Using code from another website

[bzsim]

I am pondering the ethics in using code found in the source from other websites?

I want a rotating slideshow that fades in and out, only I wanted it to be controlled by script rather than a flash file. I found a website that has just that. I looked up their JS file and was able to piece it all together so that I can insert my own images and apply to my own website. However, I got to thinking, is this OK to do? Am I stealing? Should I ask the website if I can use their code?

I can see both sides. Perhaps they spent a grueling number of hours to get the code to work right in which case they don't want others using it without their permission and credit.

On the flip side, perhaps they took the code from a book or another website themselves. And since there is no "design" put into it like a graphic, it's OK to use?

What do you think?

[6StringGeek]

I personally think that could be in copyright territory. An email asking them about it would be appropriate. Depends how much you take also. I don't think there's an issue copying something like <img src="image.png"> as that's the common way...but if their stuff is unique it seems like stealing to me...just my opinion.

You never know...they may write back and say it's open source GNU stuff.

[bzsim]

Thank you for your reply.

I agree it probably warrants an email asking if it's open source.

Dreamweaver provides a snippet for a slideshow. It is similar to what this site has, but this site hides an image under another and fades it in and out. Perhaps I could use the Dreamweaver snippet and adapt the fading effect from this website.

Thank you!

[bzsim]

Actually, looking at the comments it looks like they got it from this website:

http://www.brainerror.net/scripts/javascript/blendtrans/

They said a thanks to them in the code.

So is this open source and free to use then?

[6StringGeek]

I didn't see any terms of use on his site, but he appears to be offering it for the public. You might want to check with him to verify it's free for business and personal use. Sometimes they make a distinction.