using FPI Gallery or another statics resource.... how should I do that? Would I need to copy the mod itself to another file name, and make changes to that in game?

I really have no idea how to go about this....

[I mean, I know how to use the placeable statics - I'm just not sure if I need to use a copy of, for instance, Silverfish Grotto, before deleting things and replacing them, adding bookshelves, removing excess display cases and so on.... or if it just doesn't matter as long as I have a clean copy saved in my Downloads folders.]

The generic answer is No.

For your own use, you can edit the original mod in the CK, as you won't be using both at the same time. You also aren't intending to re-publish, so nobody else will have a conflict. You're actually better off doing that, as there's no chance you'll try and use both together by mistake.

If you're making in-game changes, using something like Jaxon's Positioner, that doesn't need any change to the home mod, either.

Third option, if it's one of mine, is to PM me and negotiate an option. If other people might want the change, it may be worth allowing for it.

I agree. This is essential to know about and doing anything that violates the author's permission is the same as selling mods or claiming the original mod you changed as your own.

@Serethil: If you haven't consider to join the http://tesalliance.org/forums/index.php?/topic/7378-ck-basics-general-questions/ yet then I strongly suggest that you do that, which I did a few years ago and I learned a lot. Unfortunately RL disturbed me enough, so I lost all inspiration I had back then and it took me 7-8 moths before I felt enjoyable to begin modding.

Thanks guys. I wouldn't be repubbing anything, certainly not without permission! This is just for my own use, and because certain people make lovely houses but don't decorate them the way I'd prefer (what a surprise, right?) The biggest issue I always have is too many display things, and not enough bookshelves....