Advice on Resource Permissions

[dseden]

Hello,

When someone allows permissions for music usage in a project, I'm not sure how much freedom you have to manipulate it in order to integrate it properly into a project.

For example, is changing the file format okay? What about editing to loop it/loop it better?

The music I have in mind is currently concerning Aaron Krogh. I'm sure a lot of people here know that he released some brilliant tracks free for use. The thing is, he did not seem to specify how far the tracks can be manipulated in terms of the above. Or perhaps it does not need to be stated because it is absolutely fine to do these things? Because I'm new to this, I have no idea about what is fine to do and what modifications require permission.

I've tried contacting him via his soundcloud 27 days ago but received no reply:

Hi, this is concerning your free music. I want to ask if it's fine to make edits so I can get the tracks to loop properly in ogg format.
Thanks.

So I need to know if it is okay to:

1 - Convert his mp3 to ogg.

2 - Make small cuts/edits to loop it properly.

Does anyone have experience in this? Is this fine, or does it require permission - and what's the best way to contact him?

Thanks.

 

[Banquo]

The only way to do this properly is to get the explicit permission of the creator. If something is not clearly stated ALWAYS assume that you are not allowed to, unless the creator tells you so.

I wonder, if it would be alright to do the edits without permission, as long as you don't use them in your game. Perhaps someone can tell you that Aaron is likely alright with it, then you could go ahead and edit the music, until you Aaron contacts you. I don't know this, it's just a thought!

 

[Scythuz]

Always ask for permission first, even if it's free you should never edit someones work without some kind of consent from the composer. Obviously though, if they include editing in their terms of use, you already have their permission.

Edit: Needless to say this goes for every other type of resource too.

 

[Ms Littlefish]

It's going to vary person to person.

I know for a lot of store content you can edit but cannot redistribute your edit.

But for others? Not so sure. You'd have to email them if their TOS doesn't clearly state what the allowances are.

 

[dseden]

Thanks.

Does anyone know of a way that I can get in touch with Aaron Krogh?

As stated, I've tried his soundcloud about a month ago, but no response.

Thanks again.

 

[Celianna]

I think it's safe to say you're allowed to edit the work for personal use, as long as you do not distribute it.

 

[dseden]

The reason this thread is posted in the commercial section of the forums is because I'm hoping to release a commercial game

 

[optimum45]

My best advice is to look at it this way.  They will tell you what you can and can't do with the agreement.  Anything else, everything else, should be directed to the creator as a request.  Perhaps they will do it for you, or even let you do it yourself.  But without their permission, you're treading into dangerous water.

It's *always* better to ask.

 

[dseden]

Well, the main issue is figuring out how to contact the guy, as stated previously, he is not responding via soundcloud.

I also found this link - it says 'no usage restrictions' but I'm not sure exactly what that means.

Hopefully someone will come along who has an idea. Thanks for all the advice so far.

 

[JosephSeraph]

Should converting the file format and adding a loop point be considered editing, though? For me it is just working it in the engine.

 

[Kes]

I certainly have never heard that changing the file format counts as editing, as the track itself remains unchanged.  Perhaps some composers here would clarify if they would consider that an edit of their work.

 

[Ms Littlefish]

Personally, if it were my music I wouldn't consider that an edit. In fact, if my music were in an unworkable format for someone's project, I'd want them to make it functional otherwise it wouldn't get used! I think the problem is that there's a chance that other composers may feel differently and I cannot answer for another.

 

[Scythuz]

I'm not against changing the file format but if you want something looped (one of my older tracks for example) it's best to ask me to do it since I know the tracks better so I'll be able to give you a more seamless loop (assuming it was made to loop).  You should always stick to the safe side and ask if it's not already covered in a resource creators terms.

 

[dseden]

Yup, looks like there are no fixed rules. This seems to be largely a subjective thing - how the creator feels about their work; how much control they wish to retain. Unfortunately, the statement containing terms of use are usually not specific, but seem to be written in a very loose way or general sense.

 

[dseden]

Very little luck on facebook. I think I'll try searching for an e-mail address soon and see how that works.

If you think game development is difficult, try hunting down permissions lol.

 

[dseden]

Just an update: No luck yet.