From FarFuture@aol.com Wed Oct 16 15:23:42 1996 From: FarFuture@aol.com Date: Wed, 16 Oct 1996 18:23:05 -0400 To: jimv@e2.empirenet.com Subject: Re: Traveller Copyright Archive (v0.1) In a message dated 96-10-16 14:55:35 EDT, you write: > Oh, and a 3rd question, since I'm on a roll: > Can we include official sector data in starmapping freeware? I'm > assuming the answer is yes, but I want to make absolutely sure > that it's okay with you. Yes. Which one? Marc ------------------------------ From jimv Wed Oct 16 20:04:31 1996 From: Jim Vassilakos Subject: Re: Traveller Copyright Archive (v0.1) To: FarFuture@aol.com Date: Wed, 16 Oct 1996 20:04:29 -0700 (PDT) I'm talking about sector data in general, as I thought I'd made clear in a few of my past emails to you. Data for any sector of any time period. All the sector data that was published in the past and all that will be published in the future. I know, it's a rather sweeping question, but it needed asking. Judging from what I've heard so far, so long as the program is distributed free of charge and acknowledges the copyright holders and the Traveller trademark, then everything is okay, right? jimv@empirenet.com ------------------------------ From FarFuture@aol.com Wed Oct 16 20:46:06 1996 From: FarFuture@aol.com Date: Wed, 16 Oct 1996 23:45:30 -0400 To: jimv@e2.empirenet.com (jimvassilakos) cc: rodge@cyberspace.com (rogersanger) Subject: Fwd: DGP COPYRIGHTS Jim, In a message dated 96-10-16, rodge@cyberspace.com (Roger Sanger) writes: > Subj: DGP COPYRIGHTS > Date: 96-10-16 18:36:27 EDT > From: rodge@cyberspace.com (Roger Sanger) > To: hiwg@fwe.com, traveller@mpgn.com, xboat@mpgn.com > CC: farfuture@aol.com > > Dear Traveller Afficionados and TML'ers, > > It has never been the intention of MM or DGP to create a > situation in which background for the game was barred from future > reference in the game. > > That is, DGP was given an open hand to draw upon GDW's Traveller > materials, and in return gave MM and his associates equal freedom > to design new Traveller game materials based upon the background > presented in DGP's works. DGP entered into this agreement with > the full awareness that Marc's rights of derivation would > continue even after DGP's right to publish game material under > the Traveller trademark expired. > > Of course, the scope of the agreement was limited to the > publication of materials for the Traveller role-playing game > market. Any use of DGP's materials outside that market by Marc or > his associates would require a new agreement with DGP. > > Under this arrangement, once something integral to the setting > was created -- such as a key person (the Emperor, a planetary > leader, the head of a major regional corporation, etc.), a piece > of equipment, a class of ships, a planet (or culture, government, > or organization), etc. -- these things could be represented in > new game works because they comprised the background of the game, > that is, they DEFINED THE MILIEU. The text and illustrations > themselves could not be reprinted, but any idea that fell into > the category of "background" could be drawn upon in the creation > of new Traveller game products. ***important point ****** > The notable exception to the reprint restriction concerns data. > Most of the data presented in the game consists of pure > background, and can't be presented in any other way than by > reprinting it verbatim. Planet names, UWP's, sector data lists, > ship class names, ship statistics, and other data can be > reprinted directly in new Traveller game products (by Marc or by > whomever he designates). *************************** > The copyright limitations mostly concern foreground. Player > characters, adventures, NPCs insignificant to the superstructure > of the milieu, their personal activities, specific encounters, > etc. Even though these persons and events could be mentioned in > passing, neither MM nor DGP would ever consider reworking an > adventure done by the other, or making use of their star > characters, without getting permission first. > > As you can see, the distinction between foreground and background > material is highly subjective, and relies upon the trust and > goodwill between the parties involved. For instance, throw-away > references were often picked up and fleshed out in greater > detail, even some that could be identified as "foreground". > > One thing you need to understand about Marc is that he takes > pride in being the creator and leader of Traveller, and we at DGP > have always found him to be a fair and honorable ruler. You don't > have anything to worry about. Marc's main concern is the > happiness of his customers and followers. > > We at DGP are very happy that Marc is in control of Traveller > once again, and we feel that it is a position he truly deserves. > > Sincerely, > > Roger Sanger > Digest Group Publications Roger: Your piece was very well crafted and I agree. Jim: Since I agree with what Roger said, then I think it forms a great answer for you. Sincerely, Marc ------------------------------ From jimv Wed Oct 16 20:58:21 1996 From: Jim Vassilakos Subject: Re: Fwd: DGP COPYRIGHTS To: FarFuture@aol.com Date: Wed, 16 Oct 1996 20:58:18 -0700 (PDT) Thanks for the quick response this time. I think this issue is finally settled to everyone's satisfaction. You have certainly proven worthy of the high praises people have sung about you on the TML (somewhat to my surprise). I hope the successes of T4 and any successive editions do nothing to change your pro-gamer philosophies or your good manners when dealing with the smallfry. Pleasure talking to you... jimv@empirenet.com