Adventure Game Studio

Recently, someone in Sprite Jam cheated... the whole thread is here:

http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=26033.new#new

So, we started two discussions basically:

A) Should the guy be punished? Yes, no? Argument your reply.

And:

B) Should the sprite trophies be removed? Why/no, and argument your reply.

Now my replies: a) I was quite annoyed at the first moment when I saw the cheat... You can see that in my replies. Now I feel so much better and I think that I don't really care about a punishement (A permanent disqualification has been mentioned) or not. The guy may participate in future sprite jams, nobody will care, or will annoyed by his entries... But he will lose, because nobody is going to declare a cheater winner.

b)Trophies are not compulsory, you can make them, when hosting an SJ... or not!

So, what happens if you have won an SJ and that week's host doesn'tÃ,  want to make a trophy for you? Well... You have won... Do it yourself!

I would see silly to make compulsory to any SJ host to make trophies. But in the same level we have the decission of prohibiting them, IMO...

a) no punishment necessary.Ã,  Everyone knows he cheated, so there's no real point
b) I agree that making trophies is not mandatory (and definitely should NOT be), but I think people will feel obligated to do it anyway, especially if it becomes a tradition.Ã,  Having said that, I like the trophies and hope they stick around (but only if the host wants to make them for fun ^_^)

EDIT: reworded to make myself more clear ^_^

a) I think the biggest punishment is that he will completely lose credibilty in all future sprite jams and that now he has to regain the respect from everyone who is involved in SJ and even others in this forum.

b) You do know that your signatures can have so many characters, so I bet after 3 trophies + one of those stupid banners with a progres bar + get firefox button + a quote from your buddy on #AGS, then you wont' be able to fit more trophies.

I think it should be an official feature of the forum instead, if that is possible. And why would the winner have to do any extra work by  making a trophy? :P

I agree. I imagine the shame itself should be enough punishment. And I don't think we should blame the trophies. They might stimulate the incentive to participate, but if you're just  doing it for those, you're kind of missing the point.

I think that the latest winner should have a trophy (perhaps it could be part of the forum, like Edmundo suggested), and the next winner will take the trophy until the next week...

So only one person has a trophy at a time

He is not the first, or the last person to try and cheat on the jams. At least he didn't pull the pixelate a real picture routine.

Yeah, them were terrible.

b) I agree with farlander. The winners hosting the jam can make one if they want. it shouldn't be compulsory. I like the trophies too, but i hate to see the jam become too 'serious', keep it fun. I thought the trophies would contribute to that, but i guess not for some...

So i guess, it's up to the guy/gal hosting IMO.

[edit] I think the people hosting shouldn't announce they are gonna make trophies.  Let people enter for fun, I'm beginning to rethink this trophy thing too ...  :-\

Well, when I saw anghellic's sprite, I was quite surprised by the quality. Everything about him really pointed to him being a generic noob, and I was really shocked to see 'his' art. I was surprised to see I was wrong about him and I was happy about that. But I guess it was too good to be true.

Anyways, I don't think a punishment is in order. He'll have to go on with what he did, his reputation tarnished. Next time if he makes his own sprite, it'll probably suck, so he won't win any awards or attention anyways. On the other hand, if he makes a killer sprite of his own, I think that should be celebrated. This is an isolated incident and I don't think we should start policeing the forum in the manner of banning people from competitions. Fortunately his career as a fake was short-lived, because next time he does enter, people will be duely doubtful. So no punishment. He already created his punishment by single-handedly ruining his credibility.

I think this trophies issue is a non-issue. I don't really think it has any relevance to this incident. I think it's a nice addition to the comps and it's actually a fun way of motivating people. If it attracts a margin of fakes, then so be it. They'll eventually be found out. And I agree with you that trophies are up to the jam host.

Here's an alternative solution: Why doesn't someone create a general trophy sprites for all jams? I understand that it may not be as exciting as creating theme-based awards, but at least it wouldn't clutter up the signature areas for frequent winners. You could just have 1 x 'gold', 2 x 'silver' and so on. Or maybe this isn't a problem.

By the way, trphies for bg blitzes would be a great idea aswell.

instead of making 3 trophies, just keep it to one. Ã, if only the winner gets a trophy, even somone like big brother will have a hard time filling his signature with trophies (unless he decided to enter more).

everyone here is so fucking dumb.

A noob posts a fake picture, everyone believes the fucking dumb ass.
Then everyone starts posting pictures about some game that kid used to put my sprite on.
this is just so lame. Doesnt anyone here has a bit of brain?

Quote from: Anghellic on Mon 17/04/2006 20:33:11
Doesnt anyone here has a bit of brain?

Doesn't anyone here have a bit of brain.Ã,  ;D

on the trophies topic.
it would be nice to have a trophy, and then you can put the number of sprite jams you won on the trophy, and the trophy can even turn colour if you've won say 3 (turns gold), and so on.

I won't be liked later on. But I didn't like the idea of those silly trophys in the first place. they're fun to a certain point yes, but they really don't serve any sufficient function. I mean, of course you can add them in your signature, I would never do that, it's silly. And I wouldn't bother to do those for others. Though I might do some five for myself and add them there. I really think that treasuring them is just a waste of space and time. Yay, I drew a picture, give me new 500 pixels to fill the screen with. It's playful, but unnecessary, though I'm not saying it's supposed to be. There is already a hall of fame.

And about Aghellic cheating, are you sure he did? I read the thread again, and I wouldn't gladly believe anyone would cheat like that. And I don't see any real evidence that he did it, just some uploaded pictures by the guy who we don't know, no offence there, but I don't seek to offend the "artist" either. Unless you prove me there is such game with such monster more specific, I wouldn't trust the accusation. Yet I don't think they have nothing to do with this current issue.

To should the guy be punished, I say no, not in these conditions, if he did cheat he's bloody stupid, not giving up. But would someone really be that stupid; I find it hard to believe. It's easy to keep up a lie, but why would anyone do that. And I'm not convinced that he did cheat. I'm very suspicious though, again Anghellic, your earlier sprite wasn't nearly as good as this one, that tends to get people suspicious, no offence meant...

Should the trophies be removed, tbh I don't give a horses ass, I gave my point of view and sure people can use them, but goddamnit it's irritating to read people's comments on the trophies more than on the sprites. I reckon the trophy trend would die any day soon no matter what.

Oh, and Anghellic, I hope for your sake you're right about that...

Tuomas, why don't you play probotector if you're sceptical. It's pretty good, Contra hack, more or less. I'm sure you'll find the sprite in question in there. I find it strange you don't believe a person would cheat so easily about something as frivolous as a spritejam. People cheat to get recognition and respect on the internet all the time, what's new about it?

Quote from: Anghellic on Mon 17/04/2006 20:33:11
everyone here is so fucking dumb.

A noob posts a fake picture, everyone believes the fucking dumb ass.
Then everyone starts posting pictures about some game that kid used to put my sprite on.
this is just so lame. Doesnt anyone here has a bit of brain?

You aren't good at lying.

Google Contra the alien wars, and on the third page you will see a screenshot with your stolen sprite. My understanding of google is that it takes a while (a month or so) for anything to be listed in its archive. This picture has clearly been there a good while, and you attempted to cheat and got caught.

Now stop before you have to make up the "my brother hacked my account" excuse.

Well I've seen the guy being on his way of becoming a regular member, why the fuck would he then continue lying about this? It's not like it's a big deal at all if you don't make it one yourself. I mean, people cheat yes, several people have cheated in Sprite Jam, but still most won't claim it to the grave that it is their own. Bloody hell, I'll go seraching that game and see if the sprite is on it before I believe anything.

Quote from: Squinky on Mon 17/04/2006 20:52:12
Now stop before you have to make up the "my brother hacked my account" excuse.

Funny thing that. My brother uses my account all the time, though he never writes anything.

http://www.planetemu.net/index.php?section=roms&dat=300&action=showrom&id=397677

knock yourself out.


http://www.planetharold.com/download/files/videothumbnails/Harold%20-%20Contra%20III.JPG this is the other pic on google btw. From someone unrelated to this bit of internet drama unfolding. Is he in on it, Tuomas?

If you're too lazy, you can also watch the video on this page: http://bisqwit.iki.fi/nesvideos/movies.cgi?systemid=2 It's listed as "SNES Contra 3".

Quote from: Helm on Mon 17/04/2006 20:47:38
It's pretty good, Contra hack, more or less.

Hehe. The European version was called Probotector and featured robots instead of shirtless hunks. I have always preferred Probotector over Contra! And yeah, it's pretty good. The original is one of my favourite Nes games. I still haven't managed to beat it without the notorious Konami code.

There was also a Nes port. The final boss looks a bit different in it: http://www.mobygames.com/game/nes/super-c/screenshots/gameShotId,48067/

Was Probotector on the Amiga? I recall playing a similar game to the screenshot in Helm's link but I can't for the life of me remember the name of the game.

Although I think it might have been something-something 2. Possibly.
The first level was all aboveground post-apocalyptic cityscape, but then it goes underground and I think sorta looks like Abuse does. I'm only telling you all this incase someone actually knows what game I'm on about so I can go play it!

what a lame shit, more and more shots of a BG with not my sprite...

Anghellic SHOULD BE BAND!!!!!!!! HE IS REALLY ANNOYING AND IS SWEARING THE WHOLE FORUM FOR TRYING TO SAVE HIM from lawsuits!!!

Anyway I just feel he doesnt want to come clean The shading is identical to real image and well ban him.

Trophies are kewl I agree with buloght the sprite jam guy gan make a trophy if he wants and shouldnt broadcast it until the winner is announced whetver or not he made trophies.

a) Punished? Isn't the fact of losing any respect enough punishment? No? Well, torch the f$#@ if you want, no one's going to miss him if you do... ::)
b) Trophies are not the problem. As already said, they are optional. They are a big thing now, but soon enough people would get used to getting (or not getting) them.

and c) even if it sounds stupid I think airgo deserves a medal for busting a cheater:

Yeah, I see... I'd like to hear it from Anghellic too, see what he thinks of all these games. I don't suppose anyone would go and add your sprite to all of these sites, now would they. It doesn't make sense. And what doesn't make any more sense is why the hell you keep saying it's your sprite if it isn't? You can't bloody prove anything by calling us dumb.

I still don't think he deserves any more attention or anything, that' smy opinion on this. It's not like the end of the world if he cheated, he's just a fool then, claiming he didn't. I'm not here to judge, I'll leave it to those of us who have nothing better to do, but I'll say that I'd like you to clarify your point in claiming that sprite your own. All the sign show that you had nothing to do with doing this sprite. Though if you can convince me the otherway, I'm willing to believe.

And no, he shouldn't be banned. He hasn't done anything in my opinion, but I know it doesn't count since I'm no operator, nor am I playing one. And Afflict, please use dots, that's what's annoying...

A) I think no punishment should take place. The only scarry thing is Anghellic is still insisting and trying to get away with it. No regreat. No shame. Scarry.

B) I think trophies are good "baits" to motivate participation. I've clearly noticed an increase in the number of entries on this sprite jam, in comparison to others I've started. Trophies were also becoming some sort of new tradition. But, in my opinion, they're nice, but nothing more. And they do induce more competitivity.

Cheaters will always exist, as Squinky mentioned. But I say let's avoid potencialy cheating stimulative situations, since this is a democratic community, and not all of us think alike (see (A) for a good example. Cheat, insist, lie and feel no remorse).

Cheerio,
Stefano

damn jaleous noobs!! next time ill make a movie of me drawing my sprite!! but if you stupids keep acting dumb as like spyware infected your brains i wont draw such an awsome sprite again.

Quote
I've clearly noticed an increase in the number of entries on this sprite jam, in comparison to others I've started.

That might be down to the topic.  It was pretty much a "draw whatever you can think of" situation and not a "draw a cowboy" or "draw a blonde girl in september" or whatever.

Quote from: Anghellic on Mon 17/04/2006 21:17:47
damn jaleous noobs!! next time ill make a movie of me drawing my sprite!! but if you stupids keep acting dumb as like spyware infected your brains i wont draw such an awsome sprite again.

Now you see, until now I've been defending you. But I can assure you my sympathy is not on you anymore. I think with such attitude it'd be better for you to just shut up.

I don't think banning is necessary ... he did something wrong, was called out on it, and is now dealing with it (albeit in a not so mature manner).  The only thing I worry about is how he'll be treated by others ... in which case he'll probably get mad, troll for a bit, piss a few more people off, then vanish into the ether ... (I only make this guess due to

As for the trophies ... I think they are okay.  They encourage people to enter the sprite jams (and other competitions) which is, I think, a good thing.

I think what should be done is this:

We have a competition to design the trophies!  1 for coding, music, sprites, stories, bgs, etc.  In this way we have only 1 trophy for each rather than a different trophy for every time a contest is won.  THEN when a person wins a second one the little trophy can/could just have a x2 added on.

I don't really like them being in the sig files though.  Pehaps under the avatars or something.  A small 20x20 icon(s) for the competitions with the number of wins next to it.  Maybe they link to the hall of fame thread or something?

why not make the trophy a smaller, golden version of the winning entry on a pedestal?

Just to further beat this into the ground:

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=contra3_owns

Among the screenshots Maddox lists is one that includes the alien boss in question.

And why would you assume we're jealous? The sprite is typical early nineties arcade crap. Even if you somehow were Japanese and did draw the original sprite, it wouldn't count in the Jam, and it's nothing to orgasm over.

Of everyone here, you're acting the most "fucking dumb" right now.

I think he should be applauded. He's got balls.

Lol thats what i did originaly with buloghts entry. Well i took his rpg version.

As for anghellic I dare you to draw such an aweseom sprite again... This time dont forget the copy and paste function doesnt count!

I think lock the thread ban this man if he atleast would of admit it it would be fine.

And now hes sending me pm's saying that he would f up the thread if i say anything more.. LoL

I DONT LIKE YOU! ANGHELIC. Your everything I hate about guys that want the lime lite but cant work for it.
Start like all of us did, and get better!

And the BALLS are in his head...

If you think posting anonymously on an obscure internet forum with a sprite rip from an old game takes balls, you must live in a plastic bubble.

Hey guys... I see here "punishing" and "banning", and that sounds bad. No one has been banned atm, not even Kickme, who hacked some of the most reputated members. Sorry for that, the "punishing" world was brought for first time by me.

In the SJ thread we talked about "permanent disqualifying" in SJ.... just to make it clear. As said, I don't care, it is going to be funny to see an annoying kid trying to make a famous professional's sprite as one made by him every week.

About the little trophies, I like Darth Mandarb's idea of making a compo, and the "X2", "X3", "X4" idea Mordalles had... but maybe in the hall of fame. I am against prohibiting them in the signature, but I am almost sure most of us are going to see how silly having a signature full of trophies would be after having 3 or 4 looks...

Quote from: Anghellic on Mon 17/04/2006 21:01:59
what a lame shit, more and more shots of a BG with not my sprite...

youre a dumbass, that image DID have the sprite in. are you blind, and dont say you are or how would YOU have drawn that sprite?

Quote from: Farlander on Mon 17/04/2006 21:57:56
About the little trophies, I like Darth Mandarb's idea of making a compo, and the "X2", "X3", "X4" idea Mordalles had... but maybe in the hall of fame. I am against prohibiting them in the signature, but I am almost sure most of us are going to see how silly having a signature full of trophies would be after having 3 or 4 looks...

I like that idea too, but how would it work?Ã,  Would there be a long list of every member who has won, and little trophies next to their name?Ã,  I think that would be fine, as long as it doesn't add too much of a hassle for the mods...Ã, 
However, if the trophies are changed to standard smaller ones (with 2x etc.), I don't think it would be too much of a problem to leave them in the signatures, because they won't be any more intrusive than what's in there now ^_^

EDIT: Hold on, if the names were listed like I said, it would be pretty much exactly what's already in the HoF... *lol* I'll just shut up now ^_^

Sorry to butt in but lol, this isn't going anywhere anymore, it's pretty much proven that it's ripped. I suggest that if this happens more often someone could make a sticky in the competitions forum with names of people that have been proven cheats.

The idea of having a competition to make throphies is cool , but it might end up being a competition for who won the most competitions. The cool thing about getting a homemade trophy is that it's more a token of appreciation rather than another number to the winnings list.  Just my 2 cents.

Good point.

In my opinion, the Hall of Fame is doing a great job of showing who has won each comp.  The trophies are different, if you see a trophy in someone's signature, you're not going to know where they won it, or what for, you're going to say, "Why does Stefano have a golden dolphin in his sig?"

The trophies are more of a complimentary prize given by the host, saying, "Hey, nice sprite, enter again!".  The host shouldn't have to make them, or anything of that sort, because the HoF is doing a fine job of showing the winners.  Keep the trophies I say, because they aren't hurting too much, if at all, and they ARE attracting more competition, more variety, and giving out more experience.  They may just be a fad too, that will die out over time, but they're fun right now, so leave 'em alone!

-Regards, Glacies Akumayo

My two and a half (Euro) cents:

a) If a cheater realizes and regrets his mistake, punishment shouldn't be necessary, his damaged reputation being bad enough, if a cheater is in denial, punishment probably wouldn't help in bringing him to reason and wouldn't stop him from just registering under a new name and trying again. I assume that most cheat attempts are performed by newcomers, anyway.

b) I'm against everything that increases the workload for the winner of a competiton. Sometimes trying to think of a good theme or supplying a sprite for an animation competition can be hard enough. I wouldn't want winning to start looking like some sort of ironic punishment. So, I'm definitely against making trophies mandatory. However, I feel that most people are already expecting a trophy, so the pressure is there anyway. Therefore, I am in favour of supplying a standardized set of trophies and Darth Mandarb's suggestion seems like a reasonable approach. Supplying a custom set of trophies should still be allowed though, although maybe discouraged. As for putting trophies in signatures, I have to admit that I'd probably do it as well, although I would suggest that people make the image into a link to the respective competition thread.

Regarding the Hall of Fame, is the a reason it starts in 2005? There a still threads from 2004 around and I remember winning a sprite jam in 2003 (mainly due to lack of entries), which is why I'm asking of course. ;)

If anybody still has even the slightest of doubts about the cheating attempt, I suggest downloading this video (http://www.planetharold.com/download/files/Harold%20-%20Contra%20III.wmv) (17 MB) and going to 16:43. :o

What really troubles me though, is that it was necessary for someone new to register (kudos BTW) in order to expose the cheater. Do you think there is a risk of a cheater cheating successfully and are there any safeguards against something like that? ???

Edit: One more thing, slightly off-topic: The animation competition is currently not listed in the forum charter.

What? Noone tried to cheat in the compo before you say? Everyone forgot about the Spongebobsprite that Corey "Made"?

I don't think he was cheating, no one really believed that he'd made it, it seemed more like a joke than an entry to me.  I didn't think he was entering, at least...  :-\

Reminds me of the time when I was at school, and I had lost a cartoon storybook I had made in class once. I found it, in another student's folder, with my name scribbled out and replaced with his. Flattering though it was, I was furious.

I reckon this is how the REAL artist of that contra sprite would feel.

Suure... Noone believed him (how could they?), but he still tried to cheat! Its like saying that, if someone try to rob a bank but gets caught, they shouldnt get punished since they were caught. It is actually in no way possible to compare a bank robbery with the sprite jam :P But still...

Quote from: Glacies Akumayo on Mon 17/04/2006 23:54:02
I don't think he was cheating, no one really believed that he'd made it, it seemed more like a joke than an entry to me.  I didn't think he was entering, at least...  :-\

Call me stupid, but I did belive it was a good entry. A bit 90's arcade, like BigBrother said, but I though the guy was just a fan with a gifted eye/hand. I don't believe the guy had balls - like Evil said -  to drag this discussion this far. I think he needs to grow up, in case he's a teenager or needs a shrik badly if he's over eighteen.
I second what Darth said. No need to hate or banish the guy. Cheated, got caught and now he's just frustrated. For a stupid reason, but he is. I pitty him...

Quote from: ManicMatt on Mon 17/04/2006 23:56:47
Reminds me of the time when I was at school, and I had lost a cartoon storybook I had made in class once. I found it, in another student's folder, with my name scribbled out and replaced with his. Flattering though it was, I was furious.

I reckon this is how the REAL artist of that contra sprite would feel.

If the guy was using the sprite for another game or something, I believe that would be true (like happened in the example you gave). But this? The author would just laugh, at most. ;)

Quote from: Stefano on Tue 18/04/2006 00:08:39

Quote from: Glacies Akumayo on Mon 17/04/2006 23:54:02
I don't think he was cheating, no one really believed that he'd made it, it seemed more like a joke than an entry to me.Ã,  I didn't think he was entering, at least...Ã,  :-\

Call me stupid, but I did belive it was a good entry. A bit 90's arcade, like BigBrother said, but I though the guy was just a fan with a gifted eye/hand.

I was talking about Corey's entry in the sprite jam before this one   ;)

It could be a paint-over. pixel by pixel... but thats naff...

That said, if it were he would just say it if he were sane. Or he could have copied it pixel by pixel, which is even more insane.

You should put a plagiarist thing under his forum name, to shame him for life.

No good bastard.

And not the first to be caught out passing off others work as his own.

I quite like Darth's idea too, but I really was fond of the trophy thing. I've only participated in 2 SJs recently but that's 2 more than ever before :)

It was certainly motivating me! It wasn't a mad rush to get a trophy though, just that little extra incentive. Even if we get rid of the trophies, I'll still try to participate in any Sprite Jam I get an idea for. I really don't mind if there's no reward or hall of fame or anything. To be honest, I think the main reason I participate is for the fun of participating and the motivation to create a sprite, but the main reason I want to win is so I can pick the next Sprite Jam! ^_^ That's the best reward as far as I'm concerned.

(Though, god knows, if I do win, I probably won't be able to think of a good idea at all)

This is what I say should be done:

1.) If someone is found cheating: (a) the mods should contact the cheater by PM (b) Explain to him/her the reason why they're blocking them for a week from the forums (c) then block the users IP. (This will give the cheater something to think about while he/she waits to get back into the forum... and will be an example to all possible cheaters.) This rule should also apply to those that don't listen to the mods.

2.) The trophies add an extra bonus in the end and should be continued. I have noticed that many more people are prone to enter the compos. It probably shouldn't be madatory... but highly encouraged. (While the participants are trying to win, the host/hostess of the compo has plenty of time to make some awards.)

Great topic, by the way! ;D 

Trophies were never mandatory and is not going to, just let the person who hosts a round to decide whether he/she wants to give out some sort of prizes for the winners.

Hey.  The guy's a tool.  His punishment is having to live with himself.


Bt

Quote from: Glacies Akumayo on Mon 17/04/2006 23:54:02
I don't think he was cheating, no one really believed that he'd made it, it seemed more like a joke than an entry to me.  I didn't think he was entering, at least...  :-\

I believed it. I stared in awe at the sprite, as it was one of the best Sprite Jam entries I'd ever seen. What a shock it was to see it was faked.

While Contra is a widely recognized game, I cannot appreciate that this was meant as a joke as these are ADVENTURE forums, and it's foolish to think that a sprite from Contra will be immediately recognized. If the sprite had been from Space Quest, it might have been acceptable...

Quote from: SergioCornaga on Tue 18/04/2006 04:24:10

Quote from: Glacies Akumayo on Mon 17/04/2006 23:54:02
I don't think he was cheating, no one really believed that he'd made it, it seemed more like a joke than an entry to me.  I didn't think he was entering, at least...  :-\

I believed it. I stared in awe at the sprite, as it was one of the best Sprite Jam entries I'd ever seen. What a shock it was to see it was faked.

While Contra is a widely recognized game, I cannot appreciate that this was meant as a joke as these are ADVENTURE forums, and it's foolish to think that a sprite from Contra will be immediately recognized. If the sprite had been from Space Quest, it might have been acceptable...

Oh my God.  He wasn't talking about the Contra sprite, but about Sponge-bob Squarepants.  He states this above (though I place the quote below):

Quote

Quote
Quote from: Glacies Akumayo on Today at 15:54
I don't think he was cheating, no one really believed that he'd made it, it seemed more like a joke than an entry to me.  I didn't think he was entering, at least...  Undecided

Quote
Call me stupid, but I did belive it was a good entry. A bit 90's arcade, like BigBrother said, but I though the guy was just a fan with a gifted eye/hand.

I was talking about Corey's entry in the sprite jam before this one

Not to offend, but the level of misquoting was driving me nuts.  ;)

Continue, I believe the consensus was that using contra sprites are good, trophies are bad, sprite jam should be cancelled forever in case someone ever cheats and replaced with an "I love bspeers" contest.

Or something like that ;D - what an odd expression.

For one thing, I don't see a point in the trophies when there's already a recognition for winning three of the same comps in a row.  For another, I just see the cluttering of signatures with trophies as unnecessary, but form your own opinions.

As for stealing (yes, stealing) someone else's work and claiming it as your own, I have absolutely 0 respect for people who do this and find it incredibly offensive to the creator of the work.  If you are too unskilled to create something on par with other entries and it bothers you then simply do not enter.  Period. 

Anghellic:
Don't steal work and pass it off as your own and don't sit there and pretend you didn't.  I've played all the Contras and I know you ripped that sprite.  People who jump to your side in this issue have nowhere to stand, because every direction you look it's still wrong. 

I truely believe that all the artists in this forum fell offended of what has taken place I further believe that if he hasnt realised what has happened by now he is really a tool.

I agree very much with rharpe.

I will always give credit to any help i get from someone hence my comment on my BG in thte critics lounge where I clearly stated my changes and a special thanks to Relentless for his awesome moon tutorial!

Anghelic didnt give credit in any direction (even though it was STOLEN) he said it came from his amagination and men and black aliens... LoL

Which aliens I would love to see which ones inspired that thing, maybe that sprite inspired MiB to create there aliens... LoL

Anyway on the trophy subject it has motivated alot of people to enter they have received alot of practise because of this and IMO bettered their skills. Thats all that matters in the end, that we all become better at what we love!

Ps: Never claim others work as your own. Always give credit to whome ever helped you. Dont steal other peoples work.

PS2 : Stop hating the trophies and start deleting comments without entries in the compo threads when they get out of hand. PLS nothing more annoying that having to read through 6 comments to get to an entry... LoL

Cheerz

Afflict.

I don't think punishment is a good idea. I think the best thing we could do would be to leave the matter alone for a while and give the individual in the wrong a chance to rethink his position.

Also, I think Sprite Jam Trophies are a brilliant idea, they really brighten up the forums.

Brighten? I was thinking clutter.

It might also be hand if the winners used the trophies as links, so people like me can see the thread and, more importantly, the winning entries.

we could always give him THIS trophy  ;D
(http://www.scummbar.com/games/screenshots/mi2/inventory/plaque.gif)