This goes to a lot of issues, really. Like any other business, treat others as you would like to be treated. We ask permission to use content and also ask how people would like things done, where practicable. We also try to drop an acknowledgment for a product aside from what is required by the OGL, such as putting a sidebar near the utilized content such as "This item, and others like it, can be found in Big Cool Book by Kicka$$ Games."
Similarly, if you are going to reproduce alot of content from a book, you should probably ask permission. The publisher may be planning a reprint or a revision. I would hope you would want the same courtesy if it was your content. Again, this isnt required. Its just pretty much how most of the people who have been doing things for some time do it. Now, just like you dont have to ask for permission, I dont have to look the other way on violations. My general policy is that if a guy asks permission there is a better chance he will comply with the license. If he goofs, I will cut him some slack and be helpful in fixing things. But just like he doesnt have to ask permission, I dont have to be cool about violations either. If someone doesnt ask permission and they screw up their section 15 or commit some other violation, I will be way more harsh with their violations than with a guy who did ask permission. In fact, I once had a guy tell me he was using A through Z items in a pissy tone sort of "and there is nothing you can do about it and I dont even have to send you this email." I wrote him back and said, "ok smarta$$, use it. but I will be combing over your designations and compliance like a hawk. you better do it absolutely perfectly or i will come down on you for even a percieved mistake like a ton of bricks." but remember, that is the way he chose to play it, not me. in fact, i have even TOLD people how to reuse my content. See Tome of Horrors. The Legal Appendix has step by step instructions on how to reuse the content and how to do your section 15 correctly. So no, you dont have to ask permission. But neither does the publisher have to "be cool" if you make a tiny mistake in your use. That is why both sides gain by being professional and courteous and asking permission. To answer your questions more directly: > There is no requirement in the OGL to ask or receive > permission to use OGC, > as long as you comply with the terms of the OGL, > including an accurate > section 15. Correct. But again, the publisher whose content you use is under no obligation to be cool about accidental mis-designation by you. They are free to try to shove it where the sun dont shine. I find that asking permission is a simple, common courtesy that exists in any industry and promotes professionalism and prevents problems from accidental mistakes. > It might be courteous to acknowledge what material > comes from what sources, > but currently this is not allowed (or is very > difficult) due to restrictions > on the use of PI, such as company names. Agreed. If I am using cotent, its becasue i like it. I usually want to promote the content more than meerely mentioning it in a section 15 designation. But to do that would require permission. Which is why when i use content I ask permission and in doing so i also ask if they mind if i drop a little plug in the product. > What permissible role should courtesy play in using > OGC? I dont think its an OGC issue as much as it is a professional business issue. Lets all play nice. > Should courtesy extend to notifying a company of > one's intent to use their > OGC? I think so. A company may be planning to reprint a product and your use of OGC may blunt or hamper the success of that reprint or revision in some circumstances. If that happens, as mentioned above, and they feel you stepped on their toes they are free to be very strict in reviewing your compliance. > Should the amount > of OGC used make a difference? Yes. If you use alot I think you run the risk of accidentally stepping on toes. It makes more sense to ask permission if you are reusing alot of content. See above. > Should courtesy extend to supplying a company with a > copy of the new > publication in which their OGC was used? I dont think so and I certainly havent seen that done on a regular basis. Clark Peterson Necromancer Games ===== http://www.necromancergames.com "3rd Edition Rules, 1st Edition Feel" _______________________________________________ Ogf-l mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://mail.opengamingfoundation.org/mailman/listinfo/ogf-l
