High Guard and the OGL

[aspqrz]

... saying "Of course, you could use HG and SRD terms ("torpedoes") and design sequences" to someone who is not as versed in copyright law as you obviously are is not responsible and very easy to misinterpret (which you will note I have been saying from the beginning).

If those "someones" are intending to publish stuff they would have to be very stupid to do it without either a) getting independent legal advice or b) listening very closely (or reading very carefully) what people who do have some experience are telling them.

You can't legislate to protect fools ... well, of course, you can try, and governments do from time to time, but the attempts usually fail miserably because, well, fools are fools.

I seriously doubt that anyone on this list is a fool of the order of magnitude to make a mistake that would get a product pulped. I could, of course, be wrong.

As I have noted elsewhere, I am currently working on an Equipment supplement (likely to appear in several parts ... its proving to be a much bigger project than I at first envisaged) for Traveller.

Well, more accurately, one that will be compatible with Traveller. I haven't finally decided, but, while I intend fully to use elements of the SRD (mostly in the form of using Task Checks rather than anything else ... and not explaining them, either ... assuming the purchasers have the TMB) I have not decided whether to use the TLL or not, as I don't like some of the restrictions.

So, in the book, I don't refer to "Vilani" or "Imperium" but "Old Empire" and, likewise, don't refer to "Solomani" but to "Terran Federation" ... and similar mechanisms.

When its finished I will, if I decide not to use the TLL, simply say "Compatible with your favourite SF RPG from Mongoose" or some such ...

And, of course, I will submit a copy, out of courtesy, to Mongoose and Marc Miller for their perusal (and, perhaps, enjoyment). This will be, of course, a PDF release initially ... and if they find anything objectionable, they will undoubtedly say so and I will happily change it. So, no pulping. Common sense rules.

If I get no objections, then I will probably do a POD version ... almost certainly, in fact. But the PDF version will be first.

Anyone intending to use the SRD, even if they don't intend to use the TLL, would be well advised to do as I am planning to do, as a matter of courtesy if nothing else.

Phil

 

[Rikki Tikki Traveller]

Maybe you guys should just EMail Matt Sprange with the details of what you are trying to do and ask his opinion?

Whether it is "legal" or not, if Mongoose is OK with you publishing it, then you are OK, since they are the only ones that are going to come after you.

Matt has been very reasonable in the past. Just talk to him...

And stop this fine argument?

NEVER!

I see that you are right. When EDG comes in as the voice of reason, we know things are out of control! :wink: (Just kidding Doc!)