[Closed] Free But Encrypted

I agree with denisT releasing encrypted scripts is pointless. It just teases people on what is possible but they learn nothing. Also if a tool is available in encrypted form people who could post a script that is open source wont bother because some solution may already exist and they don’t want to duplicate work.

I think all of these arguments somewhat assume that all people that download scripts want to know how they work. Some Max users are not very technical, and often the most popular of Maxscripts are the ones that take Max functionality and make it quicker, allow for faster iteration, etc.

Now, take for example the building generator from Tyson ( http://area.autodesk.com/blogs/ken/building_generator_from_tyson_ibele ). It’s a great script, and the majority of people using it are thankful it exists, even though it’s encrypted.

Or, for example, perhaps think about all of the open source releases of older id Software engines. Carmack releases his engines after they’re done with them, so others can learn.

In the end, it’s a mixture of trying to be helpful to the community, but also ensuring your work is appreciated.

I dunno, just some thoughts/my $0.02

I just made my first proper maxscript and released it for free, but its encrypted. And the reason for that is that for the first, since I just gotten into learning maxscript, my code is a mess, so I like to make a couple updates before I let someone look at it. Especially since I broken my own rules and forgot to put in comments.

Also, since it is my first script, I have this ‘its my baby’, and because Im still learning, the process is slow, so I didn’t want some other experienced maxscript’er to create a much more effective version using my script as base. I would lose my motivation to continue working on it.

However, I would like to release it as opened, as there is a lot of advantages for it, especially when you get stuck in a problem with it, you can show the code. But not yet, not until it looks a bit less messy.

On the other hand, really? Getting something for free, and then complaining you can’t take it apart? People could just as well have made it licensed and sell the stuff.

i’m not talking about temporary encrypted script. there are many understandable reasons for it.
but posting encrypted script on forum where people looking for a learning resource… hmm…

To be honest i just fail to see your point. Scripts are not learning resources by design. They are tools. Tools that are meant to be USED in the first place. Scriptspot is not an open source community. And there is a BIG difference between free and open source. If you put a lot of effort in a script it is perfectly fine not to share the code. And giving out the tool for free is actually a nice thing, not something to complain about in my eyes.

In addition there ARE tons and tons of non encrypted samples, scripts, tutorials and resources even with the possibility to encrypt scripts.

Well, you kinda made the point for why some people encrypt their files, to stop people from taking their code and use it as their own.

i have to apologize to TzMtN because i opened this discussion after his post. his is not a person who steals other’s ideas. i’s personally used his ideas in my development. i just was surprised seeing
absolutely open person being hiding his code.

Well first and foremost there are still TONS of scripts that are not encrypted on scriptspot.
There are a lot of examples included with Max, there’s bobo’s tuts and samples and loads on the web (there’s google for these )

maxscript 101 is free now
http://www.lyric.com/maxscript101/index.htm

and of course you are free to ask here if you hit specific issues.

I still don’t get why you think noone should post free (free, not OSS) scripts here.

There are a lot of valid reasons for encrypting. So essentially you are asking for people to stop sharing scripts unless they want them open sourced. I see no gain there at all.

Regards,
Thorsten

I completely agree with Thorsten that free does not imply open source. They are two different concepts, with different purposes.
If someone shares their tools for free, this means that they already give you a lot, as you probably know. I guess most people do it from an altruistic standpoint, and to get recognition for their work.
Giving the source code, under whichever license, would be one step further even. Not only do they provide you with the tool to make your (professional!) life easier, but they also give you the insight in to how they solved that particular problem, which is even more valuable. In the end, they own their code, so they have every right to decide what to do with it.
Don’t get me wrong, I love open source, and I have a few open source projects running myself, but I don’t think it is justifiable to complain about people not sharing their code. Rather, you should be happy that people share at all.

Should the source code to free tools that use custom dll’s be included as well then?