No 4E Fan Content Allowed on the Intenet?

[jeffh]

I don't understand why anyone would want to repost WotC-generated 4E content stat-for-stat. I do understand why you'd want to post your own characters/creatures/traps etc.

In the case of the card generators I saw the summer before last, mainly so that people could have that information available in a more convenient form for actual play, with a minimum of work. You just print off the relevant cards for the powers your character actually has, and away you go. (And you can do things like turn encounter or daily powers you've used face-down, which is easier, less error-prone, and gives better visual feedback than even something as simple as ticking a box.)

You can still do that, but now you have to type up the powers yourself. That's not that much work for one character, though, and if you look at it from WotC's point of view it's infinitely better than having people giving away half the Player's Handbook for free.

 

[Dragonblade]

I suspect the unofficial WotC fansite policy is a don't ask, don't tell. To cover themselves legally in case they need to take action against a fan who crosses the line they create an official fansite kit and any query made about what is appropriate or not is of course going to have them respond with the official line that you need to use the fansite kit.

But basically, as long as you are being respectful of their IP, not posting the contents of books, or DDI material online, and not reposting entire art galleries and so on, I would expect they aren't going to care about your fan site. But for legal reasons they can't just come out and say this.

 

[Dire Bare]

Once again, the internets gets all worked up over nothing.

If I want to post my new monster I made in the Monster Builder on my website, I'm not worried that WotC is going to sick the hounds on me. Not at all.

But even if they do, I'll simply comply with the C&D and take it down. Disappointing, but somehow I'll live and be able to continue gaming with my favorite hobby. I somehow managed in the 80s and 90s, I can probably manage again in the 21st century.

Course, I have to get a website first. And create some monsters. But I'm sooo lazy . . .

 

[Mercutio01]

Okay, while my instinct is that you're correct and I certainly want you to be, I have to ask: AYAL*?

*Are You A Lawyer?

No, but even if I was one, what I said would have the caveat about not using my statement as legal advice.

However, you simply cannot copyright game rules.

 

[Xyxox]

I suspect the unofficial WotC fansite policy is a don't ask, don't tell. To cover themselves legally in case they need to take action against a fan who crosses the line they create an official fansite kit and any query made about what is appropriate or not is of course going to have them respond with the official line that you need to use the fansite kit.

But basically, as long as you are being respectful of their IP, not posting the contents of books, or DDI material online, and not reposting entire art galleries and so on, I would expect they aren't going to care about your fan site. But for legal reasons they can't just come out and say this.

There's a definite problem with this line of reasoning. Sure, it's okay up to a point, but there is no known definition for that line.

For example, should a fan develop some innovative technology to aid in game play and it's on their 4E site being given away for free for use with 4E, WotC could determine this technology competes with their own DDI (or a module for the DDI that is about to be released), out goes the C&D. WotC might not even have a legitimate case against the fan site, but they have the resources to easily bury that fan site and that innovation.

What are you going to do if you are that fan? your own principles might dictate "take it to court", but can you really afford to?

So it comes down to a simple axiom. Don't post any 4E fan site at all and you're safe from any potential legal action from WotC.

 

[Umbran]

There's a definite problem with this line of reasoning. Sure, it's okay up to a point, but there is no known definition for that line.

And one thing that seems to be missed frequently is that there's good reason for a lack of definition.

People on the Internet are creative, always coming up with new uses, functions, and ability to work with data. If WotC gives a clear, well-defined message, there's significant chance that someone will think of something that wasn't covered, or fits in some crevice that nobody realized was there.

WotC is in the position of having to either be vague, or be specific and risk having to change the specific policy later. Changing policy generates lots and lots of complaints. Being vague generates a bit of grumbling, and probably works as a disincentive to those who are apt to try to be too clever for their own (or WotC's) good.

 

[Hussar]

/snip

So it comes down to a simple axiom. Don't post any 4E fan site at all and you're safe from any potential legal action from WotC.

And that's certainly an option.

However, using the fan-site kit gives you other options as well. For one, it allows you to advertise your site as an *official* fan site, which does carry a certain amount of weight.

In other words, you have a choice - hitch your wagon to WOTC and use them to pimp your site but, on the downside, you have to abide by their rules, or don't and try to get your site noticed in some other manner.

Depends on what you want I suppose.

 

[Morrus]

You can create new stuff and post it on a fan site as long as it adheres to the GSL.

The GSL which prohibits web content.

Although I'm unclear on the meaning - on the news page I said "not authorised"; I very deliberately didn't use the word "prohibited".

 

[The Little Raven]

The GSL which prohibits web content.

Hey, noone said they weren't schizophrenic about the whole thing.

Despite that, their answer seemed pretty clear to me.

At this time, fans are allowed to use the assets provided in the Fan Site Kit, and they are allowed to create their own RPG material pursuant to the GSL. Anything beyond that is not expressly authorized by Wizards at this time.

Fans can (a) use the assets in the Fan Site Kit and (b) post material so long as it follows the GSL guidelines for creating new material (no redefining races/classes, no using certain races/classes, can create new alchemical formulas, new vehicles, etc.).

Anything beyond that (creating new divine domains, creating new Genasi manifestations, creating new Warden powers) is expressly not authorized, since that is not pursuant to the GSL.

So, yes, fan material is "allowed" (in WotC's eyes), so long as it adheres to the GSL's limitations. That seems to be the latest fan site policy, despite the fact that the GSL explicitly says it does not extend to websites (we might see this change if there is another GSL/SRD update in the future). It just seems to be a "gentleman's agreement" rather than a real license.

Outside of that, it's a crap shoot in terms of whether WotC will take action against a fan site.

 

[ggroy]

Outside of that, it's a crap shoot in terms of whether WotC will take action against a fan site.

Most likely "don't ask don't tell" at this point.