Outlaw Press stolen artwork accusations

[ebertran]

Outlaw Press a publisher of T&T material, is being accused of using stolen artwork. Their stuff has been pulled from RPGNOW and Amazon. Buyer beware.

Outlaw Press, aka Jim Shipman, Is A Big Crook « Geek Related

RPGnet Forums - View Single Post - Outlaw Press uses stolen art

http://falckart.blogspot.com/2009/12/stolen-art.html

 

[Shroomy]

Having followed the thread over at RPG.net, I would hardly call this an accusation anymore. He's definitely trafficking in stolen artwork, as well as other stolen IP (he copied the solo adventure from Dungeon 9, converted the stats into T&T, and passed it off as his own; he distributed and sold an OSR game that he didn't write or have permission to distribute; and he won't stop selling T&T materials even though his license has been pulled).

 

[Umbran]

Having followed the thread over at RPG.net, I would hardly call this an accusation anymore.

EN World does not condone copyright violation.

However, EN World is not a court of public opinion, where accusations are tried without benefit of so much as the presence of the accused, much less a real defense and rigorous process.

So, whether you'd call it an accusation or not - we do call it an accusation. The truth or falsehood of which is a matter for the legal system, not assertions on the internet.

That this person was accused is news, no doubt about it. But so folks are aware, we will not be having a "Beat on Jim Shipman Fest" here.

 

[Guest 85555]

I agree, it does look pretty bad, but we should wait for this to be settled in court before getting too deep into speculation.

 

[mxyzplk]

Hi, mxyzplk from Geek Related here. As additional data, there's this great pdf someone at Stardust Publications put together showing a long list of Outlaw Press covers side by side with works of art with links to their original galleries, each of which has been verified as being unlicensed by the author. The PDF is up to 30 pages already.

What's incredible is that so far this analysis has been only covers, not internal illustrations! Until someone from law enforcement gets interested, the only resources to identify these issues and help out the "starving artists" are random Internet volunteers checking cover images from online stores selling the products. So if you have access to any Outlaw Press products, especially in PDF, consider doing some searching to see if the art is properly credited. One popular way is by using TinEye (TinEye Reverse Image Search) where you can upload an image and look for matching images. If there's a match in an artist gallery on DeviantArt or whatever, see if the attributions match and/or email the artist to make sure they know their art was used. Pop in at the rpg.net thread to coordinate efforts, maybe someone enterprising will set up a Google Wave or something to help align folks.

 

[rogueattorney]

I agree, it does look pretty bad, but we should wait for this to be settled in court before getting too deep into speculation.

We're not judges or jurors. We're customers and I don't see why potential rpg customers should have to wait for the courts. I think people can read that RPG.net thread, come to their own conclusions, and act accordingly. What has happened seems pretty obvious to me.

I would also point out, the accusations aren't just about art. It's linked in the larger RPG.net thread, but I think this other issue is worth highlighting: Dragonsfoot • View topic - Where's the love for Mazes & Minotaurs?

I just feel bad that a great game (Tunnels & Trolls) and one of this hobby's great gentlemen (Ken St. Andre) have gotten tangled up in this mess, and would encourage everyone to look to Flying Buffalo and Fiery Dragon for their T&T needs.

 

[MichaelSomething]

I know I'm stating the obvious, but what else would you expect from something calling itself "Outlaw Press?"

 

[pawsplay]

It has been more than adequately demonstrated to my sastifaction that Jim Shipman is a crook. It may take some time for the wheels of justice to turn. In the meantime, it's important for customers and industry folks to understand that they should think twice before doing business with him.

The guy will probably not go down easily. Believe it or not, apparently he's a lawyer. I really don't have words.

 

[catsclaw227]

Hi, mxyzplk from Geek Related here. As additional data, there's this great pdf someone at Stardust Publications put together showing a long list of Outlaw Press covers side by side with works of art with links to their original galleries, each of which has been verified as being unlicensed by the author. The PDF is up to 30 pages already.

Is Outlaw Press attributing the art work to anyone in their products? I mean, just looking at the PDF, wow...... That's some pretty blatant illegal art reuse if they didn't get permission.

I mean, he didn't even try to rotate the images, flip 'em, mash 'em up with other images or modify the hues.

 

[Mark]

That pdf seems to be a decent bit of documenting with links and all that. I imagine this isn't the last we will hear of this and Jim Shipman. Interesting that he chose such a name for the company.