Simply by registering, you are showing the FPS, pcGaming, MultiPlayer Community
(however you may want to call it) your support. Thanks for your interest!
The idea behind M.P.I.R.E.S. - MultiPlayer International Record of Ethical Standards
is one that many in this Community have been speaking of for some time now. Though
to be perfectly honest, we can most definitely say that none of us really know how
to articulate that idea to the point where a site like this could be "cobbled together"
and "just work".
The saying "There's no step 3!" just isn't the case!
So to allay those that might be asking what this is all about, we can tell you that
there seems to be a need and a general consensus from many in the online FPS gaming
community that a fair platform be had where individuals or organizations may bring
forth a dispute concerning general expectations of ethical conduct and or behaviour.
What we are talking about is the respect of other's work offered to the community for
use by the community no matter how large or small.
It can be said that just because something is free, that does not mean that all
reference to the original creator or creators may be changed or removed in any way
without consent of the original author or authors. This notion by far is one that
permeates in all aspects of one's life. In fact, it is law and is enforced in many if
not much of the world today. This has everything to do with Ethics.
For clarity's sake, it can also be said that it would be ethical if one were to make
changes to another's work and document that change in that work as long as the original
credits were left intact. The new addition or change would then also become something to
respect in the future. Assuming licensing would allow this in the first place.
The above statements are how the internet itself was born. It was how the oldest and most
advanced operating system came to be and flourishes still to this day.
If ethical conduct as described above were not the case, there would be no online pcGaming
community. At least not a very healthy one and one that would not resemble our current
community. Not even one iota!
So we've recognized that Ethics are important not only for the individual works involved,
but important for the overall health of the Community itself. This is why so many are keen
on having some sort of Community run "body" that could be sought after in order to help iron
out these kinds of misunderstandings. The Community will not sit idle and allow other's to
claim ownership of derivative works such as maps, game modifications or graphical works, web
site themes, web scripts and audio works to name just a few. Anything that the Community
creates earns it's due respect. This is Community Integrity at it's finest.
This is why this site was created and this is why this site is calling out to the rest of the
community to help shape it. To help put into words what most of us already know. A record of
Ethical standards. Our expectations of ourselves.
The above are the thoughts of only one member in this community after deliberating with many
of you for some time. No one person and no one entity will be the driving force behind this
movement! I urge you all to speak your mind and offer your help by getting involved here in
the forums and elsewhere. Keep talking and lead by example.
We are all looking forward to your feedback here and around the Community.