Numenera's Limited License

[Morrus]

I don't like this because we can't make a wiki or a product that gathers fan creations without paying the 50 bucks, that's a really really big turn off. Some of the best reasons I enjoy playing RPGs is the fact that I can create and tinker, and I usually do entire game overhauls because I enjoy the mechanics. This doesn't let me do that which is really annoying. More info here... http://theninthworld.com/thoughts-numenera-licensing/
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This doesn't let you do that; you're correct. The Fan Use Policy does, though.

 

[Evenglare]

The fan use policy allows you to make your own things sure. As far as I'm reading, the minute you start making a compilation or "living" document gathering all the free information from fans, you need to give them 50$. Quoted here" But for instance, with us, I want to create a sort of “living sourcebook” from the best content submitted here, and give that away. Because I’m making a tangible – even if digital – good, I’ll probably need to kick off the $50 to them." assuming the author of the site I linked is correct. If this IS correct than it's really... disheartening to say the least.

 

[dd.stevenson]

Bad taste? It's a perfectly reasonable license. It might not be one that everybody wants to sign, but there's nothing wrong with it.

I don't think it's an unreasonable license. I don't even know of another company (in this industry) that's tried something like this before with their setting material. Although perhaps you do.

It would have been reported pretty quickly anyway. At least this way they're being up-front about it, and can't be accused of hiding anything.

Keeping it secret is not the point. The point is to avoid crossing communication between customers and licensees. For much the same reason one should have their toilet and their dinner table in different rooms.

Anyway, I don't think it's a huge mistake. More of an illustration of the perils of mingling crowdsourcing with semi-open licensing. Obviously, there are opportunities too. I hope it works out for them.

 

[dm4hire]

My thought is it is designed for the up and coming to the game design world. Someone comes up with a really good idea for the game that they think may make them some money so they pay the fee and self publish. It helps them get their name out there and doesn't require them to have a huge amount of cash to get started. As long as they follow the rules they're golden. I could see someone who's created a module using this and then chaining off of it with a series. Sell first mod until you get $2000 then make it free as you start selling mod 2 until threshold and make it free, and so on. It has potential, but would have to really watch your numbers if the product took off.

 

[delericho]

I could see someone who's created a module using this and then chaining off of it with a series. Sell first mod until you get $2000 then make it free as you start selling mod 2 until threshold and make it free, and so on. It has potential, but would have to really watch your numbers if the product took off.

That's quite a clever plan. Even so, faced with that license I think I'd probably choose not to support Numenera with my products, and instead go OGL and support D&D and/or Pathfinder. A bigger player base and a lower buy-in would seem to win out over the benefit of reduced competition.