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Fan Site Question.

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
glimeral_dup
Mar 06, 2009 3:22:49 To whom it may concern,

I am in the process of creating a fan-site chronicling the adventures of my gaming group.

However, after reading the revised GSL, I am in doubt as to whether my internet chronicle would be in violation of section 5.5 (a), given the fact that the entirety of the work will be website based (on google groups).

The reason I ask is because I plan to incorporate an online component to my next campaign, and would not wish to be in violation of the GSL for doing so since its primary purpose would be to enhance the gaming experience for my players, while also acting as an ongoing narrative for the gaming public.

Some of the elements I plan on including are:
Derivative Material primarily dealing with applied mechanical results as they pertain to specific characters, NPCs, custom monsters, and house rules - using appropriate citation as required/neccessary.
Original Content (eg. new feats/powers/monsters/items/character options/etc).
and similar content

Seeing as I want to make such material available to both my gaming group, and to the general public, I want to make absolutely certain that it does not violate any part of the GSL, and would appreciate any advice on the matter.

Edit: Assuming everything is on the up and up, exactly where on this site should I detail the DnD compatibility logo and Dnd legal text. Site link to follow.

http://groups.google.com/group/dungeonhack

PS: I sent in a Statement of Acceptance back in April/May 2008. Given the fact that I never recieved a written letter of rejection (and in fact, recieved no correspondance from Wizards on the matter) am I to assume that the SoA was accepted, or should I assume that it was never recieved?
#2
itarakoturo
Mar 06, 2009 3:46:42 If you aren't planning on publishing anything for commercial use under the GSL (as it seems like you aren't), I'd suggest waiting until the Fan Site Policy is released. It will probably be a lot less of a headache. The GSL is primarily intended for commercial publishers, not your average joe documenting his home campaign.
#3
glimeral_dup
Mar 06, 2009 4:05:18 Given the fact that I am a published author and part-time game developer, the calibur of my custom material will be of professional quality.

In light of this fact, I am undecided as to whether I wish to publish the adventure paths/custom content connected with the site comercially (in pdf format), or whether to provide it free of charge - hense why Im asking.

For the record, I have no intention of publishing the details of any rules/feats/powers/etc (save those I create myself), so it is highly doubtful that any copyright infringement will occur.
#4
Zherog
Mar 06, 2009 9:10:26 Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on television.

If you don't sign the GSL, you can't be in violation of it. At it's heart, the GSL is just a contract between Wizards of the Coast and a publisher.

Now, that said... The question "exactly what can I put on a fan site?" is a very good one. I can't see anybody getting upset over character journals or a story-version of your campaign. Your other points - derivative material and original content - might raise some eyebrows, though.

With any luck, the fan site policy is completed soon so these sorts of good questions have good answers to go with them.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 glimeral_dup Mar 06, 2009 3:22:49	To whom it may concern, I am in the process of creating a fan-site chronicling the adventures of my gaming group. However, after reading the revised GSL, I am in doubt as to whether my internet chronicle would be in violation of section 5.5 (a), given the fact that the entirety of the work will be website based (on google groups). The reason I ask is because I plan to incorporate an online component to my next campaign, and would not wish to be in violation of the GSL for doing so since its primary purpose would be to enhance the gaming experience for my players, while also acting as an ongoing narrative for the gaming public. Some of the elements I plan on including are: Derivative Material primarily dealing with applied mechanical results as they pertain to specific characters, NPCs, custom monsters, and house rules - using appropriate citation as required/neccessary. Original Content (eg. new feats/powers/monsters/items/character options/etc). and similar content Seeing as I want to make such material available to both my gaming group, and to the general public, I want to make absolutely certain that it does not violate any part of the GSL, and would appreciate any advice on the matter. Edit: Assuming everything is on the up and up, exactly where on this site should I detail the DnD compatibility logo and Dnd legal text. Site link to follow. http://groups.google.com/group/dungeonhack PS: I sent in a Statement of Acceptance back in April/May 2008. Given the fact that I never recieved a written letter of rejection (and in fact, recieved no correspondance from Wizards on the matter) am I to assume that the SoA was accepted, or should I assume that it was never recieved?
#2 itarakoturo Mar 06, 2009 3:46:42	If you aren't planning on publishing anything for commercial use under the GSL (as it seems like you aren't), I'd suggest waiting until the Fan Site Policy is released. It will probably be a lot less of a headache. The GSL is primarily intended for commercial publishers, not your average joe documenting his home campaign.
#3 glimeral_dup Mar 06, 2009 4:05:18	Given the fact that I am a published author and part-time game developer, the calibur of my custom material will be of professional quality. In light of this fact, I am undecided as to whether I wish to publish the adventure paths/custom content connected with the site comercially (in pdf format), or whether to provide it free of charge - hense why Im asking. For the record, I have no intention of publishing the details of any rules/feats/powers/etc (save those I create myself), so it is highly doubtful that any copyright infringement will occur.
#4 Zherog Mar 06, 2009 9:10:26	Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on television. If you don't sign the GSL, you can't be in violation of it. At it's heart, the GSL is just a contract between Wizards of the Coast and a publisher. Now, that said... The question "exactly what can I put on a fan site?" is a very good one. I can't see anybody getting upset over character journals or a story-version of your campaign. Your other points - derivative material and original content - might raise some eyebrows, though. With any luck, the fan site policy is completed soon so these sorts of good questions have good answers to go with them.