Today I rejected an upload for the third [I think] time....[at least twice, anyway].

Reason was....the permission.txt [actually a jpg] was about as clear as mud.

I don't mean pixellated....I mean vague.

"Can I use this?"  "Yes". - doesn't quite cut it.

"I am making a skin...can I use this?"  "Yes". - still doesn't cut it.

"I wish to use your wall X in a logon...may I?"  "Yes, I give you 100% permission to use my wall, or any of my walls."  - STILL does not suffice.

"I wish to use your wall X in a logon to be uploaded and redistributed to the public....may I?"  "Yes, you may."   - NOW YOU GOT IT!!!

The whole idea of obtaining permissions is about what YOUR intended use is.  Artists' copyright is about who owns the object/content/artwork AND its rights of distribution.

That is why you ask the owner [artist] but you ALSO explain the intended use, ESPECIALLY 'public redistribution'.

The latter is important because the artist is then relinquishing [partial] distribution rights to another party [you], and needs to be seen to be aware that that is the case.

In this 'permission.txt' what is also needed is appropriate email headers/contact details of BOTH parties....not just the artist, but also yourself...so it is clear the agreement was between the correct two people...and can always then be verified by a third party if needed.

It's not really complicated...just correct/clear request and affirmative response, that's all.

When people upload/submit works to Wincustomize [and other public sites] it is expected that appropriate permissions are in place where needed.  It is far easier for each individual uploader to handle approval chasing etc. prior to upload than for a moderator to chase them up yet again after the fact.

One final note....if you seek but do not receive permission reply....then you didn't get it...so you cannot distribute, at all.

Everyone has works in dusty corners like that.  One of mine's been there about 4 or 5 years....