E-Tools question of sources

[Brown Jenkin]

I saw on the news page a link to HeroCraft stating that KoK e-tools files could be found and downloaded there. I did not see any secific permission from Kenzer on the page only a statement that not all text was included so people would have to buy the books so they wouldn't have to remove the files.

My question is, besides the WotC material that is being ignored by WotC what companies have given permission for e-tools files of thier material? Is there some central location that has this information? Since there was such a commotion over PCGen files that included the same amount of information being distributed with out permission, I am currious what e-tools files I have permission to use. By ENWorld promoting and providing links to some of these download sites can I assume that any files they have are OK?

 

[DarkWhite]

As long as the text is defined as Open Game Content, then you can redistribute that content as long as you abide by the requirements of the Open Game Licence (eg, distribute a copy of the Licence, section 15 Copyright Notice etc).

However, The Kalamar Players Guide appears to have been published under special agreement with WotC. It carries the Official Wizards logo, and the OGL is nowhere to be found! Nowhere is the content defined as being Open Game Content.

Whether or not WotC or Kenzer turn a blind-eye towards e-Tools usage, it would almost certainly be in a forbidden zone with regards to third-party software apps, as appears to be the case with other WotC published materials, unless they're released under the SRD.

IANAL, but that's the way it looks to me.

By ENWorld promoting and providing links to some of these download sites can I assume that any files they have are OK?

No, I don't think you can assume that. There have been several instances of links being promoted by ENWorld that have since had the content pulled by WotC, particuarly in regards to third-party d20 software apps not complying with the appropriate Licences, usually with regards to the "human readable" clause.

 

[Cougar]

ENWorld isn't "promoting" anything. Just posting news for the community.

 

[Beastman]

hi there!

just wanna tell you, that herocraft is my site and i have announced KoK-eTools-Files on Kenzer's message boards which are also regularly visited by kenzer staff. until now, i have not been adviced to remove the files and i hope that i will not have to remove them in the future. that said, i don't know if kenzer turns a blind eye toward me or do not care or if it is illegal to host the files. however, if i'm asked to remove them, i will do so immediately, so better grab them as long as they are on.

furthermore, if you look at etools-repository site, there is a lot of other stuff for download, and you can ask the legellity-question here, too (but this does not excuse the hosting of my files, i know) ;-)

 

[smetzger]

ENWorld isn't "promoting" anything. Just posting news for the community.

Yah, well. There was a previous thread that was closed because someone was asking for copyrighted stuff for PCGen.

Why does E-Tools get special treatment?

 

[Beastman]

Mmmh, don't know. But is it illegal to enter feat-names, spell-names or something like that into any program? Is, say for example "Two-weapon Fighting" (not the feat description, game mechanics, but the name itself) copyrighted or something like that. As i have stated on my page, you cannot do anything useful without the books. Thus, I think, it's something of a gray zone - but I could be wrong.

So (I repeat here), if Kenzer (or whoever official) has problems with that and contacts me and asks me to remove the files: I will do it.

 

[DarkWhite]

Hey Beastman, as you state, there is a swag of WotC splatbook data posted on on e-Tools Repository. By the letter of the Licence, WotC could request the removal of any content that isn't released under the SRD, and they frequently do, with regard to third-party software. However, with regards to their own e-Tools product, it would seem they use their discretion to allow these files, as it serves the purpose of promoting their e-Tools product. Kenzer, having published under special agreement with WotC, *might* also fall into this category .. let's hope!

So to answer Smetzger's quesion, why does e-Tools get special treatment? Because they're owned by the same company!

Still, it might be nice for more fans to actually ask the publisher's permission, or even offer their e-Tools file for posting on the publisher's website as a web enhancement for their products. Some publishers might actually welcome such an initiative. Other third-party developers have approached other companies to include their content in their programs with mixed reactions, I believe. At least posting on Kenzer's own message boards should alert the company that these files exist. This is a good thing.

Sorry, Cougar is right .. I didn't mean to imply that ENWorld necessarily "promotes" links here .. rather "reports"

 

[Brown Jenkin]

Mmmh, don't know. But is it illegal to enter feat-names, spell-names or something like that into any program? Is, say for example "Two-weapon Fighting" (not the feat description, game mechanics, but the name itself) copyrighted or something like that. As i have stated on my page, you cannot do anything useful without the books. Thus, I think, it's something of a gray zone - but I could be wrong.

It is fine to include any OGL information as long as the OGL license is included. This is often not the case but I know that it is not neccesary if special permission has been granted by the copyright holder. The problem that could still come up is that sometimes proper names are not included in OGL which is why some spell names are different in the SRD and the PHB. I hope Kenzer is fine with it and that they can stay up.

 

[Brown Jenkin]

So to answer Smetzger's quesion, why does e-Tools get special treatment? Because they're owned by the same company!


Sorry, Cougar is right .. I didn't mean to imply that ENWorld necessarily "promotes" links here .. rather "reports"

I think what Smetzger was refering to was not that WotC gives special treatment to thier own books but that ENWorld is giving special treatment to e-tools over PCGen.

ENworld shut down a PCgen thread because copyrighted material might be distributed. I was wondering then since ENWorld is providing a link to some e-tools sites whether these had been cleared as ok somehow.

 

[Cougar]

Yah, well. There was a previous thread that was closed because someone was asking for copyrighted stuff for PCGen.

Why does E-Tools get special treatment?

Well, as has been discussed over and over, E-Tools is owned by WotC. They have the right to allow whatever of their own material into their own program, with no excuses made to other competing software.