copyright question

[maclean]

hi all,

I'm new to this forum, (although I first downloaded celestia several years ago), so I need to give a bit of background info. I make and sell 3d content for a program called Poser, and I hadn't used celestia for quite a while, until recently when I needed to make some fake magazine covers for a project I'm working on. (I did one called Night Sky with a screencap of Neptune from celestia).

To cut to the chase, I understood from the readme (for V1.0.0.1) that it's open source and I can use images for commercial purposes too. Is this correct? Also, can I use images of add-ons commercially? Or does that depend on the individual creator?

I understand the problems of copyright pretty well. The poser community is quite small, but has had it's share of infringements. As a content creator, I'm very careful never to use any material if there's possible infringement. That's why I want to make doubly sure I'm in the clear.

Also, apologies if this topic has already been answered. I searched the main site, but couldn't find any info on copyright. I'm d/ling the latest version now, plus the readme, so maybe I'll find it there, but I want to make absolutely sure by asking.

TIA

mac

[WildMoon]

Well, selden or t00fri would have to tell you since they know more about Celestia than me (they design Celestia) so they'd have to tell you but I have a feeling that they would probably let you get a picture of one of the planets.

[maclean]

hi wildmoon,

Thanks for the fast reply. I've been searching the site and did find one thread on image copyright, but it didn't really cover commercial use. Although I did figure out that add-ons have separate copyright to the main app.

I have to say that the fake magazines aren't such a big deal. They're one item of about 60 in a pack containing the contents of a living-room. I know that's not the issue, but I made 5 covers using my own photographs (I used to be a fashion photographer) and one with a celestia image, so if necessary, I can change it and use more of my own images. I just thought it would be nice to have neptune on a cover. LOL.

Also, I'd give credit to the app and a link to the site. Actually, I've already posted the celestia site link at the forums I use. I think it's a cool app, so the more peole who know about it, the better.

cheers

mac

[selden]

Chris Laurel (Celestia's primary author) is the one who'd have the final say, but he hasn't been very vocal on the Forums for a while

All of the elements that are packaged with Celestia are covered by the Gnu General Public License. It's shown in Celestia's Help menu. My understanding is that this lets you use its images provided appropriate credit is given.

Individual Addons each are different, however. Some are public domain, some Gnu, some allow no commercial use without explicit permission.

[maclean]

hi selden,

Thanks for that info. I would give credit for all images, of course, and I don't need to use any add-ons in images. I'm also using some NASA and NOAA images. They have the same terms - credits and no implication of sponsorship for commercial products.

Anyway, to be 100% sure, I'l e-mail chris and ask. I see his addy in the readme.

Thanks to all for the help.

mac

PS Do images in threads have to hosted offsite?