SKoriginals,
This is a nonsense to ask permission for linking to a public site (DevArt, for example). And the greater rot is to ask permission for personal use. Did at least one user asked permission for downloading? If you publish there, it becomes public for ever.
The 'skins' of mine that were on the site were not linked back to the original download and NONE of the links were back to the original page but a link to the direct download on the original page. A link to the original PAGE where the skins were might have set better with most.
As for me, I believe this is the real popularity when other sites publish my work. I think it doesn't matter, from where the content is downloaded. The main thing is the content. I am 100% sure that every designer, who respects himself, enclose at least a readme-file or his name can be seen directly in application (like "Skin preview" in WB).
Not all skins have a 'read-me' file and/or a name attached. Even if there were, those things can be changed and/or omitted (and in the case of rippes sometimes are). The point is, this act is no different then me claiming I did one of Goya's paintings. Someone is taking credit and/or redistributing my material against my knowledge and permission. While 'faltering' it is still unlawful.
There is no need to cite pre-historical documents, because Internet appeared not so long ago. This document is not applicable here. Electronic interaction requires special legal documents.
The 'pre-historical' document still applies. It is a copyright law and they do apply to material posted on the internet no matter what country (over 95% of the countries in the world have signed this). The internet is just one more medium.
There seems to be a common misconception among 'younger' internet users that everything on the internet is fair game to do with as you please. Again, this is just NOT true unless otherwise stated and posted that the material is freeware or whatever else.
Skinners post their work as a sort of service for others to enjoy and use personally. Not to be reposted everywhere around the internet. They choose where to post their works according to their own choice, be that whatever reason. Some skinners don't post material to certain sites because they just flat out don't like that site, other for lack of time.