OGC Wiki (merged)

[XCorvis]

Yes, you must site the source of the material. I think in this case, linking the original wouldn't be "advertising" per say, but I see your point - it might get interesting.

 

[Denaes]

Why claim compatibility? Especially when you're only producing a compilation of OGC material. Be sure to include the appropriate copyright notices in Section 15 of the OGL and you'll be clear.

After all, we are talking about an OGC wiki, not Marquis d'Sade True20.

If you mention where the rules came from, you're indicating compatability.

For the sake of the OGL liscense, there is no real difference between using Open Content to write another book, post online, stripmine mechanics (which is basically what this is) or making a computer application (not game). It still follows the same rules. You can't say where it came without permission as that would be indicating or implying compatability.

It's cool for a company that is cool with the whole deal. Green Ronin (in the case of True20) wouldn't stand for it.

 

[XCorvis]

We're also discussing this here:

http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=145733

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

If you mention where the rules came from, you're indicating compatability.

You can't say where it came without permission as that would be indicating or implying compatability.

You're incorrect. You must cite where the OGC came from in Section 15.

EDIT: Sorry, you're half correct-- or as my brother likes to frame it, "Directionally Correct."

Any cite other than the Section 15 would be a no-no.

 

[mythusmage]

We're also discussing this here:

http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=145733

Time for a thread merge!

 

[mythusmage]

Someone before Mearls even suggested this a month or two ago here on these forums. My response, now as then, is that it's a really cool idea, but the legal execution of it, with the way that Wikis are structured, would be a nightmare. The OGL is great for sharing content among vendors, but trying to keep Joe Gamer from accidentally (or intentionally) posting someone's protected IP would be insane. If there were a safeguard against that, it'd be something I could contribute and maintain, but not until then.

The beauty of a wiki is, problematic material can be removed. Though I would advise making this sort of wiki semi-closed. That is, you have to apply for membership and be accepted before being able to contribute. Makes it easier to bar problem contributors.

At the same time, if a publisher is subject to a lot of his IP being accidentally incorporated into the OGC wiki, maybe he'd better start thinking about clearly delineating OGC. And if people are having trouble distinguishing between IP and OGC, you're not delineating clearly.

As a rule of thumb I'd recommend sticking to the mechanics and writing new instructions for their use. Use the publisher's instructions as a guideline, but put it in your own words.

 

[Rasyr]

How about moving the merged thread back to the general forum? It is more of a general topic, and not limited to specific rules (as the OGL wiki can cover the FUDGE and Action! systems as well, since they both use the OGL also).

 

[mythusmage]

On Linking to the Original Company

Get permission. Write to the company in question, tell them about the wiki, and ask if you can link to the appropriate product page. Unless run by a control freak companies like free, positive publicity. Saves them advertising dollars.

You can't get permission then just put in the copyright notices for every company who's OGC is included.

And speaking of advertising, one could have OGC and OGL publishers buy ad space on the wiki. With those providing recipricol links getting a discount on the rate.

 

[mythusmage]

How about moving the merged thread back to the general forum? It is more of a general topic, and not limited to specific rules (as the OGL wiki can cover the FUDGE and Action! systems as well, since they both use the OGL also).

First, FUDGE does not use the OGL. FUDGE has its own licensing agreement and content produced under that license is not OGC.

Second, the d20 Modern, d20 System, and OGL forum is for discussing things like OGC, since OGC falls under the OGL. That's why I started my thread here.

 

[philreed]

First, FUDGE does not use the OGL. FUDGE has its own licensing agreement and content produced under that license is not OGC.

No longer true. Check out the new edition of Fudge and/or the site.


I want to hear how this idea helps the game industry more than it hurts it.