Ok let me clarify... The OGL is simply, an Open Game License that allows ANY mechanic to be included...and used in open environment when released under said license. Sanguine Productions Ltd. could, as an example, release all or some its Polyhedral System if we so wished to the OGL and make all our books OGC or at least the mechanics of the book open. Something I personally support.
That is FACT. I do not think we disagreeing about this and I am sorry if more use of terminology has clouded this issue. What we are disagreeing about is what has manifested and that is a WIDE range of products based on the SRD. They are almost ALL derivatives of the SRD whether they actually include the material contained within it. The same could be true for anything D20. My point on mechanics is one that a lot seem to share (though maybe not so many on this list). While there have been a FEW token exceptions to what has been released and the LACK of relationship to the SRD and/or D20 (which falls back on the OGL anyways) a majority use the SRD and D20 compatible mechanics. People just assume that OGL means this...and it simply does NOT. What is the purpose of the OGL? I mean the real purpose? Is it to unite game designers under one flag and create a meta-system that can be used by everyone? If so, that is NOT happening right now. Or at best case, not yet or in limited quantities. If I call the next Ironclaw expansion an OGL book, it is no way shape or form compatible with any other OGL product (we are the ANTI D20 system since we do not use a 20 sided die at all)...which is NOT what OGL literally claims, but rather what is being interpreted by MANY people. Does this make sense now? Now, I am not trying to put down OGL. I LOVE it...for several reasons. We saw on an industry forum several attempts at what would be competing game companies try to combine efforts and share information. Something that almost NEVER happens in this industry. I applaud it! I also saw Ryan jump up and down saying "YES!" Good job Ryan! Seriously! I would like to see it happen at several levels that have nothing to do with the OGL...sharing printer information, helping artists and writers, and in general make the industry stronger. Richard Stewart Sanguine Productions Ltd. _______________________________________________ Ogf-l mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.opengamingfoundation.org/mailman/listinfo/ogf-l
