions going on now and then, don't hesitate to jump in! It's a good incentive to improve your skills, a good way to get to know people and it's just fun (unless you're a bad loser ;-)). If you want to start a competition, ask yourself if you have the time to manage it. Also check if there isn't another similar competition running already. When you think all of that is good, first discuss your idea with the other members. If enough people are interested, you can go ahead and start it. Take a look at other competition threads to get an idea about how it's supposed to be done. Regarding deviantArt (and similar websites) It's okay to link to your deviantArt account when you're sharing a render, a pose or a model. However, you are potentially subjecting minors to your entire gallery by doing that. This forum does not want to take responsibility for that, so you are required to 'hide' all your mature deviations by tagging them as 'mature'. If you make sure you've got that covered (pun not intended), there should be no problem. There are some disagreements between a few members of TRF and deviantArt. Try to not take 'drama' from that place to this forum. If you've got any questions, feel free to send me (or any other member) a message. Have fun contributing. XNALara 'netiquette'/community guidelines were approved by the following members: BlueJ97 TRDaz king.neko212 XNAaraL Love2Raid RoxasKennedy thePWA Walleye o0Crofty0o Kukla Goha RazKurdt Last edited by Love2Raid; 02-08-12 at 23:30.

25-07-12, 00:52	#4
king.neko212 Member Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 4,076	great job if only newcomers read that . Last edited by king.neko212; 25-07-12 at 00:57.

25-07-12, 00:47	#2
RoxasKennedy Member Joined: May 2010 Posts: 6,774	I approve of this, too! D: XD

25-07-12, 00:51	#3
Love2Raid Member Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 20,738	Sorry! Added your name. XD

25-07-12, 00:58	#5
thePWA Member Joined: May 2012 Posts: 284	Should clear things up. Well done.

25-07-12, 02:05	#6
Walleye Member Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 873	I also approve of these guidelines, not only because they are helpful, but because I want my name on the list. :P

25-07-12, 07:35	#9
o0Crofty0o Member Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 6,726	Approved.

25-07-12, 07:59	#10
TRDaz Member Joined: May 2011 Posts: 10,466	I think this should be stickied, then its easier to find Great job with this L2R