They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, but recently we’ve been thinking sometimes it more resembles theft. Like in the case of a certain European website that has taken what looks like a copy of TSA and are passing it off as their own design, complete with most of our images, our stylesheets and – yes – our content, but all under a different name. They’ve even overwritten our watermarks!
Recently this was confined to a foreign language ‘version’ of the site in question but over the last couple of days they’ve opened up their ‘English language’ site too. So, we had to step in and clear something up because it’s likely that at some point down the road you’ll come across it: TheSixthAxis does not license out its design, styling and content, to anyone. If you see something that looks like TSA but isn’t, walk away.
We value our writers and community more than most, it seems, so it’s a real shame when this sort of thing happens. We’ve tried to stay friendly and professional on the matter but sadly that doesn’t seem to work – if anyone has any experience in this field and is happy to do a bit of pro bono legal work we’d love to hear from you. We have approached the site in question many times and despite initially admitting the source of their design as TSA (and linking to us with credit) they have stopped responding and removed the credit links so we are currently in the process of gathering the appropriate information to take legal action. Again, apologies for interrupting your daily TSA feed but we just had to get this out there.
Both of these images are of the site in question. No, your eyes do not deceive you, the copy really is that similar to our design. They even update their design as we change ours. We’re not unreasonable, we love what we do and we like to see other sites spring up and keep the scene fresh. If anyone wants help from TSA with design questions or content then we’ll always try to help out when we can (as we have with various sites). We don’t wish any harm on the site responsible for this, we just want the matter cleared up with minimal fuss. Peace.
Walker
I can’t find the stupid website and I really want a look
HELP!
Walker
Found it finally, all i hav to say is LOL!
fattonyxxl
Is this the real TSA!
BIGAL-1992
YES! I don’t speak Turkish.
Danza Di Fuoco
Its okay posting articles in forums but copying a whole site is ridiculous let’s hope they stop!
cc_star
Content can be replicated by simply sourcing (linking back)
Without a link it doesn’t matter whether its a forum or not, its unlawful.
however images, php and the html it generates and css is always a big no-no
AG2297
Just noticed the paragraph about licensing and legal property at the bottom of the page now. Wise move. Although the website also put the phrase “All original content is Copyright 2010 >insert website<" so I wonder if they will add the extra copyright info nofi has placed down there.
BIGAL-1992
Then they’re just digging themselves into a deeper hole, as they’re still copying the original print off this website without permission. I’m surprised nofi hasn’t commented yet.
double-o-dave
Oh dear! Good job I’m not Nofi or I’d be grabbing my own TSA squad, hiring an apache and going Bad Company 2 on their arse!
As it goes, judging by their forum posts they haven’t got many members. I still need to get my C4 insignia so if you’re planning a trip there let me know :)
aranalas
They even copied this phrase: ” Europe’s most popular and is one of the largest independent video game sites.” And things like their Legal terms of service are links to the top of the site…
freezebug2
TSA is mainly about community for me, so some other site that resembles this one will lack the most important factor…..TSA members and staff. So they can stick that where the Sun don’t shine!!!
Jisonga
Thats a bit off guys but other sites won’t be tempting me away from here anytime soon.
yogh_wayne
TSA has been cloned :O
It’s a shame that they don’t even give you credits! I hope you can somehow bring them to terms. Otherwise send your lawyers in. I think SpikeyMikey23’s advice to directly contact the webspace provider is a really good idea. They’d probably rather shut down the copycat site than risk a lawsuit.
ThatGuyWhosAwesome
On three of ‘their’ articles they have said ‘Thanks:TheSixthAxis’ with a link at the bottom.
But they’re still a bunch of douchebags.