Kal Lin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I apologize if my tone read poorly. I really want to point
> out that, in my opinion, the purpose of the OGL takes a turn
> when we start adding clauses that do not serve the more general
> gaming community.
And, in my opinion, this term does. Sure WotC has an ulterior motive, but
that doesn't mean that what WotC wants from the OGL isn't good for the rest of
us. (For instance, Fiend Games could release the "FiendishSTL" regarding the
use of their trademarks...)
> I do not see anyting in the OGL as WotC-only right now either.
> But I do see the new clause as only serving someone with a
> valuable trademark that others want to latch onto. When I first
> read the message, I thought "doesn't bother me since I have no
> interest in anyone elses trademarks and I don't have any trademarks
> that others want to use." But now I think, the new clause would
> put extra onus on me to research trademarks and make life more
> difficult for people who want nothing to do with trademarks.
? If a real word comes up in general use with no knowledge of the trademark,
I don't see a problem. *I* am not going to worry about someone coming along
and saying "Mecca is a trademarked term! Cut it out!", and that's about the
only way I can think someone would cry foul... if you think it's a worry (just
like if you're worried about your closed / open division) you can hire a
laywer.
> Instead of just criticizing, I'd like to suggest that the new
> clause added to the D20STL would accomplish much the same goal
> if official use of the D20 logo had real market clout. Anyone
> motivated to promote their products with dubious attachment
> to D20, D&D, etc. would choose official D20 instead. Anyone
> who would still choose to go the dubious route would probably
> avoid the OGL anyways.
Hmm... I think I'll wait to pass judgement until I see the final OGL. You're
not a lawyer, I'm not a lawyer, but it's a lawyer writing that line... I'm
sure there's SOME reason that, in order to keep the OGL legal and effective,
it has to be in there.
DM
Looking for a game? I DM in Upstate NY, twice a month in New Hartford, NY (a
suburb of Utica)
Even better, I've got irregular games where I live, in Charlton (near Albany).
Drop me a line and we'll game!
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
AIM: PlanesdragonDM ICQ: 26106342
____________________________________________________________________
Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at
http://webmail.netscape.com.
-------------
For more information, please link to www.opengamingfoundation.org
