Some courtesy before etiquette rules…

Did you contact the author to see if they would have accepted improvements?

If yes, did they want to accept the help/changes?

Was it just the tempo map off or was it the charting as well?

Did you use any parts of the chart?

If you’ve made those accomodations I’d say post your chart. That’s just my personal opinion and isn’t an official thing.

However, as a charter, I’d definitely want to be collaborated with to get the best chart out there. If someone just posted a new one without me having a clue, it would feel crappy.

All that said, if it were to happen, so be it. There are quite a few charts that have multiple versions, many with getting similar downloads. Just don’t use other people’s work and pass it off as your own. That one has a very clear line.

“If the song you’re uploading already exists by another (non-C3/HMX) author, please try to collaborate with them before uploading your own. We’re never going to ban duplicate entries, but they are heavily frowned upon.”

 

So do you post a new chart if you just flat out don’t agree with the chart or find it extremely sloppy, without calling anyone out or bringing attention to it.

 

The rule was written to help bring the community together, there was a time when authors would just make a few changes to an existing chart, and upload it as their own.

Send the original author a message asking if they mind if you release your version, or if they are interested in working together to update their version. Most of the authors that were here at the beginning are long gone. I’ve sent a dozen messages just like that and I’ve never been disappointed with the response, usually I get no response at all.

If they do want to collaborate, it works out for everyone, you can get the authoring credit on the song — and the database doesn’t have two of the same song with no real way to distinguish which one is ‘better’ (subjectively speaking).

Best of luck

I’m going to chime in here with my opinion, as I’ve recently released my own version of an existing entry and will be releasing another relatively soon. I think the above advice is great depending on what the exact differences between your chart and theirs would be and how much you’d be adding to that existing chart.

 

Say someone uploads or has uploaded a guitar only custom of a song you’d like to see as a full band custom. You’re planning on adding drums, bass, vocals, and keys if the song has it. I’d reach out to the author if you want to include their guitar chart in yours, but I don’t think I’d send them the final file to update theirs as a bulk of the work in that final full band custom isn’t theirs. Instead, just release your own version when you’re done, and if you reached out and they were fine with you using their existing guitar chart, credit their contributions. If they weren’t fine with you using their chart, or if you were going to rechart that part anyway because theirs had some issues, then rechart that part yourself and release it. Though, if you do rechart for the latter reason, I’d maybe not mention that if it’s from someone who’s active around here.

I’m pretty sure a single instrument chart is up for grabs even without the permission of the charter, although of course it is a courtesy to let the person know, and if you use any part of it then give credit for their part in it.

My personal rule of thumb is that if I am going to add just one instrument then I’ll contribute it to the original charter, if the song has not been abandoned. If I am going to add 2 or more instruments (or 1 instrument plus other major things it is lacking such as full reductions, correct bad audio, etc.) then I feel comfortable releasing my own version. But that is a rare occurrence.

I tried to contact him to get his collaboration/permission, but he has been gone for 3 years and didn’t respond. I give him credit in the CON file. I am assuming from the discussion here that it isok to upload this?