[dq-rules] Re: Rules clarifications

["John Rauchert" <john.rauchert@sait.ab.ca>]

"john corey" <joh-@westpole.com> wrote: 
original article:http://www.egroups.com/group/dq-rules/?start=9
> JohnR pointed out that rules (like the completed electronic version of
> DQ second edition that is floating around) could not be republished.
> That sounds reasonable but we should be able to publish rules
> clarifications, should we not?  Here is what I have in mind:
> First, we wstate that we are working from the second edition.  Then we
> should be free to collect opinion's on rules that need clarification
(I
> am sure each of us could think of a few off of the tops of our heads
> ;->).  Then we can publish rules clarifications in an organized
manner,
> using the numbering scheme in the book.  We are not reprinting any
> rules in this case, simply providing clarifications.  We could then
> come up with a parallel list for the third edtion.

You are exactly right, I have copied part of a policy produced by TSR
Inc. (they had just been bought by Wizards) below. 

Note the secret distributor's copy is the Bantam edition of 2nd ed with
some house rules thrown in for good measure (it seems to be where the
third ed started from when they made revisions). I have done a line by
line comparison of book one for the differences between my hardback 2nd
ed and the secret distributor's version which I will distribute.


We have been working from the following guidelines:

TSR, Inc. Internet Policy

The following policy statement briefly summarizes TSR's approach to use
of our intellectual property on the internet. 

....

3.Don't quote large sections of text from our products. A couple
paragraphs for purposes of commenting on the product is fine, but more
than that is off limits. As with trademarks, we're going to be pretty
tough on stopping any use of our material that is used to generate
revenue for someone else. 

4.Go ahead and write your own adventures, stories or rules variations,
but make them original. We would also appreciate it if you could use a
little class - sure, pornography and graphic violence sell, but we try
to keep a respectable image, and we need your help. 

5.Go ahead and create your own MUD, MUSH, or even video game, but (i)
don't use any of our illustrations and (ii) don't try to make any money
from it. 

Note from the webmaster:

We have been getting a lot of "is this OK to do this under the policy"
questions. Let us clear it up right now. According to the policy
(above), as long as (1) you're not copying our text, (2) you're not
copying our art, (3) you're not copying our logos, and (4) you're not
making money off of it, you can use our properties to make your own fan
material (within good taste - no porn, etc.). That's it. Make your
stuff. Have fun.