The MLCad.ini file has been updated according to the latest LDraw.org Parts Update 2011-02. The .ini file defines (among other things) the parts available in MLCad's and Bricksmith's minifigure generator.

Download the file from: http://www.holly-wood.it/mlcad/ini-en.html

The 2011-02 LDraw parts update has been now been released.

This update includes 786 files in the core library, including 474 new parts. A further 19 parts have been redeveloped by authors who have affirmed the Contributor Agreement, replacing files that were not redistributable. Only five "non-CA" files remain in the library and every effort is being made to replace those in the next update.

This is a further big step in reducing the backlog on the Parts Tracker and brings the number of files to its lowest level since September 2006. Thanks are due to everyone who created or corrected parts for this release and to those who have reviewed files in order to make this release happen.

The LDraw Steering Committee has agreed to update the LSC Charter - Membership with the following text:

Membership
Membership of the LSC shall have a minimum of 5 people. The LSC can vote to create additional vacancies for future elections. The LSC also defines a procedure for voting to eliminate seats added in the future. One seat is reserved for a current LDraw Library Administrator. If there is more than one LDraw Library Administrator then the LDraw Library Administrators will self select a member to represent them on the LSC.

Willy Tschager
On behalf of the LDraw Steering Committee

The LDraw Steering Committee (SteerCo) has been questioned what their opinion is about the use of the name "LDraw" in LDraw related programs. The following should be taken as guideline:

LDraw.org uses the LDraw trademark with permission from the Jessiman Estate, therefore we cannot grant permission to third parties to use it. It is also our definition that the LDraw trademark represents the LDraw System of Tools and the LDraw Parts Library, so it is our policy that LDraw should not appear in a program's title and/or URL to protect the uniqueness of the LDraw trademark.

We recommend that programs/websites wishing to identify with LDraw choose titles that add "LD" in front of the name as a way to associate the program as part of the LDraw software family.

Willy Tschager
On the behalf of the LDraw Steering Committee

The LDraw Steering Committee (SteerCo) has been questioned what their opinion is about the possibility of charging for a third party program. The following should be taken as guideline:

Should any person wish to charge money for a third party program using the LDraw Parts Library, the LDraw SteerCo strongly recommends that it is made clear that the charge is for the program itself and not for any derivative of the LDraw Parts Library. The intent of the CC license for the library should be made clear and it should include due credit to reward the efforts of all those who have contributed to the library. We would appreciate that the LDraw logo, as well as a link to the website are included and possibly featured prominently. It should also be made clear that the author is not representing himself as LDraw.org.

Furthermore, where possible, the SteerCo would also appreciate a donation be made to Peeron.com as hosts of LDraw.org (a Paypal Donation Button can be found in the top left-hand corner of LDraw's homepage). This is, however, not by any means a requirement.

Willy Tschager
On behalf of the LDraw Steering Committee

The SteerCo is pleased to announce that the 2011 James Jessiman Memorial Award (JJMA) recipient is Travis Cobbs.

Travis Cobbs is the author of LDView, one of the cornerstones of the LDraw System of Tools. When it comes down to quickly viewing a LDraw file, LDView is the first choice for many users. Additionally, do to his active development since it's release in 2000, LDView has become the de facto reference renderer for LDraw part and is used by the LDraw Parts Tracker to generate part images. Travis has been a major player in shaping almost all the LDraw standards and specifications and has furthered the LDraw language and community as member of the LDraw Standards Committee since 2006.

More information on the JJMA can be found at:
http://www.ldraw.org/Article222.html

Willy Tschager
On behalf of the LDraw.org Steering Committee

It has passed another year since the last election of the LDraw.org Standards Committee (LSC) were held - and again the SteerCo missed the actual deadlines :-( Nominations are now open at the LDraw forum. All nominations must be received and recorded by November 14. Elections will be held from November 17 'til November 30.

The LDraw.org Standards Committee (LSC) is responsible for maintaining semi-regular internal discussions on pending file format issues, the overall progress of the LDraw file format and new or proposed developments made by different LDraw-based software authors. They adopt new official standards by voting on them, and publish documentation on LDraw.org following such a decision. The LSC has documented and will document past, current and future LDraw File Formats.