-----Original Message-----
From: Jason Lotito <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>If it still is illegal, is WotC in fact encouraging it? I don't think so.
>I realize the intent was to say hey..you can create stuff...just dont'
steal
>our stuff. I realize the intent, however, in the end, if it is illegal, it
>should be mentioned on the page, as it is rather misleading. From that one
>sentence, its gives the appearance of encouragement to create online works,
>however, from your statement of illegality, Ryan, it seems contradictory.
The intent seems to be that it allow fans to create websites with new
material derived from materials copyrighted by TSR (no mention of WotC
copyrights). This original material (if it actually is original) could
easily be converted to fit the OGL, especially if a Campaign Setting
Trademark License is created which Ryan has mentioned as a possibility in
the past.
After re-reading the Internet Policy, I find that it is remarkably
restrictive. Let's examine these restrictions a little more carefully.
1. You are prohibited form using any of their logos and artwork, except for
those netlogos which are distinctively different from the actual Trademarked
logos. If you use any other TSR logos or artwork on your website, they will
bust you.
2. You can only use text versions of their trademarks and you must
reproduce the Trademark notice for any that you use. They want you to
acknowledge that you have no claim on their copyrights. If you fail to do
this, they will come after you.
3. You can't copy their text, but they will let it slide if you only copy a
little bit. Do more then that and they will sue you.
4. Don't sell your creations, no matter what form they take, or you will end
up in court.
Nowhere in the Policy listing goes it give express permission for fans to
legally use, distribute or derive from their copyrighted material or
trademarks. The Policy simply states the conditions under which WotC will
not prosecute you for using their material on the internet. Ryan's
statement is of the illegality of fan created content on internet is
correct. According to IP law, they are illegally using WotC's Intellectual
Property, therefor they are illegal. However WotC is not bothering with the
legal hassle of taking them to court so long as level of the infringement is
kept minimal.
I don't see any appearance of encouragement. It me it states just how much
someone can get away with before the WotC legal team deems them big enough
threat to take down.
Chris
www.IDrankWhat.org
www.coincidental.net
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