Let me preface this post by stating that I have read every thread I can find on this subject so if I've missed an obvious one please forgive me.
I am trying to understand what the conflict is about.
I can't help but feel that there is essential piece of information that I am lacking.
Renderosity seems to be saying that they don't want their Free Stuff section to become just a set of links that will take the members to offsite locations. They seem to be further saying that as such they have no quality control ability as to the sites that Renderosity members are taken to or whether the links will be broken or not.
That makes sense to me.
I do not believe that when a member comes to Renderosity to look for a freebie they should be taken off site where they will be hassled to fill out a membership form to another site to acquire the item that they should have been provided when they clicked on the link at Renderosity's Free Stuff section. Such a link could imply that the site in question is somehow affiliated with Renderosity.
When a person clicks on a download link they should be provided with a window that asks them if they want to SAVE or OPEN the file. If Renderosity decides to put an add banner there that's fine too since they are generously providing the download link to the item. When you go to a flee market you pay for the table where you set up your wares. You are not allowed to set up a table with directions to the flea market up the street nor are you allowed to "cyber kidnap" people and take them to the flea market up the street.
Please, and I mean this sincerely; tell me what I'm missing here
There must be some benefit that Free Stuff posters derive from hijacking Renderosity users to other sites.
If you want to recruit new members to your website then do it in the forums.
Renderosity has a links section to the right of the main page. We don't need another off site links page in the Free Stuff section.
As I stated earlier, this seems a rather cut and dried issue to me so I must be missing something.
I consider it unfair that anyone would use the reputation of Renderosity as a great place to find DS and Poser items and info and then in turn for providing free content expect Renderosity to allow it's members to be hijacked.
Provide the items or advertise your items in the forums.
This place has been a 3D goldmine for years and it's a shame if people are now fighting over the gold.