Creator.txt

# Creator.txt File: Managing Site Ownership and Permissions

The creator.txt file is an **EXTREMELY IMPORTANT** component used in managing site ownership and permissions. It acts as an "identifier" to ensure that only authorized users have the permission to modify a given website. This article provides an overview of the creator.txt file, how to create one, and its usage in maintaining site integrity and control.

## What Happens If I Don't Create a creator.txt File?

If you choose not to create a creator.txt file for your website, it poses ***extreme*** security risks and potential consequences. Without a creator.txt file in place, the following scenarios may arise:

### Unauthorized Modifications

**Without a creator.txt file, any pull requests modifying your site will be approved**. This can lead to unauthorized changes to your website's content, design, or functionality. These modifications may not align with your intended vision for the site and can undermine its integrity and user experience.

### Site Theft

The absence of a creator.txt file also leaves your website vulnerable to **potential theft**. Any user can submit a pull request with their own creator.txt file, falsely claiming ownership of your site. This can result in a loss of control over your website and its associated resources.

### Security Vulnerabilities

Unauthorized modifications made to your website can introduce security vulnerabilities. Without proper oversight and control, malicious actors can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, inject malicious code, or compromise user data. It is crucial to establish ownership and maintain control over your site to mitigate such security risks.

To safeguard your website and maintain control over its development, it is strongly recommended to create and maintain a creator.txt file that clearly defines ownership and permissions.

By understanding the security risks associated with not having a creator.txt file, you can take proactive measures to ensure the integrity, authenticity, and security of your website.

## Purpose of the creator.txt File

As stated before, the creator.txt file serves as a key document for website administrators and developers. Its primary purpose is to establish ownership and specify the individuals who are allowed to make modifications to the site. By default, the creator.txt file should contain the username of the site creator and the usernames of permitted editors.

## Creating a creator.txt File

To create a creator.txt file for your website, follow these steps:

1. Open a text editor or any plain text editor of your choice.
2. Start a new file and add the following information:

`Creator: (Username)`

`Allowed Editors:`

`(Username1)`

`(Username2)`

`("None" if none)`

`(Specifications if applicable go here)`

Replace `(Username)` with the appropriate usernames or identifiers of the site creator and any permitted editors.

1. Save the file with the filename "creator.txt" to the root directory of your website.

## Open Modification Sites

For websites that adopt an open modification policy, the creator.txt file should provide explicit specifications on what can be submitted or modified. If no specifications are included, it implies that all modifications to the site will be accepted, which can pose the same security risks as stated earlier.

## What to Do If Your Site Gets Stolen

If you discover that your website has been stolen, and someone else has taken control over it by submitting a falsified creator.txt file or unauthorized modifications, it is important to take immediate action. Follow these steps to regain control of your stolen site:

1. **Gather Evidence**: Collect any evidence that supports your claim of original ownership. This can include screenshots, timestamps, domain registration records, or any other relevant documentation that demonstrates your authority over the website.
2. **Contact An OpenNet Collaborator**: Reach out to an OpenNet collaborator with the evidence of your rightful ownership of the site. They will modify the "creator.txt" file, and you will regain permissions and ownership of your site.