Question about a forum rule

[pixelperfectg]

I noticed this statement in the forum rules: "CGarchitect reserves the right to republish any content from the discussion forums."

I was just wondering what the purpose behind this particular rule is? It seems a bit broad to me and could encompass some things that I may not agree with. For example, maybe it’s just to simply cover the legal bases if CGarchitect wanted to send out a free monthly mailer and it shows a few threads from the forums here. No harm or foul in something like that.

However, the rule could also mean that our (users) posts can be compiled and then republished in another form, perhaps a for-profit book? I’m not implying that’s the purpose here, just using this as a possible worse-case scenario.

Bottom line: Since this rule has such wide implications on user rights, I just thought it would be helpful to start some dialog about it’s purpose.

Thanks in advance!

[jinsley]

Is there any feedback on this? I'm in the same boat as Jeff, and just wondering what this particular rule pertains to exactly?

I generally post to this site for feedback/ to help others if I can... but definately would not want some things to be "re-packaged" in another form without my knowledge...

[scotty]

bump - interesting question here.

[SandmanNinja]

It might simply be there in case someone, somewhere quotes a word/phrase/sentence/solution and someone else says it was their IP.

Probably similar to those warning labels on DVDs, "by opening the shrink wrap on this DVD, you waive all rights to anything you see/hear/feel by watching this movie. It's all ours, unless it's a bad thing. Then it's all yours and we don't want anything to do with it."

[Jeff Mottle]

Hey guys,

Sorry I missed this post.

The intent of the rule was only put there to help facilitate the publishing of content in the forums on the home page, newsletters or in CGA articles. It was certainly never intended to suggest or facilitate making any profit from people's content without their express permission. I'll revise the rule so it's more clear. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.'

Cheers,
Jeff

[vizwhiz]

what about some of The Tutorials That have been posted here?
are They still copyright of The 'original' owner? i would assume so

actually

This brings up a potential $ income Idea for CGA

what if (we) someone writes up a series of mini-Tutorials
That could be sold for a small price (maybe $5, 10-20 US)

make up some kind of work flow index/Table of Contents
do some kind of wiki (i will NOT GIVE UP ON THIS IDEA!!!)

and Then SELL IT for CGA income (expressly for CGA income)

with all of The different softwares and rendering Technologies
This might be something useful, and This could be something

other Than what The 2 Brains (aka The 2 Brians) have already done

just another idea

Thanx

or how about?????

a php searchable database of ALL Textures/3d Models (for sale) or for free
with a $1 or $2 donation for using That searchable database, just To be helpful

why not put up a paypal donation button and just see what happens
i have been out of work for 5 months and just started a sales job 2 weeks ago

havent sold anything so i havent been paid anything

no money (not now or for The for-see-able Future) but
i would contribute $5 or $10 when economics are more favorable

[Jeff Mottle]

Jeff, I saw you blogged a post about this rule on your personal blog. I sure would have appreciated a quick personal email for clarification before slamming the site and basically suggesting people should avoid using our forum because of this rule. The intent was not as you assumed and was really just to let people know that what they post might be used elsewhere on the site. I was trying to be transparent, not steal people's work. I don't seriously understand how you would come to that conclusion given how much I do for this industry. You've been around long enough in the industry, and this site for that matter, to know my personal ethics better than that.

[SandmanNinja]

Agreed.

I still think the "Professional Portfolio" is a good idea.
Annual fee, have a database that has a binary field (for the graphic file), title, description, and some key words.

A User Control Panel where the user can log on, update his portfolio, shuffle images around, etc.

The general public can see either:
random images
a search for keywords
a search for artist

Have a spot on the front page of the main website that picks "Random Image from our Professional Portfolio" - just to draw interest to it.

Links to Dig or promote the images to the "usual" websites/social networking sites

Just an idea.

[Jeff Mottle]

what about some of The Tutorials That have been posted here?
are They still copyright of The 'original' owner? i would assume so

Of course!

This brings up a potential $ income Idea for CGA

what if (we) someone writes up a series of mini-Tutorials
That could be sold for a small price (maybe $5, 10-20 US)

I'm actually working on something much bigger than this now. Details to be posted in the next few months.

why not put up a paypal donation button and just see what happens
i have been out of work for 5 months and just started a sales job 2 weeks ago

As long as we are soliciting commercial advertising, I would not feel comfortable accepting cash in support of the site. Just doesn't seem right. I'd rather have contributions from members in the form of articles or reviews.

[Jeff Mottle]

Originally Posted by SandmanNinja

Agreed.

I still think the "Professional Portfolio" is a good idea.
Annual fee, have a database that has a binary field (for the graphic file), title, description, and some key words.

A User Control Panel where the user can log on, update his portfolio, shuffle images around, etc.

The general public can see either:
random images
a search for keywords
a search for artist

Have a spot on the front page of the main website that picks "Random Image from our Professional Portfolio" - just to draw interest to it.

Links to Dig or promote the images to the "usual" websites/social networking sites

Just an idea.

I've been working on the new version of CGA for the last few weeks and hope to have it launch in 2-3 months, sooner if I can. The gallery you describe is exactly what I intend to do, but I'm trying to figure out the best way to pull it off. All of the money I had earmarked to develop CGA2, is now paying my mortgage and bills. I'm still researching.