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It's up, along with legal and quasi-legal language for its use. Still some unanswered questions, and it's mainly just to provide fan sites with a bunch of images they can use of higher quality than what's available elsewhere on their site:
Please note that this Fan Site Policy does not allow you to publish, distribute or sell your own free-to-use games, modules or applications for any of Wizards' brands
Huh? Could you go into more detail on how it is "fail"??
Meaning that a fan site where we could freely post D&D adventures without having to sign the GSL and everything that goes with it (and is a bit unclear about online publications) would be preferable.
Meaning that a fan site where we could freely post D&D adventures without having to sign the GSL and everything that goes with it (and is a bit unclear about online publications) would be preferable.
Ahhh.
Makes sense I guess, but I honestly didn't expect a fan site policy to cover things which are already covered under the GSL. I can see how it would be disappointing to some people, .
I just downloaded the one for D&D. It's essentially images only. One folder with all the 4e D&D covers (full cover, not the art, but also with the book dress). Some images, some logos and a single product package.
Kinda lame for a fan site kit. But it's a start, I guess.
__________________ Game on, gang! Ptolus #16 (with customized, personalized sig from Monte. Awesomesauce.), Rappan Athuk Reloaded #37 (Another Awesomesauce, the Necromancer way.)
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Characters & Games
Books currently in play: Dungeon & Dragon Magazine (*Scales of War AP*), WOTC 4e Core and Supplemental books
Current Campaign: Scales of War - Lost Mines of Karak -- Kodirgo, Minotaur Barbarian 6; Vondal, Dwarf Cleric 6; Karithul, Gnome Bard 6; Marshaun, Elf Druid 6
It's better then what we had yesterday! Hopefully they can get some feedback and improve it. What is usually in a fan site kit? I've never seen one before.
Is this actually also the long-awaited fan-site policy? Does it actually address fan-created material other than to say "use the GSL" and reference WotC trademarks?
The "suits" in Wizards' legal department require us to tell you that Wizards Materials in the Tool Kits are for your personal Fan Site use only, and that the rights and permissions we grant to you in this Policy are personal to you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fansite Policy
Although imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, you may not imitate Wizards' logos, trade dress, or other elements of Wizards product packaging and website.
Is this actually also the long-awaited fan-site policy? Does it actually address fan-created material other than to say "use the GSL" and reference WotC trademarks?
The most relevant part is this:
"Please note that this Fan Site Policy does not allow you to publish, distribute or sell your own free-to-use games, modules or applications for any of Wizards' brands including, but not limited to, Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering. If you want to engage in any of these activities related to Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition, such use is subject to the Game System License http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/welcome."
Also:
"You may not publish, display, exhibit or use any information about products (including any photographs, game text, rules, or drawings of such new products or their prototypes) that has not already been released to the general public by Wizards or that Wizards has otherwise expressly authorized for release to the collector community."
And:
"We encourage you to use these materials, post your character sheets for Dungeons & DragonsŪ, create fan fiction, display your personal artwork, and just have fun on your Fan Site."
The pack is a lot of image files (logos, book covers, etc.) to use on your site.
This just found its way to me. I haven't given a proper read through but it for people interested in having D&D and Magic the Gathering fan sites.
Images on the zipped folder and make you agree to their terms of service. The interesting thing is that you're not allowed to create game material, etc. unless you're under the GSL.
As I read it, I can make and post free adventures so long as I do not charge for it or a subscription to my site.
Fair enough to me. Not that I actually have a site or sell material.
Buh? That's not what it says at all. Here, look:
Quote:
Please note that this Fan Site Policy does not allow you to publish, distribute or sell your own free-to-use games, modules or applications for any of Wizards' brands
(Emphasis mine) Notice the words right before "or sell"? Any publishing or distribution is off-limits according to this wording, whether you charge for it or not. Oh my, this is gonna erupt into a hell of a crapstorm tomorrow, I wager...
__________________ You are not entitled to your opinion, you are entitled to your informed opinion. If you are not informed on the subject, then your opinion counts for nothing.
(snip) Oh my, this is gonna erupt into a hell of a crapstorm tomorrow, I wager...
The amateur lawyers are about to come out and unleash nerdrage very soon. I think this weekend will be a good one to stay away from D&D-related messageboards.
"On my command... unleash nerdrage!" With apologies to Russell Crowe.
__________________ Regards
D
The philosopher Herbert Spencer once observed: "The ultimate result of shielding man from the effects of folly is to people the world with fools."
It is a good thing D&D is in the hands of brand management that just wuvs gaming and gamers, because let's imagine how things would look like if they didn't.
Go Rouseketeers!
__________________ "5. If they do not wish to take a few risks, their characters should stay home and become shopkeepers and farmers.
Then wish them luck!" -- Gary Gygax: Shrine of the Kuo-Toa
"Dragons are so Beowulf! Should DnD be in the business of selling 1200 year-olds back their childhood? Sheesh." -- gizmo33, on the power of nostalgia
Hopefully they can get some feedback and improve it. What is usually in a fan site kit? I've never seen one before.
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