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Message: <blockquote data-quote="jdrakeh" data-source="post: 2806722" data-attributes="member: 13892">My biggest issue is that there seem to be some very ethically challenged publishers out there (I'll not get into specifics or name names) - and just so I'm clear, this isn't in any way limited to the PDF market. What am I talking about? The OGL, for example, is really, very, incredibly easy to follow. Ditto the d20 STL. I'm not an attorney, but I manage to understand them both with no trouble - I still check with an attorney before I release a freebie under the OGL, though, because I want to cover my own ass and care enough about abiding by the law that I make an effort to do so. There are a small number of publishers who apparently don't understand what is and is not permissible under the OGL and d20 STL - or worse, simply don't care. Every last violation of the d20 STL and/or OGL that I've seen could have been easily avoided by consulting an attorney. Every last one. So, why did these violations occur then?I'm a big believer (because I've seen it exhibted I don't know how many times now) that there is a moral defficiency that pervades the business models of certain publishers where the OGL and d20 STL are concerned. For example: <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">There is a general concensus in some circles that because WotC doesn't go after license violations with teeth, that license violations are therefore excusable. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Some publishers use the rationale that license violations are excuable if they don't get caught and have no shame about openly violating a license until they do get caught. </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">I have seen publishers argue (no kidding) that since WotC is 'big corporation', violating their licenses is excusable. Damn the man!</li> </ul>Publishers who violate the OGL and/or d20 STL for any reason (be it deliberate, or just not caring enough to consult an attorney before publishing) are a blight on honest publishers everywhere and should be taken to task for their lack of professionalism. [Note: I have one more specific gripe about misleading advertising, but I'll get back to that in a bit - I have some work to take care of elsewhere.]</blockquote>

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