printing Dungeon pdf at a print shop

[ryryguy]

I just tried to get a copy of a Scales of War PDF printed at a FedexOffice (formerly known as Kinkos), through their web printing method. I have never done this before, but I was under the impression that it was pretty common for people to get PDFs they have purchased printed in this way.

They just called me and said they wouldn't do it because it's copyrighted. Now, clearly, as a Dungeon/Insider subscriber, I have purchased this work and have the right to print a copy for my own use. And they said that if I came into the store and did it myself, that would be fine. They would bind it and so forth, as well. But they will not press the button themselves, due to liability concerns, I guess.

Is this common, or is there some trick or magic word that will get them to do it? Does it differ from store to store?

 

[Tinker Gnome]

I have heard about people having this problem with PDFs and print shops. I guess you will have to go in and do it yourself.

Sorry I could not be of more help.

 

[ronin]

When I tried to print something at Kinkos I was told they were not allowed to print copyrighted material unless I provided a letter from the company giving me permission to print their material.

 

[Asmor]

Try somewhere else. I've never had a problem with Staples.

 

[Dire Bare]

I just tried to get a copy of a Scales of War PDF printed at a FedexOffice (formerly known as Kinkos), through their web printing method. I have never done this before, but I was under the impression that it was pretty common for people to get PDFs they have purchased printed in this way.

They just called me and said they wouldn't do it because it's copyrighted. Now, clearly, as a Dungeon/Insider subscriber, I have purchased this work and have the right to print a copy for my own use. And they said that if I came into the store and did it myself, that would be fine. They would bind it and so forth, as well. But they will not press the button themselves, due to liability concerns, I guess.

Is this common, or is there some trick or magic word that will get them to do it? Does it differ from store to store?

I worked for Kinko's over 10 years ago, and we were very strict about it then! Basically, Kinko's used to not really care all that much . . . and then they got sued and lost. So Kinko's (or FedEx Office now, I guess) will not copy or print copyrighted materials for you, but you can do it yourself on their self service machines. It is very much a liability issue. Other print shops vary, some will, some won't.

Your best bet is to find a gamer friend who works at a Kinko's or other print shop! That's how I got stuff printed up real nice back in the day (after I left Kinko's myself)!

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Kinkos got entangled in a couple of copyright lawsuits, and ever since then, they've been very touchy about that.

I tried to get a color photocopy of a CD with a very prominent anti-piracy warning on its face, and they wouldn't do it, citing copyright law.

I, an IP attorney by training, pointed out that I needed the copy for a lecture I was giving on piracy, thus making it "fair use" under US copyright law. They still wouldn't make the copy.

I eventually made a B&W copy on my home copier.

I've had similar issues with character sheets with the permissive language on the page. You know, "X Co grants permission to photocopy for personal use..." etc.

I wish they'd realize they're costing themselves legitimate business.

 

[ryryguy]

Huh, interesting... I can understand why they'd have a zero tolerance policy if they've been sued over it in the past... and they can't really verify that I have purchased the PDF, so they don't want to take the chance.

But it still sucks, when in fact, it is legitimate and legal for me to print out the PDF. Oh well.

 

[delericho]

Never mind... bad idea to comment without the requisite knowledge...

 

[wedgeski]

I wish they'd realize they're costing themselves legitimate business.

At the same time though, copyright is a minefield. You can't really expect a business to place the responsibility for what is fair use, and what isn't, with the guy behind the counter. Similarly, I wouldn't want responsibility for making that decision if I *was* the guy behind the counter!

 

[roguerouge]

Uh... since these issues are at least 10 years old, why isn't Dungeon including boilerplate that it's okay print their articles out? That should be SOP.