We might want to start saving Websites
Aspirinsmurf
Hero
Oh, I'm not at all sure that it's an intelligent plan. It just makes sense to the extent that it's comprehensible and not unprecedented.
One also needs to think about something. The leaked version of the OLG that started this mess looked design to give WOTC a monopoly as far as D&D and D&D related games goes. The ability to make money of anyone making money off it, or to shut them down.
Yes, they appear to be backing off somewhat (appear being the key word), but that doesn't mean that's not a goal.
And if I was them, the first step in that monopoly would be getting rid of as much 'free content' as they could. Why buy the cow, when the milk is free?
That would mean shutting down as many websites as quickly as they could. Take down notices are a quick way to do that. Threatening the webhosts of those websites is another. In fact, threatening the web-host would be the best way to do that.
WOTC threatens the web-host, and the web-host can shut down the 'offending website', and tell tell the former operator 'you violated our terms and conditions', and that's that. The website doesn't even have to learn that WOTC is the one that caused it.
Hell, they could release a 'friendly' new OGL, and still pull that. With no free mechanical content (they'll never pull that off with graphics, maps and the like), people will only be able to get paid content.
And to the average person, which is more attractive? Content from the original creators (WOTC), or a 3rd party?
Most of the gamers I know either used free from the web, or WOTC stuff during 3.X, or Paizo if they went to Pathfinder. Most saw my 3rd party collection and looked at me funny for 'wasting money.'
Yes, they appear to be backing off somewhat (appear being the key word), but that doesn't mean that's not a goal.
And if I was them, the first step in that monopoly would be getting rid of as much 'free content' as they could. Why buy the cow, when the milk is free?
That would mean shutting down as many websites as quickly as they could. Take down notices are a quick way to do that. Threatening the webhosts of those websites is another. In fact, threatening the web-host would be the best way to do that.
WOTC threatens the web-host, and the web-host can shut down the 'offending website', and tell tell the former operator 'you violated our terms and conditions', and that's that. The website doesn't even have to learn that WOTC is the one that caused it.
Hell, they could release a 'friendly' new OGL, and still pull that. With no free mechanical content (they'll never pull that off with graphics, maps and the like), people will only be able to get paid content.
And to the average person, which is more attractive? Content from the original creators (WOTC), or a 3rd party?
Most of the gamers I know either used free from the web, or WOTC stuff during 3.X, or Paizo if they went to Pathfinder. Most saw my 3rd party collection and looked at me funny for 'wasting money.'
Aspirinsmurf
Hero
Can we get System Reference Documents added?