Image Copyrights?

[Paradox]

A good question was brought up to me today, asking about image credits for a website, blog, or newsletter. With images of Cyan's Ages, it is expected that one will get permission from Cyan, and there are clear guidelines about credits.

For GoW's homepage, we used images from Maw and Zephyr Cove. Permission was as simple as asking Whilyam and Andy if we could use the images.

What about Pahts? I think obviously that Aloys has no problems with people using images of the city, the more publicity for the project, the better in many cases. However, what if someone takes a picture of Robert's shell 111? Do they need to ask Robert for permission? Lonthav's shell is right beside mine, if I take a screenshot of my shell in flymode, I'll likely get part of his shell too. Do I need his permission?

This is something that we should try to come to an agreement about. GoMe is willing to advertise Ages and projects in their newsletter, but we need a policy for how to handle "ownership" of a screenshot.

[Pryftan]

Ahra Pahts is a singularly unique Age. It seems to me that the way it works means the best way to go about things is probably to ask permission of anybody whose work appears in your screenshot.

However, this is going to be next to impossible for Ages built in the future by teams. Seperating the parts that were modelled by X or Y, the textures drawn by A or B.. and so on will probably too complicated. In these sorts of arrangements, the modellers and artists will have to understand that they don't really retain 100% rights to their work, since it was created to contribute to a larger project. If they do, I think contacting the project lead will suffice, or in the case of "Guild projects", we'll be able to use screenshots for newsletters and other Guild productions without having to ask permission.

[Lontahv]

Well, I don't really care about getting credit or even getting asked if someone can use a say, pic of my shell as long as it is a shell. It's like buying a piece of land that's kind of exposed and building on it--people will look at your building, people may take pictures, but it's perfectly ok what their doing.

I think that GuildProjects should have a multi-owner... so instead of working on this project and then having it go under Mr.X's name, you work and GIVE you work to the other members of the group and they do the same. So it's like: "Who made this age?" and you respond: "Looky at this list here."

People need to understand that they won't always be directly credited for the work they do on a guild project.

By no means give Aloys credit for AP screenshots, he made a lot of it but it's a community age, rather say: "AhraPahts Devs and Shell Owners". If you are a dev or a shell owner you are part of the project, this means you should have just as much say over if you can or can't post a pic as anyone else on the team.

So, GoW Project shouldn't be public-property, rather property of the people on the team and each member of the team should have the owner capacities as long as s/he does not say "Hey look, this is all mine".

[Tsar Hoikas]

The AP Concept Art appearing on the homepage is actually The Enlightened's work... I had to scrounge to find it.

[Szark]

Interesting topic, thanks Paradox.
Ok I will go out on a limb here. By what has been said no one has a problem with having their shells shown in any publications and that I can, in my purview of in game photographer, use what fits the article. What I would like is peace of mind that I am not going to unduly upset anyone; perhaps we require more input from the shell owners themselves.

Maybe the easier question is:
Does any shell owner object to having pictures or their shells in blogs or online publications and so on?

Szark

[Kato]

I don't think anyone does...and for individual Ages, you can simply credit the individual or team that made it.

It's like in real life. If someone takes a picture of the house next door to you, they're going to get a little bit of your yard, maybe the side of your house. You shouldn't mind, normally

-Kato

[Paradox]

One thing that should definitely be respected: Do not take screenshots of completed puzzles. Especially something like a combination door or the "final area" of a puzzle Age. Many people have worked really hard to create good puzzles, and I'm sure they'd rather people have the satisfaction of experiencing the result in game themselves.

That said, I give permission for anyone to, at any time, take screenshots, video clips, and related media while exploring any of my Ages, or my contributions to Ages. If possible, do not take screenshots of my failed texturing

[Szark]

you can simply credit the individual or team that made it.

Like what I did with andy's ZC. I whipped out photoshop and wrote on it "Zephyr Cove by andylegate" for all to see. Would that be ok to all?

Do not take screenshots of completed puzzles. Especially something like a combination door or the "final area" of a puzzle Age. Many people have worked really hard to create good puzzles, and I'm sure they'd rather people have the satisfaction of experiencing the result in game themselves.

This is something that I take great care in doing, or should I say not doing. Even with MOUL I never got a cloth in shot, unless it was for my own archive of cause.

Good words Paradox, most wise.

If possible, do not take screenshots of my failed texturing

Unless you are a Maintainer is that, Paradox?

Szark

[DatokerJ]

As far as my shell goes, Fell free to take as many pics as ya want and distribute e'm at will! Same goes for any other shells/ages I make!