From Test-Scratch-Wiki
Project copying on Scratch occurs when a user remixes a project with no changes whatsoever, and claims it as an original creation. Project copying is not allowed, because the project cannot be counted as a remix because nothing has been modified. This is stated in the Scratch FAQ and is punishable by the Scratch Team.
If any of the project has been changed in any noticeable way, then it is considered a remix and not a copy. In addition, some users, especially New Scratchers, do not understand how remixing works on Scratch, and may accidentally copy a project while usually only intending to save data or to learn from it.
Difficulties
- Main article: Project Downloading#Locking Downloads
Because there is no way to prevent a user from stealing another user's project, users have to be aware of the remixes made of their projects. This was made easier by remix notifications.
Reporting
Once a user finds a stolen project, the user has to first check to see if the project is not just a remix. If the project is confirmed as a copy, the user can then report it — it pays to be descriptive in the reason given for reporting, because the Scratch Team may mistake the project theft for cases of remix disapproval. Be sure to also include the link to the original project in your report.
Disabling Remixes
Because of this problem, there have been many suggestions for an option to disable downloading and remixing a project. The Scratch team disapproves of this solution:
| “ | Copytheft is indeed a problem, but on a website where remixing is one of the core principles, disabling remixing is definitely not the answer to the problem. | ” |
– cheddargirl, Scratch Team | ||
See Also
- Scratch License
- Plagiarism, the basic reason that project copying is never permitted
