Code Monkey Lose WoTC License (Merged)

[karianna]

It wasn't that much of a nightmare (and a lot easier then expected), Evolution does almost exactly this, just I am not converting to XML. The Code Gen converts to .Net Classes which are then compiled at run time based on what datasets the user wants to work with at that moment. The SRD has gone without a hitch and I did a few test cases on some datasets I purchased that went equally as well.

Seems everyone is using our datasets these days, kudos to our data team I guess. Don't forget to acknowledge the source please

 

[Vascant]

Seems everyone is using our datasets these days, kudos to our data team I guess. Don't forget to acknowledge the source please

I have no plans to not do otherwise..(And more then just in the S15 clause of the OGL where I required) . Probably at the start of next year I will begin work on Editors that will save in your LST Format and just use the Code Gen to change it over to Evolution. This way the editors can serve dual functionality. With CMP losing the license, I had to change my to do list and raise this up a few notches.

 

[kingpaul]

I'm just saying that if there happens to be no official way to obtain sourcebooks it'll provide a reason to get them elsewhere, which is good in my eyes.

So you are condoning the distribution of closed-content sources without a license?

 

[daan]

So you are condoning the distribution of closed-content sources without a license?

Yes, I personally believe there is nothing morally wrong with distributing a closed content digital dataset provided it contains the minimum of rules as not to replace the need for the corresponding hardcopy sourcebook, and as long as the dataset isn't used to earn money from WoTCs IP. Again, I do not care to debate this as its been done over and over already, its just how I feel.

The way some chargens handle it scares me, even avoiding talking about entering closed content datasets directly, for fear of being persecuted. Where did we go from hobbyists to hunted?

That said, I'm not some nutball crusading against the law by putting closed content in my chargen. I'm going with the SRD, as it is one of the better initiatives of WoTC. Let the community do the rest.

Daan

 

[Maggan]

The way some chargens handle it scares me, even avoiding talking about entering closed content datasets directly, for fear of being persecuted. Where did we go from hobbyists to hunted?

I think it happened when TSR discovered the existence of the Internet. What happens now is a breeze to what was going on at that time.

/M

 

[kingpaul]

The way some chargens handle it scares me, even avoiding talking about entering closed content datasets directly, for fear of being persecuted. Where did we go from hobbyists to hunted?

And what's wrong with trying to respect one group's IP?

 

[daan]

And what's wrong with trying to respect one group's IP?

Talking about implementing closed content datasets on a forum isn't disrespectful in my eyes. I think having to talk cryptically about closed content for fear of retribution shows disrespect towards D&D enthusiasts. We're fans for crying out loud.

 

[daan]

I think it happened when TSR discovered the existence of the Internet. What happens now is a breeze to what was going on at that time./M

The only encounter I had myself was with TSR back in the 3.0 days. (or was it 2, I cant remember. x_X). For all I know WoTC might not even care about closed content datasets for non commercial software, but CMP's actions always suggested otherwise.

 

[Henry]

For all I know WoTC might not even care about closed content datasets for non commercial software, but CMP's actions always suggested otherwise.

They don't, for stuff that's for personal use only (as in, "you made the files yourself, and you're using them.") But PCGen's project did originally continue under a similar assumption, and found out that WotC felt otherwise. However, it never came to a litigious head, instead resolving in the software contract they've had the past few years now.

As for the old TSR's "persecutions", I remember discussing them, though I wasn't on the Internet back then. It was pretty nasty, with TSR trying to strong-arm people legally into not just taking down their IP, but for any fan supplements, created modules, etc. that they made available, forcing a "derivative content" statement on them, and insisting it be hosted on servers of their choosing, and pretty much signing away all rights to the created material as being OWNED by TSR. Many sysops decided it better to just shut down than give TSR the satisfaction; a lot of material was effectively lost back then.

 

[karianna]

I have no plans to not do otherwise..(And more then just in the S15 clause of the OGL where I required) . Probably at the start of next year I will begin work on Editors that will save in your LST Format and just use the Code Gen to change it over to Evolution. This way the editors can serve dual functionality. With CMP losing the license, I had to change my to do list and raise this up a few notches.

OK, we've talked with our OGL/PI gurus and although we don't want to put up roadblocks for third parties like yourselves, there are some OGL/PI issues that we need to make you aware of before conversion (for example, datasets that we created for particular publishers couldn't be converted unless you had specific permission from them as well, and there's also the matter of PCGen IP, which is something that some of our team feel strongly about). Drop Paul King (you've seen him on these boards) a line and hopefully we can clear it all up quickly so you can get on with it!