'Stolen' LDD MOCs in the LEGO.com Star Wars Creations Page

[XimenaPaulina]

I just discovered, to my annoyance, one member of the LEGO.com Star Wars Creations Page named -MasterBuilder-, has 'stolen' LDD MOCs from various builders here in Eurobricks and wrongfully claims they're his own creations.

Here's the link of the Member Page:

http://us.starwars.l...FY0RElqcHZFeg--

Below is the list of the stolen LDD MOCs (which you could see in his page):

1. LDD Creations - AT-RT Collection (from KielDaMan, EB Topic: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=50708)

2. LDD Creations - Jedi Starfighters (from KielDaMan, EB Topic: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=50708)

3. LDD Creations - BARC Speeder (from KielDaMan, EB Topic: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=50708)

4. LDD Creations - Razor Squad ARC-170 (from KielDaMan, EB Topic: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=50708)

5. LDD Creations - Jedi Gunship (from KielDaMan, EB Topic: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=50708)

6. ARC Gunship (from KielDaMan, EB Topic: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=50708)

7. Jedi Shuttle Bus (from KielDaMan, EB Topic: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=50708)

8. LDD Creations - Lambda-class Shuttle (from Brickdoctor, EB Topic: http://www.eurobrick...entry1139280)

9. LDD Creations - TIE Bomber (from Brickdoctor, EB Topic: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=61777)

10. LDD Creations - TIE Interceptor (from Brickdoctor, EB Topic: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=64128)

11. LDD Creations - AAT (from Bricksandparts, EB Topic: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=64141)

12. The Millennium Falcon's Escape (from spacepilot3000, EB Topic: http://www.eurobrick...owtopic=61735).

I assume he got the LXFs in the EB LXF MOC Index. I'm really disappointed considering that LXF Index was meant to encourage interest in LDD building and to share various building techniques but I never thought an immature kid would irresponsibly use them.

I've already reported this issue with the LEGO Customer Service (since apparently there is no Contact the Moderating Staff in that site). Hopefully, they would take the appropriate actions.

[Bob De Quatre]

I don't like thieves...

It makes me wonder if I'm going to continue to give the lxf files of my MOCs

[ACPin]

I just discovered, to my annoyance, one member of the LEGO.com Star Wars Creations Page named -MasterBuilder-, has 'stolen' LDD MOCs from various builders here in Eurobricks and wrongfully claims they're his own creations.

It's much more prevalent in that site also for MOCs as well. I've had my works showing up there before under some kids' names and unfortunately it happens again and again.

I've learned my lesson that whatever you post on the internet becomes fair game. Even so-called trusted sites repost without giving due credit to the original author/post. Sad but true.

AC

[CopMike]

Sad and common that young kids can´t stop themself from doing this!

As an original creator the watermarking/signature on the pictures is the only way to fight back.

[XimenaPaulina]

It makes me wonder if I'm going to continue to give the lxf files of my MOCs

I hear you, we have good intentions in sharing LXF files yet these things happen. I guess we just have to continue doing what we think is right and what will benefit the FOL community.

It's much more prevalent in that site also for MOCs as well. I've had my works showing up there before under some kids' names and unfortunately it happens again and again.

I've learned my lesson that whatever you post on the internet becomes fair game. Even so-called trusted sites repost without giving due credit to the original author/post. Sad but true.

AC

Yeah I understand how the internet can be harsh/unfair like this. This isn't actually the first time somebody ripped off a MOC photo from me, I've experienced this in flickr before (thanks to a vigilant flickr group who informed me). But this is the first time that someone stole my work and proudly claims that they're his own work, that he did this, this that.. Ugh... Kid doesn't even know how much time and effort I spent doing those MOCs and building them in LDD. Sigh, really disappointing... I guess I just have to learn to accept and deal with this reality.

Though I'll be really interested how the LEGO Customer Service will handle this, considering those 'stolen MOCs' are hosted on their official website, which isn't great for the company's image.

[CopMike]

I´ve added comments like this on everyone of them:

Like so many other designs, MasterBuilder has stolen this one. It´s from KielDaMan on Eurobricks. com - http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=49784&view=findpost&p=880927

[XimenaPaulina]

I´ve added comments like this on everyone of them:

Thanks CopMike! I did that also, but all my comments got rejected by the moderators.

[jmagaletta]

Wow, that is really annnoying and wrong. Sorry guys for your stolen moc's

[Bob De Quatre]

I couldn't help posting a comment on the Millennium Falcon's Escape "creation" page...

[Brickdoctor]

Wow. Thanks for posting this, KDM. I wonder if that guy has an EB account. My LXFs nowadays are uploaded as attachments, which I thought only members could download. (at least that was how it works when I joined, but that was a major version of the board's software ago)

Isn't there a flickr group that handles situations like this? In any case, while I'm a little annoyed, I really personally don't care what happens in the Creations sections of LEGO.com. It's all kids saying "awesome!" at whatever some other kids post.

[Erdbeereis]

As annoying as that is, I wouldn't be too worried about them being posted on that website. Like Doc said, it seems like the only users are kids who basically say they like everything they see.

[Sebeus I]

I used to photoshop my name on all pictures of my mocs, it didn't prevent people to steal it anyway

My moc still got stolen, luckely there were a lot of people who recognized my creation.

But these were pictures of mocs, I suppose you can't write your name on an LXF file,

I never understood why stuff like this happens, what could you possibly win by posting a moc that isn't yours? if it's just to show off or something that's just sad.

Anyway, this really got me to think about what I should do with my LXF files

[Anio]

As annoying as that is, I wouldn't be too worried about them being posted on that website. Like Doc said, it seems like the only users are kids who basically say they like everything they see.

Certainely.

But it is still not acceptable IMO.

I emailed Lego.

I hope it will be fixed soon.

edit : regarding the 3D files, I don't share them anymore.

=> problem solved. :o

Edited August 22, 2012 by Anio

[purpleparadox]

This is disgusting, wrong, and sad. It sickens me that some kid would just blatantly steal another builder's creations and post them as his own. Sure makes ya hesitant about sharing .lxf files.

[jmagaletta]

Just tried to click the links again. Looks like they were removed.

[Rook]

I’d prefer we form a lynching posse! (Do not form a lynching posse. )

Sadly plagiarism is one of the highest and lowest forms of flattery. You know you've made it when people start stealing your stuff.

[CopMike]

Just tried to click the links again. Looks like they were removed.

Yes they´ve been removed, only his own crap stuff remains. Good call KielDaMan !

[Brickdoctor]

I used to photoshop my name on all pictures of my mocs, it didn't prevent people to steal it anyway

My moc still got stolen, luckely there were a lot of people who recognized my creation.

But these were pictures of mocs, I suppose you can't write your name on an LXF file,

Yeah, he definitely took his own screenshots of those models.

My screenshots look a lot better.

I’d prefer we form a lynching posse! (Do not form a lynching posse. )

Lynching! Vote: -MasterBuilder- (some kid on LEGO.com)

Nice work, those of you who contacted TLG.

[BrickCommander]

Keep in in mind most of the uploaders are propably kids who don't have any bad intentions, they just don't know better.

I have no doubt they will, in time, develop the same healthy respect for other people's intellectual property, same as all of us adults.

Now, what's the URL of that movie warez-site again ..?

Just kidding. Yes, protecting one's own creations on the net where the attitude seems to be that everything is free and up for grabs is an ongoing battle. One of the kiddos posted a rather dark rendering of my 1:1600 Venator without giving credit, so I commented on that (not asking for it to be removed though). No need to shoot with guns at sparrows. Or little kids, for that matter

Edited August 22, 2012 by BrickCommander

[JackJonespaw]

Huh, well someone needs to learn the meaning of plagiarism. Unfortunately, once you post a picture on the internet, it's fair game unless you have a watermark. Sorry for Kiel's and BD's stolen LDD creations. Maybe you should only give the files out to people who pm you or something.

Oh yes, and I would also like to VOTE: -MasterBuilder-

[wokajablocka]

This is a shame . I'm glad to see that it has been fixed up.

Sad and common that young kids can´t stop themself from doing this!

As an original creator the watermarking/signature on the pictures is the only way to fight back.

My work is not to the same quality as the stolen MOC's but I will need to look at making watermarks on my pictures from now on, this is the best way to protect your work. As a former graphic artist its still not hard to clone out the watermarks though, so it not full proof but I'm sure it will deter a lot of theft.

[Brickdoctor]

As a former graphic artist its still not hard to clone out the watermarks though, so it not full proof but I'm sure it will deter a lot of theft.

Indeed. Actually, a lot of my photos end up with the watermark in the same corner on top of nothing but white. I could erase it in a couple seconds in MS Paint.

[XimenaPaulina]

Yes they´ve been removed, only his own crap stuff remains. Good call KielDaMan !

Great to know everything has been sorted out. Though this may not totally stop this kind of 'theft' online, this is still a significant step in hopefully educating the kids out there (who I know are reading this forum). Good to also know that TLG responded promptly, though I have yet to receive a reply on my email, but still satisfied overall with the quick action.

[Si-MOCs]

Nicely done KDM! Way to swing that Weiner around to get the job done!

As a former graphic artist its still not hard to clone out the watermarks though, so it not full proof but I'm sure it will deter a lot of theft.

Thieves are lazy... so sometime just that little bit is enough.

I've actually started using my LUG's engraved bricks in my builds, it's slightly harder to wipe out - but then people might not even think to look.

Though I suppose my LUG mates could steal my stuff....

[CopMike]

Keep in in mind most of the uploaders are propably kids who don't have any bad intentions, they just don't know better.

I have no doubt they will, in time, develop the same healthy respect for other people's intellectual property, same as all of us adults.

Now, what's the URL of that movie warez-site again ..?

I think that when the kid writes comments like "I didn't use the clone feature when I did this" then they do know better!