all the generous folks that host free download websites only put picture links up, and anyone who wants to download clicks a "mailto" link to request a download. The zipped files could be rezipped, passworded, and the requester (like me, who can't model worth sh*t) has to electronically sign an online agreement to abide by the copyrights of the creators before getting the password? Puhleeeeeeez don't make all this wonderful stuff unavailable to us!???

the person has a deadline in which to prove they'd used the file themselves (in the form of a piece of artwork). That might, conceiveably, show their honour. I strongly doubt that the sh*thead(s) in question have any artistic talent whatsoever. The've just seen how to make an easy buck off of the talent and sweat of others. 'nuff from me.

well, one problem.... if you have a popular download that gets hundreds of hits... instead, you'd get hundreds of emails you have to answer, hundreds of 'agreements' you had to check, hundreds of zip passwords you need to put on... yikes! :(

Gotcha. so, rather than put any effort into defending oneselves, turn tail? It's been a slice, folks. I'll take my chances in the "real" world.

heya; no... actually, i don't have any problem with the way things are run now. occasionally, this 'steal, convert, and sell' thing goes on, the guy gets shut down, and we all go on with our lives. actually, a simpler method would be to lock the free stuff section, make it a members only area... and a contributing members only area. that is, you can't get goodies until you post so many messages, or upload so many goodies yourself. they used to do that in the old days on some old bbs's. no goodies for you 'til you contributed.