Let me clarify, because their seems to be confusion.
It is ripping whenever you use someones art. It is a bannable offense when you don't provide credit, and you don't obtain permission from the original author. If I catch you ripping I shake my head, if I catch you ripping and not crediting, whether or not you obtained permission, or if I find out that you have not obtained permission at all, you will receive a warning, and a ban on subsequent offenses. Crying rip is rogue moderation . . . don't do it unless you wan't a warning yourself. Notify a mod if you suspect ripping without credit etc . . .
If the abuse keeps up, no form of ripping will be tolerated on ESForces.com at all.