> Russ Taylor
>
> We have been getting a lot of "is this OK to do this under the policy"
> questions. Let us clear it up right now. According to the policy (above),
> as long as (1) you're not copying our text, (2) you're not copying our
> art, (3) you're not copying ur logos, and (4) you're not making money off
> of it, you can use our properties to make your own fan material (within
> good taste - no porn, etc.). That's it. Make your stuff. Have fun.
Yes, I saw that too, but it doesn't say anything special. It depreciates
itself by saying "According to the policy (above)", meaning that it is
simply interpreting the policy. Then it says "you're not copying our text".
That limits derivative works. The policy offers up about as much as Fair
Use allows, so you aren't getting anything special there. Finally it says
"you can use our properties". What does that mean? It could easily be
referring to the online logos and text trademarks that were described in
some detail in the policy. Those are certainly WotC property.
I think they have a LOT of wiggle room in this policy. It grants almost
nothing while seeming to be very generous. It cleverly satisfies those who
are of no harm to WotC (and whom WotC has no ill-will towards) while
allowing them to shut down just about anything they don't like.
-Brad
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