That is the question.

Those of you who are familiar with the desk modding community know what the term "rip" means.

Ripping, it involves copying or basically shredding a screenshot just to get something. Usually when an item is ripped its possibly NFR (Not for release). When I first was introduced to desk modding. I desired alot of things that the top deskmodders had. Theses were officially my "demon days." I resorted to ripping some things. After at least a month of ripping I actually stopped because it wasn't my cup of tea. When you look at ripping its basically....

ART THEFT.

And artist know this is just a stab, slap, rape your mother feeling. I previously... along with many.. many many desk modders had things ripped. Its not the greatest thing in the world. Some people put NFR because its a mod of another desk modders work and therefor don't have the permission to release it. Other times desk modders just do it for their own personal use. And lastly its still a WIP (Work in Progress) . If you rip a WIP item... you are obviously not an intelligent person because its planning on being released to the public for downloading.

Aqua-soft.org, MacThemes, and now (getting there) UGUI is VERY strict on its policy of posting ripped items. I really respect that rule.
Some people still rip... I shall not speak of any names, but they know who they are. They probably won't stop, just by reading my entry. You cant make a horse drink from a watering hole if it ain't thirsty, so they say.

You can look at this post as a rant, or not. I'm posting this because I feel ripping has become a little too common in the desk modding community. Its now something I really don't tolerate period and neither should any respected artist.

I myself do like slapping NFR on stuff for my own personal use, but I do give out my stuff if I feel that you are trust worthy not to run off with my valuable items.

To make a long story short. If you are or about to get involved into desk modding. Just say no to ripping. Respect the artist's decision if they decided not to share.

Show some pride in the desk modding community and just don't do it!

*in a smokey the bear voice* ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT RIPPING!