Possible Legal Problem

[Darkness]

And if those were the only methods of getting it into the hands of thousands and thousands, then I would agree with you.

But, they aren't and I don't.

Query: Do you mean to say that "thousands and thousands" already have gotten this file?

 

[Khan the Warlord]

Query: Do you mean to say that "thousands and thousands" already have gotten this file?

Answer: I have no idea how many have gotten the file yet (I only wish I was omniscient), but I do know that the file is on certain venues capable of delivering it to "thousands".

And to be honest, it doesn't really matter how one can get it, as once someone does, it can easily be sent to everyone in one's address book, who then pass it along to many others afterwards.

However it happens, I only hope that it doesn't change WotC's policies regarding playtesters (which will probably occur).

 

[Rune]

However it happens, I only hope that it doesn't change WotC's policies regarding playtesters (which will probably occur).

Heh. Why not? Eric's site changed WotC's policies regarding playtesting!

 

[Morrus]

Heh. Why not? Eric's site changed WotC's policies regarding playtesting!

I must've missed that - what happened? I remember something about Dragon Magazine and a slight snaffle involving publishing of errata or sage advice or something along those lines, but I don't remember anything about playtesting.

 

[EricNoah]

I'm not sure if he's joking, but he might be referring to a rumored instruction for playtesters that specifically mentioned my site by name (as in "do not pass scoops to Eric Noah").

If you think about it, though, the playtesting of many products over the past couple of years has been nothing short of astounding in terms of how little stuff has leaked out. I mean there are five builds of Master Tools for the beta testers and have we heard one thing about folks downloading it en masse? No. WotC should be very pleased at how well it has gone thus far.

 

[Henry]

Whether you are outsourcing your playtesting or not, leaks will occur here and there. (Anyone remember the only way in which three people will keep a secret? ) However, Eric is right - WotC I hope should be quite proud of their playtesters thus far. Out of the thousands who have been involved in playtesting over the years, they've only had about - what - two major leaks, I believe?

 

[Khan the Warlord]

If you think about it, though, the playtesting of many products over the past couple of years has been nothing short of astounding in terms of how little stuff has leaked out. I mean there are five builds of Master Tools for the beta testers and have we heard one thing about folks downloading it en masse? No. WotC should be very pleased at how well it has gone thus far.

Exactly, which is why I was so surprised to see this .pdf leaked (as I've yet seen any playtested material of 3rd edition or D&D software like MT leaked up to this point).

And like I said before, my only purpose with this thread was to ensure that EN World wouldn't be held accountable by indirectly supporting this leak (by posting a news blurb from someone that obviously has the playtest material). Anyway, its been pointed out that I needlessly worried and EN World wouldn't be liable, so this thread doesn't really need to be.

 

[Khan the Warlord]

Here is an example on these forums of yet another person that got this pirated playtest copy.

Now yes, this is a "new member" (I'm guessing it is an existing member that doesn't wish to reveal their identity), but before anyone wonders -- he/she isn't me (do whatever check you wish).

/me ponders on just how many people have this now...

 

[xmanii]

/me ponders on just how many people have this now...

I was able to find it.

 

[reutbing0]

A lot of people have it by now I guess. I was able to find the file in 20 minutes. I don't know how much piracy like this will affect sales, but my guess is that WotC will not tolerate this. I do think it will seriously affect playtesting.