4e PDFs - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

4e PDFs

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
tequila_sunrise
Aug 05, 2010 9:49:36 If I were to write up a series of pdfs that were essentially just 4e rules copy-pasted from WotC books and errata, and then give those pdfs away for free via the forum, would WotC jump down my throat?

(Would WotC care enough to do anything about it? If yes, what would they do about it? Remove offending content from the forum? Censure my account? Sue me?)

Thanks.
#2
Hocus-Smokus
Aug 05, 2010 12:24:29 IANAL....but I have been utilizing one for my own GSL material, and he has filled me in on many things I didn't know about fair-use, direct copying, and many other aspects of the GSL that are incorrect, unprosecutable, and downright wrong due to too much gray area and lack of hard specifics. Couple that with the responses of WotC to questions about the GSL amounting to "we cannot answer that...seek legal assistance", and WotC has seriously set itself up for trouble down the line.

That being said...

Yes, unauthorized copy/pasting of WotC copyrighted material is not only against forum rules, it is illegal, no matter where you post it. Would Wizards sue you? I seriously doubt it. They would, of course, remove the material from the site and you might get banned. Even if they knew who you were and where you were, I cannot imagine them suing you, nor do I see them investing the time or money to find out who you really are and where you really are.

I have seen hundreds of direct blocks of material from all versions of D&D posted to these boards, and no one has seemed to have any problems with them, but these blocks are usually small, and in response to questions or requests. I haven't seen an entire rule-set posted, though.

Were I you, I wouldn't try it.
Take that for whatever it is worth to you.
#3
tequila_sunrise
Aug 05, 2010 16:32:40
IANAL....but I have been utilizing one for my own GSL material, and he has filled me in on many things I didn't know about fair-use, direct copying, and many other aspects of the GSL that are incorrect, unprosecutable, and downright wrong due to too much gray area and lack of hard specifics. Couple that with the responses of WotC to questions about the GSL amounting to "we cannot answer that...seek legal assistance", and WotC has seriously set itself up for trouble down the line.

What is IANAL, and who is 'he?'
#4
beej_silver
Aug 05, 2010 18:54:06 I believe (please correct me otherwise, Hocus-Smokus) IANAL is short for "I am not a lawyer," which is is the usual disclaimer on many replies in this particular forum.

But on topic, I wouldn't recommend doing it either. >.>
#5
Hocus-Smokus
Aug 05, 2010 20:09:58
I believe IANAL is short for "I am not a lawyer,"

Yes, indeed.
I thought it had become common enough parlance to not need a description.
Sorry.
#6
tequila_sunrise
Aug 05, 2010 20:32:44 Ah, gotcha. Warning taken.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 tequila_sunrise Aug 05, 2010 9:49:36	If I were to write up a series of pdfs that were essentially just 4e rules copy-pasted from WotC books and errata, and then give those pdfs away for free via the forum, would WotC jump down my throat? (Would WotC care enough to do anything about it? If yes, what would they do about it? Remove offending content from the forum? Censure my account? Sue me?) Thanks.
#2 Hocus-Smokus Aug 05, 2010 12:24:29	IANAL....but I have been utilizing one for my own GSL material, and he has filled me in on many things I didn't know about fair-use, direct copying, and many other aspects of the GSL that are incorrect, unprosecutable, and downright wrong due to too much gray area and lack of hard specifics. Couple that with the responses of WotC to questions about the GSL amounting to "we cannot answer that...seek legal assistance", and WotC has seriously set itself up for trouble down the line. That being said... Yes, unauthorized copy/pasting of WotC copyrighted material is not only against forum rules, it is illegal, no matter where you post it. Would Wizards sue you? I seriously doubt it. They would, of course, remove the material from the site and you might get banned. Even if they knew who you were and where you were, I cannot imagine them suing you, nor do I see them investing the time or money to find out who you really are and where you really are. I have seen hundreds of direct blocks of material from all versions of D&D posted to these boards, and no one has seemed to have any problems with them, but these blocks are usually small, and in response to questions or requests. I haven't seen an entire rule-set posted, though. Were I you, I wouldn't try it. Take that for whatever it is worth to you.
#3 tequila_sunrise Aug 05, 2010 16:32:40	IANAL....but I have been utilizing one for my own GSL material, and he has filled me in on many things I didn't know about fair-use, direct copying, and many other aspects of the GSL that are incorrect, unprosecutable, and downright wrong due to too much gray area and lack of hard specifics. Couple that with the responses of WotC to questions about the GSL amounting to "we cannot answer that...seek legal assistance", and WotC has seriously set itself up for trouble down the line. What is IANAL, and who is 'he?'
#4 beej_silver Aug 05, 2010 18:54:06	I believe (please correct me otherwise, Hocus-Smokus) IANAL is short for "I am not a lawyer," which is is the usual disclaimer on many replies in this particular forum. But on topic, I wouldn't recommend doing it either. >.>
#5 Hocus-Smokus Aug 05, 2010 20:09:58	I believe IANAL is short for "I am not a lawyer," Yes, indeed. I thought it had become common enough parlance to not need a description. Sorry.
#6 tequila_sunrise Aug 05, 2010 20:32:44	Ah, gotcha. Warning taken.