From: "J. Michael Looney" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2000 9:29 AM
Subject: Re: [ogf-d20-l] D20 System Trademark License issues
> On Tue, 3 Oct 2000, Ryan S. Dancey wrote:
>
> > And a final issue, the license should restrict the ability of a
publisher to
> > create computer software. I envision a time when we will want to relax
this
> > requirement, but I think that we should tackle that problem in the
future.
>
> What _exactly_ do you mean by computer software? Do you mean CRPG or do
> you mean computer aids for DM's?
My concern is with games, not utilities. I want to support OGL/D20
utilities.
But a good utility begins to take on the aspects of a game. For example,
one thing we're talking about for the Master Tools product is a "monster
combat assistant" that will suggest courses of action to the DM for the
monsters involved in combat based on current conditions in th game. That's
clearly a utility, but how do I describe it in a license in such a way as to
allow that functionality, but not allow someone to "play a game" with the
utility.
> Hmmm... Not allowing "software" will prohibit plain text files as
> well. I know we went over this before, but I _do_ have a lawyer who
> _still_ says "All computer files are 'software'".
This is a solvable problem, but it is something that should be addressed by
the license.
> Oh kayyy... Now I am confused. I thought the D20SRD was going to be
> released as OGC. Are the "Body Parts of Vecna" going to be in the D20SRD
> or in a separate document?
They will be identified as Product Identity and may appear in a 3rd
document. (The game stats will of course be OGL).
> Ok, given the above "no software" rule, does this mean that about 30% of
> the monsters and magic items can NOT be used by a purely OGL software
> product?
Yes.
Ryan
