So... where can I print out PDFs?

[MadLordOfMilk]

So, I've come to realize that due to copyright concerns, the Fedex/Kinkos near me is not the place to go to print out a PDF. See, after I asked about it at the counter, they said I need some proof that I have permission to print a copy of the PDF.

The problem is, a number of free and non-mainstream RPG books are only available as a PDF! But they hardly go through some legal thing saying "you can print this out" addressed to print shop employees. I'd really rather not print out a couple hundred pages on my home laserjet printer, especially because then I can't throw $4 at it and get the pages bound. Bah. Sure, I could hole punch them and throw it all in a binder, but I question the long-term durability of it. And I'm absolutely not sliding them all into a few hundred plastic sheet covers! *shudder*

Obviously, it's not like I can tell them "seriously, go google search it, it'll take 5 seconds" even if that's the case, and I really doubt a printout from a random webpage would suffice. I'm particularly worried if they'll refuse to print a decent-looking pdf-only RPG because it might look like I'm trying to rip off something commercial. D'oh!

Anyone have a solution? I'd really like to have hard copies of the PDFs I think are awesome, but it seems out of reach.

 

[Chris Knapp]

I printed a PDF at Kinkos a few years ago with a printed copy of my RPGNow receipt. The guy at the counter didn't really care though and probably would have printed anything I asked him to.

While most Kinkos won't print the PDF for you without a receipt, many provide PC's with connections to high-speed color printers where they allow you to print what you want. You then take it to them at the counter and they bind it. Its a bit more expensive, but do-able.

 

[MadLordOfMilk]

Though it wouldn't work for a lot of free stuff, the receipt/order confirmation page would most likely help a ton For some reason, I didn't even think of that at all...

The one closest to my house doesn't have any PCs to print off of, but I doubt it'll be hard to find something. Also glad to hear you can just take the stack of printed pages up and they'll bind it, I wasn't exactly sure of how that all worked.

Thanks!

 

[vagabundo]

What kind of proof do they need?

Just whip up an official looking letter or something. They are legit PDFs you purchased I assume? I'd say the DC for the Forgery check is around 15, I'd give you a DC of 12 if you use Diplomacy (DC10) on the sales person first.

 

[jaerdaph]

There was some good advice in this thread - specifically ask to sign their Copyright Release Form.

http://www.enworld.org/forum/general-rpg-discussion/246143-pdf-book-printing-binding.html

 

[MadLordOfMilk]

There was some good advice in this thread - specifically ask to sign their Copyright Release Form.

http://www.enworld.org/forum/general-rpg-discussion/246143-pdf-book-printing-binding.html

Ahh, didn't even know that was an option, thanks!

What kind of proof do they need?

Just whip up an official looking letter or something. They are legit PDFs you purchased I assume? I'd say the DC for the Forgery check is around 15, I'd give you a DC of 12 if you use Diplomacy (DC10) on the sales person first.

Hmm, Diplomacy might be risky. Sure, it's a lower DC for a bonus, but if I botch it then it might be harder to get the forgery by! Decisions, decisions...

But yes, they're things I either purchased or found (legitimately) free. Heck, with how cheap most of this stuff is on Amazon, it's cheaper to buy a book half the time than waste time finding a PDF and trying to print it, and the official book is (generally) going to be significantly better quality. Plus, if I like it so much I'm willing to print out a few dozen/hundred pages, I like it enough to support the creators The problem is, many of them don't have a print-on-demand sort of option.

 

[pawsplay]

I don't think I've ever gotten the same answer twice from Kinko's. On one occasion, I printed up an old PDF, no problem. On another occasion, they asked for "proof" I had the right to print GURPS Supers, and even though the PDF states printing is enabled, I had a letter from SJ Games stating it was all right to print it, I had my purchase receipt, and the PDF was watermarked with my name on it... the order was rejected twice before I gave up.

 

[Zaukrie]

I gave up on the hassle, and bought a cheap brother laser printer. Great investment in time, lack of hassle, and "right now".

 

[Baron Opal]

Step 1: Buy cool pdf that enhances your game.

Step 2: Print two copies of your reciept from PayPal, RPGNow or whatever you have that says you paid money for product.

Step 3: DO NOT go to any national chain. Find a local print shop and ask them nicely to print out and bind your pdf file and hand them your receipt stating "this is my proof of purchase."

Step 4: Take home your nifty new book.

The national chains have people who have been trained to say no whenever "Dungeons & Dragons" is mentioned or anything else that sounds like it. They do this out of copyright concerns as they have been burned in the past. You might find the occasional apathetic employee or someone who is a gamer to help you out. I find the local shops are much more helpful since they haven't been burned and giving them a copy of your receipt gives them the feeling of security they need.

 

[jdrakeh]

Step 3: DO NOT go to any national chain. Find a local print shop and ask them nicely to print out and bind your pdf file and hand them your receipt stating "this is my proof of purchase."

That's probably the best advice and it applies specifically to Kino's, as they were sued for printing, packaging, and re-selling copyrighted materials off the rack in their stores. Local chains who haven't been sued into near bankruptcy for pirating copyrighted works are much more lenient when it comes to printing electronic documents.