The question people ask me most is why don't I allow retextures. I have avoided answering this question because my reasons do not translate well. You, as the end user, naturally see this issue differently than what I, the independent content creator, see it, so it's difficult to articulate the reasons that others can understand it from my point of view. But for certain reasons I would like to explain why I don't allow retextures or derivatives. I truly feel bad saying no to so many wonderful people who ask to use my work and not explaining why just makes me feel that much more horrible. I also feel people think I'm just saying no to be mean. I am very much a grinch, but I'd like for people to at least know why.

First, I made it and therefore it represents me, so if someone takes what I made and creates a derivative that derivative still represents me and it reflects my artistic ability, knowledge and attention to detail even if I didn't make it. My original work will still be judged even if it's a derivative. You may not agree with this but that doesn't make it any less true. Whereas you may be able to make the distinction between a derivative and original work, and separate the original artist and people who create derivatives, the average user cares very little and see it all the same. I also work very hard to create a standard that I'm known for so to allow some retextures that do not meet that standard that I've work so hard to create would be counterproductive.

I also create my work with a specific image to it. In fact I believe the image I have worked so hard to create is one of the aspects about my work that stands out from the vanilla game, CDLCs and other mods. Whereas some content creators choose to make liberal creative choices, which there's nothing inherently wrong with, I choose to be as authentic as possible. Though admittedly that doesn't make much sense, but for someone to take my work, which is based on real, authentic equipment, and apply, for an example, twenty different shades of multi-Spongebob camo to it doesn't exactly lends itself to the image I have created and try to maintain.

And that's to put it mildly. Some may even create derivatives of my work that is hateful, offensive, cruel or inappropriate, such as ISIS uniforms, or including racist, sexist .etc symbology. Certain individuals and organizations know too well the troubles that situation brings and I have zero interest in dealing with that situation. And again, if someone creates a derivative that includes stuff like that it still reflects on me. Again, some people may be able to make the distinction, however the average person sees it all the same. Certain individuals may say Steam or BI would intervene on my behalf but even if they did the damage to me would already have been done. I also can't rely on Steam or BI to intervene in these issues, which is highly unlikely in the first place. And I do not have the means or resources of defending myself.

Indeed, the very essence of some of my content I create that could be considered sensitive depends solely on truthfulness, honesty, faithfulness and integrity and for someone to create a derivative that does not adhere to that standard may reflect poorly not only on me, but on those who I associate and work with.

There's also the legal aspect of it. A huge issue is people using copyrighted camouflage patterns, such as multicam, or other copyright materials to create a derivative. All of my patterns are either from sources that allow its use or from my own personal real life sources. I do my best not to use copyrighted patterns and respect other's intellectual property. So for someone to take my work and apply copyrighted patterns or materials to it honestly infuriates me. How dare someone use my work to infringe on someone else's intellectual property. Not only is that illegal and wrong it's also extremely distasteful. And again, even if it's a derivative someone else created it still reflects on me and possibly even makes me legally liable. The person who may have had their intellectual property infringe upon will look at me for damages, especially considering the real person who infringed on their intellectual property by creating a derivative of my work will probably weasel their way out of taking responsibility for their actions. As much as it may be a legal “grey area” it's still an area I don't want to mess with. Again certain individuals may say that Steam or BI may intervene on my behalf in a situation like this but again, highly unlikely.

And to be brutally honest I don't want my work to be associated with people who don't respect other's intellectual property or who create distasteful content. Admittedly I'm not always the person I want to be and sometimes I do experience lack of good judgment but how can I be the person I want to be if I willingly enable the people I have describe so far to make derivatives of my work that infringes on other's intellectual property or includes distasteful content. And to associate with those people would harm my own standing in the community, my professional image and possibly other people I associate with.

However, as hard as this may be to believe I did long time ago allow derivatives of my work but that proved to be a giant mistake. Communities would have their little “arguments” and community vs community fights over stuff I've created that they had modified and want to claim ownership of. To give an example of a situation I've experienced someone in community A created a derivative that somehow made its way over to community B when it wasn't supposed to, creating a huge argument and fight, in which case they had turn to me to intervene. I'm just an artist. I don't have the resources to intervene on anything. I just wanted to create content that everyone can enjoy. And then these people weaponize the content I created and caused arguments over. It's hard to describe how it feels seeing your work used like that. And then they turn to me and expect me to do something as if I had any legal ability or obligation to do anything. I learned the hard way never to allow derivatives. Naturally, people will still argue regardless of what I do, however prohibiting derivatives absolves me of other's inability to function properly in their respective communities.

Now, I will admit, yes, I do want some fame for my work. I provide my work for free for everyone to enjoy. It is not a CDLC. I don't hide my work behind a paywall. I spent countless hours creating this content and it is not easy at all. I have given up a lot to create content for this community, beyond anything that is reasonable. So is having a little fame too much to ask for? I get very little in return for what I do and thank yous and subscription numbers honestly goes a long way. For people to make derivatives, which may not adhere to the standard, image and respect for intellectual property rights of others, dilutes what little I take away from doing this. And as much as people said they would credit me there's a lot of work I have created that is floating around that I am not credited for, such as boonie caps retextures, police car/officer equipment and firetrucks. And then these people also turn around and collect payments for my work. They literally steal my work and make money off from it. Some would even go as far as criminal perjury, intellectual property theft and telling me to kill myself. I have encountered so many horrible people doing this it's depressing.

There's a few more reasons why I don't allow retextures or derivatives but for legal reasons I cannot discuss. I do want to say there are individuals who I would like to allow to create derivatives, however I try to be as fair as possible, so if I don't allow one person to create derivatives then I must not allow others to create derivatives. There are two exceptions to my policy, however if you understood or knew of those exceptions you would know those are special and most importantly people I can trust and have the ability to be good stewards of the content I have created that they utilize. There is two other unique situations that's somewhat noteworthy, however it's completely different than the issue here. In all other issues I have a zero tolerance policy.

I realize some individuals may feel like they have a rational or legitimate reason to allow retextures or derivatives and while I respect their right to their own beliefs and opinions I am the one who created this content, so it's my decision. I do believe there are ways to rectify this whole issue however it's not my place to interject my beliefs or opinions outside of my own content.

I also want to explain why I stopped modding. I honestly don't enjoy doing it anymore. I've had a lot of horrible experiences over the past few years within the Arma community and outside of it. Only out of professional courtesy I won't point any fingers or elaborate. And I'm not obligated nor do I have any incentives to continue modding for Arma. So if I don't enjoy doing it anymore then I really have no reason to, especially when I can do other forms of art that doesn't have all the complications of modding.

I hope I explained this well. While I appreciate people's views on this subject I have already put a lot of thought into this.