The Unseen Servant forums

This topic is to specifically discuss Rule #4, from the parent Rules of etiquette at the Unseen Servant post:

Rule #4 wrote:No posting links to copyrighted documents (e.g. scanned rule books), not-free software, etc. Also, if it is not safe for work, then do not post it. EXCESSIVE profanity or profanity just for the sake of it, pornography or links to such material are not acceptable. If you’re not sure if you should post something, then it’s probably a good idea to NOT post it.

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This first post was moved from an OOC discussion.


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BTW, this is a handy online 2e rules reference:

https://www.purpleworm.org/rules/

I hardly ever need to crack open my 2e books anymore.

(Lawyer geek moment: the site's belief that the first sale doctrine lets them post entire books on the internet is...incorrect. But WOTC either hasn't noticed it or has decided not to complain about it.)

Thanks!

I read somewhere once that they claim to have permission, not sure if it is true or not but a super handy site either way.

I'd be surprised if WOTC had granted them explicit permission.

The front page of that site is a hilarious juxtaposition of (1) claiming to have the right to put the copyrighted 2e rules on the internet, while also (2) claiming that no one else is allowed to make a copy of the rules that they copied.

That’s really handy thanks

First of moved posts from the 'What would you like to play/run? (Interest Catch-all)' topic.


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Scott308 wrote:I'd be interested in playing V:tM if there's a copy of the rules online. I don't think getting enough interest should be a problem.

Rex wrote:I have never played but if there are rules online I would be up for giving it a go, looks cool.

Lance wrote:

Scott308 wrote:I'd be interested in playing V:tM if there's a copy of the rules online. I don't think getting enough interest should be a problem.

This! Not exactly what I signed up here for, but if the shoe fits

xxxxx (link removed)

On xxxxx they have a section for it

I feel weird about xxxxx. Generally if I use something from there a lot, I go to dtrpg and purchase it.

tarlyn wrote:On xxxxxxxx they have a section for it

Nope. No. Negative.

We do not allow for sites or material like this to be advertised on the site. We'd prefer that they not be used, but can't control that.

I have gone in and edited the previous posts to remove mention of the site in question.

Lance wrote:Do note the other link, it seems equally fishy.

This is the only free official download I found: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/25 ... Quickstart

Admitedly, this is for the new edition.

Hmmm... I will need to look into the other link now that it's been pointed out to me. I am not at all familiar with the game being discussed, and don't know if it was published under the OGL (like the SRD for 5e), but, again, I will look into it.

Appropriate actions will be taken, as necessary.

In light of recent activity, I will take this opportunity to offer a refresher on the:

• Rules of etiquette at the Unseen Servant

In this case, pointedly rule #4:

Rule #4 wrote:If it is not safe for work, then do not post it. EXCESSIVE profanity or profanity just for the sake of it, pornography or links to such material are not acceptable. Also please no posting links to copyrighted documents (e.g. scanned rule books), not-free software, etc. If you’re not sure if you should post something, then it’s probably a good idea to NOT post it.

dmw71 wrote:I will need to look into the other link now that it's been pointed out to me. I am not at all familiar with the game being discussed, and don't know if it was published under the OGL (like the SRD for 5e), but, again, I will look into it.

I've done a bit of research, enough to know that the link should not have been shared and has since been removed.

The post with the link in question was reported, by a different user than Lance, who brought it to my attention. We -- the moderators/admins -- appreciate your policing of questionable posts and efforts to keep this site above board and a great, friendly place to enjoy online gaming.

It's disappointing a Rule #4 is even required, but sadly it is.


Please don't tell me we've reached a point where abusers of this rule will need be tracked, and formal punishments will need to be defined and carried out for violations.

dmw71 wrote:In light of recent activity, I will take this opportunity to offer a refresher on the:

• Rules of etiquette at the Unseen Servant

In this case, pointedly rule #4:

Rule #4 wrote:If it is not safe for work, then do not post it. EXCESSIVE profanity or profanity just for the sake of it, pornography or links to such material are not acceptable. Also please no posting links to copyrighted documents (e.g. scanned rule books), not-free software, etc. If you’re not sure if you should post something, then it’s probably a good idea to NOT post it.

Thanks! Glad to see the clarification.

dmw71 wrote:It's disappointing a Rule #4 is even required, but sadly it is.

To be fair, I did check the rules, and that part is hidden in the third sentence, so I missed it. Maybe give it a rule of it's own?

Lance wrote:To be fair, I did check the rules, and that part is hidden in the third sentence, so I missed it. Maybe give it a rule of it's own?

Agreed.

That said, I still maintain it's a shame that the rule even needs to exist in the first place. Common decency, if not common sense, should dictate that illegal or pirated material probably shouldn't be shared publicly.

But, yes, I will raise a point in the Moderator forum to address having the subject of pirated material turned its own rule.

No worries next time I won't post any type of info like that.

Lance wrote:To be fair, I did check the rules, and that part is hidden in the third sentence, so I missed it. Maybe give it a rule of it's own?

It wasn't given a rule of its own, but the phrasing of the existing rule was updated to mention the pirated material first.

It's a lot more obvious now.

It's a tough rule for sure, but even with stuff that is Out of Print it can cause trouble for Unseen Servant. We are too small to weather the Cease & Desist.
Thanks for understanding all!

rredmond wrote:It's a tough rule for sure, but even with stuff that is Out of Print it can cause trouble for Unseen Servant. We are too small to weather the Cease & Desist.
Thanks for understanding all!

Well, if you look at it from the other side, games that are lower cost or freely available are open to a much larger global audience. I love stoking those flames! A lot of what I do is Cepheus Engine, a legal clone of Mongoose Traveller. On DriveThru it's Pay what you want, I think, and freely redistributable.

Truth Leitz!