I´m presently working on converting an old 2nd. Ed. spell to D&D 3.5. If I understand the WotC SRD right, I´m only allowed to publish it (and perhaps other conversions) if I state the original source and only convert the stats of any given spell or monster or encounter, but not the content of the encounter itself. Did I get that right so far ? Would it be ok to publish the spell description, as this would be part of the spell mechanic? Or would this fall under the WotC copyright ?
What if I make changes within the framework of the SRD regarding contents given within the original source? (eg. changing levels of NPCs or powers of monsters?) If conversing, the original material can be in need of interpretation, how much leeway do you have there?
Lastly, does it matter where I publish it ? I would like to publish these ideas on these messageboards, if that is ok.
These legal texts are somewhat hard to understand for non-native speakers
(I´m not asking at the wizards´ messageboards because I like the community here better :-))
Stefan
I´m presently working on converting an old 2nd. Ed. spell to D&D 3.5. If I understand the WotC SRD right, I´m only allowed to publish it (and perhaps other conversions) if I state the original source and only convert the stats of any given spell or monster or encounter, but not the content of the encounter itself. Did I get that right so far ?As far as I believe, yes.
Would it be ok to publish the spell description, as this would be part of the spell mechanic? Or would this fall under the WotC copyright ?
I don't know if you can or not, but it would probably be better if you just wrote your own description of the spell.
What if I make changes within the framework of the SRD regarding contents given within the original source? (eg. changing levels of NPCs or powers of monsters?) If conversing, the original material can be in need of interpretation, how much leeway do you have there?
I think you're safe to alter levels and powers as much as you want.
Lastly, does it matter where I publish it ? I would like to publish these ideas on these messageboards, if that is ok.
Well, since you're putting it out for free, I don't think you're going to have any troubles whatsoever. Just don't copy the stats word-for-word (and since you're converting from editions, that's not a problem), and don't include any "product identity," which is to say any of the original flavor text. WotC doesn't have thought police yet, even if they do have mind spies...
These legal texts are somewhat hard to understand for non-native speakers
(I´m not asking at the wizards´ messageboards because I like the community here better :-))
Stefan
Happy to help with what I could. :-)
You don't own copyright for the original material, so you don't have the right to republish any conversion you make of it. OGL only gives you the right to republish something from the SRDs.
However, if you don't make any profit from the conversion, such as if you post it on a message board or your own website, then it's fair game.
You don't own copyright for the original material, so you don't have the right to republish any conversion you make of it. OGL only gives you the right to republish something from the SRDs.
However, if you don't make any profit from the conversion, such as if you post it on a message board or your own website, then it's fair game.
Jonathan -
There's a special exemption for conversions from previous editions done in a certain way. It's on the wizards website.
- Ashavan
If you have any questions or doubts about weather material can be reprinted or modified, you should contact the holder of the copyright. Most companies are willing to work with you on this and have permissions/legal departments for just such requests. Also, i'd advise reading up on U.S. Copyright laws. Some of the highlights include:
1. Anything published before 1923 is in the public domain - does not require permission to reprint material
2. From 1923-1963 must obtain permission if material is published with a copyright notice can be up to 75 years from publication date (depending on if they had their copyright renewed)...after that it is public domain
3. From 1964-1977 straight up 75 years from publication
4. After Jan 1, 1978 it is the life of the creator + 75 years
One needs to obtain permission to reprint material for any kind of creative work unless it falls under any of these cases. Fair use includes the following:
1. Non-Creative Materials: Facts
2. Any material classified in the public domain
3. "Fair Use" This is the trickey one and must include addressing the following factors to reprint without permission:
a. The purpose and character of the use, including wheather such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes
b. The nature of the copyrighted work
c. The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole
d. The effect of the use ont he potential market for or value of the copyrighted work
Like i said, often fiddling with all this mess can easily be avoided by contacting the copyright holder and requesting permission.
Hope this helps.
As ever,
ACE
Now 40 different members are gonna start updating old modules, spells, creatures and weapons and posting them. Could be interesting! Maybe a separate site would be good for this, similiar to Lilith's NPC Stat site. OOhhh LLLiillliiittthhh! ;)
FH
Now there's another cool "public resource" idea:
The Global d20 Spell Database: Conversions and original spells submitted for public consumption...
Someone needs to hire Lilith full-time.
M
What? Did someone speak my name and inadvertantly summon the Lilithid? :-P
On the topic of the thread - yes, get copyright holder's information before release of information.
There's a special exemption for conversions from previous editions done in a certain way. It's on the wizards website.
So I'm quite free to do a 3ed conversion of, say, the Head of Vecna, for my own website, just as long as I don't use his name or try to charge money for it?
So I'm quite free to do a 3ed conversion of, say, the Head of Vecna, for my own website, just as long as I don't use his name or try to charge money for it?
That's my understanding, but you can't copy verbatim things out of the original adventure/module. Check out some of WotC's conversions to see what I mean.