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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
 Posted - 02 May 2012 : 03:14:41
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First; from the Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct, specifically,
9. It is not permitted for members to create threads or posts simply to advertise other websites, forums or web services. Feel free to add a link to other sites within your profile signature, but all other advertising should be avoided without first obtaining permission from the Head Moderator.
13. Discussions and links regarding illegal downloads and file sharing of copyrighted material, owned by either Wizards of the Coast or a third party company, is not permitted on these forums. It would also be appreciated for members to avoid promoting this activity via Private MessageEmail to others.
Second; I understand that Candlekeep enjoys a somewhat unique, uncertain, and perhaps precarious position among the many D&D and Realms fansites floating around, and that Alaundo is most concerned with keeping the legal waters calm so that the Keep does not get sunk. The status quo does not like ripples and waves.
Third; understand that I don't advocate piracy and illegal duplication. (I actually have very exacting opinions about this topic, which are not relevant here.)
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[/Ayrik] |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2012 : 03:19:29
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My question ...
WotC has in the past offered many free products as public downloads. Over time these were culled away, now their old-edition downloads have apparently disappeared forever. I've noticed that many files seem to even be disappearing from the Wayback Machine archives. I fear that it's only a matter of time before their 3E and 3.5E material also vanishes. I'm unaware of any official statements about any of this by WotC.
What is Candlekeep's *specific* position about providing a downloadable archive of these materials, not associated with the WotC site? Or of providing links to the same? |
[/Ayrik] |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36803 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2012 : 03:58:36
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As I understand copyright law, even with free material, a license to distribute that material is required. So it doesn't matter if WotC previously offered it for free, no one else can do the same without explicit authorization to do so from WotC.
I'm sure there are sites out there still hosting WotC material, and I don't know of any actions taken by WotC to curtail this. That said, it's not something I personally would take a chance on, and I'd discourage anyone else -- even Candlekeep -- from doing the same. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2012 : 04:46:23
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I see.
Would it be acceptable for me to include a link in my sig, to my personal website which will contain (among other things) all of these once-freely-distributed files in my downloadable file archives, or even <gasp!> in a .torrent file made to contain the same? Assuming, of course, that WotC does not elect to object or communicate any sort of legal desist notice? |
[/Ayrik] |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36803 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2012 : 10:53:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Ayrik
I see.
Would it be acceptable for me to include a link in my sig, to my personal website which will contain (among other things) all of these once-freely-distributed files in my downloadable file archives, or even <gasp!> in a .torrent file made to contain the same? Assuming, of course, that WotC does not elect to object or communicate any sort of legal desist notice?
Aiming people at a site where copywritten material could be shared would be against our rules. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 02 May 2012 10:53:21 |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2012 : 19:55:33
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| Fair enough. Thanks, Wooly. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Questions about site rules ...
