Skyrim Special Edition

          For modders wishing to use audio files in their mods, the idea can be a scary one!  There's a grey area that should be avoided at all costs, but can sometimes be hard to spot until it's already under-foot. By then, all that's left to do is hope that it doesn't get any darker than grey! Anybody who remembers the Napster debacle will also know this apprehension all to well. So, while creating the Immersive(ish) Audio Add-On, I did more research on this single topic than I did during the course of my entire 4 years in high school combined; and it paid off! Therefore, it wouldn't be right for me to hoard this information; I've never been a selfish person.

          Included among the images for this mod are 3 CC Licensing screenshots which will cover anybody's backside when used (appropriately and as directed) in tandem with audio files for their mods.  They are (for lack of a better word) all-inclusive.... meaning that they're not just for 2 Cellos, their songs, or my mod.  The images apply to all songs in any format and on any app/platform/etc.  IF  there are any exceptions to this license, they would be listed/noted in plain sight along with the [download] in some way, shape or form that grabs the attention. Any song artist/performer who undergoes this process would not overlook including proper documentation of such things.

          To insure you're covered legally when using your favorite song in a mod, just do these few things:

1) Save the (3) CC Licensing screenshots and be sure to include them on your mod page --- don't forget to keep copies in a safe place as well!
2) Screenshot the page/location/whatever that hosted your song's download to show proof that there are no exceptions to the CCL and save it for your own records along with the backup of the CCL screenshots.
3) ALWAYS credit the song artist/performer and include a link to their official site; it doesn't have to be a clickable so long as it's accurate & complete.
          * i.e.: 2Cellos.com may not be a clickable link, but typing that as it's seen into a web browser will not redirect to a broken site *
4) Make sure that your mod is free of charge and not part of any donation system. In no way are songs that are unowned by you allowed to be part of any site, organization (etc) that would include financial elements; unfortunately but okay still...this includes Nexus' donation system.
     Any exception to this step would have to be authorized by the song owner(s) directly and include appropriate "proof-of" along with following any additional requirements that can only be determined by the owner.
5) Although it's not necessary, (assuming that the first 4 steps are taken properly) I also include a small but friendly disclaimer at the bottom of the mod page to ensure that there's no question of legality or intent.
    To me (at least) intent is just as important as the CCL screenshots! Stating my reasons behind creating a mod containing 2Cellos - or any - tracks whether purchased or free can clear the air when a downloadable file is in the mix. I want assure everyone immediately that I'm a mod author, not a pirate!

          In any case, there's always a first for everything so it never hurts to be prepared. If you're new to dealing with and/or using unowned (by you) audio files, special exceptions will site that are CCL Exempt usually at the bottom of the [song] page where it's clearly visible - almost always including "proof of" by way of a redirecting link, screenshot(s) with details on how to access CCL-E documentation, etc. However, if nothing is noted there today, but a few years down the line you find yourself reading an email stating that you used a file illegally even after following the steps above - don't sweat it.  Simply send a polite reply including all of your saved documentation and ask if an exception can be made in your particular case.  If the song owner remains upset, it's better to apologize and remove the mod, keeping your back-side legally snug as a bug in a rug.... instead of the latter, in which case nobody but a good lawyer can help [you] then!

         Hopefully this article can ease some minds and open up some possibilities for all of us to enjoy during game-play!  Keep your eyes to the sky, stay safe, and only be a milk-drinker with your Sweetrolls! 
~Punk'n~




CCL Screenshots via Imgur

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