copy policy?

[CBS Brian]

Now I'd like to start off by stating that I am aware that most d20 publishing companies purchase material from freelancers on a work-for-hire basis. I'd also like to say that I'm not going to complain about this policy; for the most part it makes a lot of sense to me. However in some cases where a product goes well beyond an adventure or sourcebook, and has as much material dedicated to flavor as it does to rules material, that's where things start to get kind of vague. The obvious example is a campaign setting.

Totally hypothetical example:
I'm creating a campaign setting for Mages of the Bay, including iconic characters, really cool city locations, the whole nine yards. What if I want to be sure that the publisher isn't going to publish my setting, and then produce future supplements that (pardon the expression) crap all over my vision of MY creation.

I'm just curious how publishers feel about sharing ownership of certain works in certain situations. I know Monte Cook has stated that Malhavoc Press writers retain their own copyrights, but MP is somewhat of an exclusive club (not complaining, just saying Mr. Cook only invites certain individuals to write under the MP banner). For you other publishers out their, under what circumstances would be willing to negotiate joint ownership, would you be willing to do such a thing at all, what are some of the legal complications that come into play?

As a conclusion I just want to reiterate I'm not trying to destroy the basic work-for-hire system, am just curious about different publishers and their policies on this matter.

 

[jaerdaph]

You could always try to license your setting to them instead , but I doubt many major publishers would want to go for that.

Unless you're George Lucas or Gene Roddenbery's widow, that is.

Even Ed Greenwood opted to sell the rights to the Forgotten Realms to TSR back when.

 

[jmucchiello]

Totally hypothetical example:
I'm creating a campaign setting for Mages of the Bay, including iconic characters, really cool city locations, the whole nine yards. What if I want to be sure that the publisher isn't going to publish my setting, and then produce future supplements that (pardon the expression) crap all over my vision of MY creation.

The problem with this example is the answer to this question "What does the publisher get by not retaining all rights to the setting?" Well, aside from future legal hassles involving the prima donna writer, not much. If they are going to use this setting for a line of products they need to have full control over it or it just causes problems.

If on the other hand, they only publish your works in that world well it will not seem very alive unless you are amazingly prolific.

Oh, and TDG also allows its authors to retain copyright to their material. But we are not supporting any settings.

 

[Ranger REG]

Unless you're George Lucas or Gene Roddenbery's widow, that is.

If you're referring to the Star Trek IP, I doubt Majel Roddenberry is going to see a dime, except for maybe the use of her voice (she does voice-over for computer since TOS). Back when, the late Gene Roddenberry sold the IP to Paramount.

At least her production company is responsible for Earth: Final Conflict and the current Andromeda TV series, based on Gene's TV series proposal and development notes.

If you want total control of your IP, I suggest you try to get trademarks and copyright registered. Thanks to the Sonny Bono Act, you will leave a legacy for your children and grandchildren to look after when you're gone.

Of course, they'll have to take continuing criticism from fans who think they they have their best interest in your works. Hehehe.

 

[kingpaul]

If you're referring to the Star Trek IP, I doubt Majel Roddenberry is going to see a dime, except for maybe the use of her voice (she does voice-over for computer since TOS). Back when, the late Gene Roddenberry sold the IP to Paramount.

Isn't she also the computer voice for NextGen and Troi's mother? As well as being Nurse Chapel from TOS and the 1st officer in the failed pilot?

 

[Ranger REG]

Correct. Since TOS, Majel Barrett Roddenberry (known for her role as Nurse Chapel) has been the computer voice for almost all Trek TV series and films.