Mixed Question

[8bit_samurai]

i wasnt really sure where to post this question, for i couldnt find the answer. although it does deal with video software, but it also deals with ethics as well. a while ago i discovered wmm allows custom effects, which brings me to my question. is downloadable custom effects for wmm ethical, or would that be considered warez/serialz/crackz?

[Arigatomina]

Since wmm is a free-for-use program, it should be allowed here. Actual links for where to download the program are allowed precisely because it's free. Warez is where you provide illegal copies of things - namely things you should technically be paying for, not getting for free.

But you're just talking effect plug-ins, right? Made by people who use the program? Unless the creators of those custom effects are trying to sell them, or state that they don't want them distributed outside their website, I don't see why you couldn't link to them here. I've seen people link to all sorts of custom filters and plugins for other free (and costly) programs like VirtualDubMod and Premiere.

Interesting question.

[8bit_samurai]

well, i got em for free. the sites were http://www.rehanfx.org and http://www.hitthebongo.co.uk . hitthebongo has a copyright statement http://www.hitthebongo.co.uk/videofx/20 ... right.html which i understand. i ask this because i am currently workin on a project with movie maker that is solely using effects/transitions, and before i start using these effects i wanted clearify i am able to. some of the effects makes its seem like it couldnt be done with wmm alone. actually most of the stuff are transitions, but the way if im able to use them makes it seem like an effect. the stuff i downloaded were xml documents in a zip file with an instructions to extract them in a specific folder[/url]

[headphone_child]

You're just asking if you're allowed to use them on AMVs for this site? Or is it something more? If the former is the case then I see no reason not to be able to; I've used some myself without issues. The effects were indeed created by users who use WMM as Arigatomina wondered, and because they are free to use, (with the exception of some I've seen, but even then if you paid for them and used them it wouldn't be a problem), they are not considered illegal.

[8bit_samurai]

yes im asking if i am able to use them for an amv and be able to upload it, if not upload it then have like an indirect link or somethin. i know downloaded things are looked down upon here at the org and have consequences and such. i just want to clearify i am able to use downloaded custom effects for wmm with an amv that im plannin to use a bunch of hours on, which i dont want to waste any time with.

[headphone_child]

Downloaded footage is looked down upon because it is in fact illegal (minus a few exceptions maybe but you get the point). However what you want to do is completely legitimate.

One way to look at it is that the alternate (and preferred) method to obtaining footage is by buying the DVDs (legal) as opposed to downloading (illegal). There is no alternative to downloaded custom effects, and it doesn't matter because it's legal anyway. The creator intended the effects to be downloaded and used, that's what they're there for (unless you got the effects from somewhere other than the creator intended, which may possibly raise some issues, but that doesn't appear to be the case).

I hope that clears some things up for you.

[Arigatomina]

Okay, having looked at a few of the transition effects that site offers, they look a lot like fanworks. The 'various' flash shows effects that are colored, stylized, and very particular to the artist who created them. I know the site says the effects are all 'free for use' but if you do use them, I think you should give a nod to the artist who made them. Especially since you'll be using a lot of them, to the point where this artist's animations will take up as much room as the anime. I'm just saying to name your source (and link if you want to be really polite) so viewers know you didn't create those colored animations yourself. That's all these transitions are, after all, someone's original animation put into a 'plug and go' format for wmm.

The only reason these effects are questionable - for use in an amv - is because you're using a large portion of someone else's footage with their 'free for all' permission. Credit your source the same way you do the anime, just out of consideration for the creative person who made those effects. They're pretty...pretty. Gaudy, even, but still pretty and very creative.

Just make sure you use more anime footage than 'effect animation' footage. A video made entirely out of colored blocks and swirling stars is not an anime music video and doesn't belong here.

[8bit_samurai]

aright thanks. dont worry it aint gonna be lotta flashy colored blocks or swirly stars or anything like that. theres a few in particular in both places that i had in mind. i already put in three and a half hours with the stuff wmm comes with. right now my dvd player wont play dvds, although it plays highmat, regular cds and such, but then if it plays too long the blue screen or some other thing goes wrong, mostly due to over heatin or somethin like that, so im stuck with ffvii an ffviii footage. but when i get a new laptop, it will all change, bein at the same time im most likely gettin a new editor as well. ill be sure to credit the sources.

[vc.angel]

I NEED HELP!

1. How do I download a video?
2. How do I get the little icons that you guys have?
3. How do you find the videos?

[vc.angel]

No one is answering me..