Resources for web site
 

I was wondering, what, if any, images can be used for the purposes of putting onto a web page.

Can I use the WinSPMBT banners for example? I`m thinking of putting a small web page together (though don`t hold me to that http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif ).

With 55mb of ISP web space going unused, I`m sure I can but something on it!

Obviously, I`ll be putting links to shrapnel games, and other sites on it.

EDIT: Also, what would the correct wording be for any copyright notices? Thanks

Re: Resources for web site
 

It depends as to what you are wanting to host, really.

See the Distribution notice section of the manual for starters.

Also - remeber with ISP web space, it is not always the web space that is the issue - bandwidth restrictions may apply.


Cheers
Andy

Re: Resources for web site
 

Like Mobhack said, webspace is available for cheap with most plans. Where they get you is the bandwidth.

FYI - Here is the wording I use on my site Combat Campaigns;

"This page is copyrighted by COMBAT-CAMPAIGNS © 1998-2005. All rights reserved.

Steel Panthers, Steel Panthers II, Steel Panthers III: Brigade Command, Steel Panthers: World at War and Combat Mission are trademarks of their respective owners. Any mention of these products is purely for reference and should not be construed as a challenge to their trademark status. If you have questions, comments or suggestions about this site feel free to email CCHQ."

Guess I need to add SPMBT and SPWW2 if I start supporting them from there as well.

Re: Resources for web site
 

Thanks for the replies.

I`m just looking to host a few scenarios, links etc.

I thought it be nice to include some recognizable images. For example, the "banner-01" in the in the "game notes/images" folder.

Though, I`ve a feeling, as this is part of the manual, its copyrighted. But you get the idea.

Just noticed this link--
http://www.shrapnelgames.com/The_Exchange.htm

Perhaps I should contact this, or is aimed at the more commercial sites?

I`m enquiring about the bandwith limitations. Should be interesting to see what response I`ll get:)

Thanks for any help.

Re: Resources for web site
 

I have done several fan sites, and have shamelesly used graphics from the games and banners from the company websites without a second thought for copyright. The sites have quite clearly been fan sites and not an attempt to dupe the public into thinking they are anything else.

My view is that any company that whines about breech of copyright over graphics on a fan site deserves not to have any fansites.

In any case, they arent going to go straight to a lawyer and instigate proceedings against you. First they are going to contact you and ask you to take it down. If they do that comply.

....and then stop giving them your money by buying their games because they dont deserve you as a customer.

I must admit, when I read the thread where someone had offered a MSword version of the manual for download I did feel a pang of irritation when the "C" word was used in response...here was a fan offering something other fans wanted, for no personal gain, and here was a representative of the game saying "you cant do that its copyright"

What a shame.

Re: Resources for web site
 

It's truly amazing how things can be twisted and misinterpreted.

NOBODY from The Camo Workshop OR Shrapnel said ANYTHING about "copywrite" ( or " whines about breech of copyright" ) in regards to graphics in the game guide being used by fansites. .........."Though, I`ve a feeling, as this is part of the manual, its copyrighted. But you get the idea." .........was "dita"s words, NOT ours .

If anyone wants to use the banners and graphics in the game guide or on my website to promote the game they are more than welcome to. The green "WinSPMBT" banner that is on the front page of the game guide and on the first page of http://linetap.com/www/drg/SPCamo.htm would be perfect as would be the attached animated GIF (winspmbt5.gif)

Don

Re: Resources for web site
 

Don,
My apologies. I was actually thinking of mobhacks comment in that Thread about copyright and was refering to him as the "representative of the game" not Ditas comment.

Mobhack speaks authoritatively about the game, and I took the view he expressed regarding the copyright of the manual to be that of Shrapnel and the Cammo Workshop. Particulalrly since that view was not corrected by either Shrapnel or Cammo Workshop.

Re: Resources for web site
 

Hi all

First of all, I hope none of my commments (now or previously) have been misunderstood or taken out of context http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif I apologise in advance if anyone has misunderstood me!

My "...Though, I`ve a feeling, as this is part of the manual, its copyrighted. But you get the idea" comment was referring to this thread about the manual----

"Sorry, but the manual is copyright.If folks want to read the manual, they can download the free game, which contains the game documentation.
Cheers
Andy"

I was trying give an example, in response to an earlier reply, the sort of thing I wanted to include in a web site. "i`ve a feeling" was my way to see "how the ground lay", (Obviously, I`m not very good at this forum stuff http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif) I was actually worried that suggesting using the image from the manual may not be the correct thing to do.

I made the conclusion (now I can see I may have jumped to that conclusion) that this infers that the contents of the manual are copyright, that is, I would not be able to use any of the images. I thought that conclusion may have being justified. I realise now that it perhaps was just concerning the distribution of the manual. Please don`t see my comments as moaning about such things, or having a "pop".

The green banner on http://linetap.com/www/drg/SPCamo.htm is the image I had mentioned about using, that is also in the game manual folder.

Once again, sorry if I`ve had upset anyone. I totally respect copyright etc and wish to do things right, whilst supporting an excellent product.

Re: Resources for web site
 

Yes - basically, having third parties offering the manual off site in a different format would not bring anything, and would produce headaches with keeping the third parties efforts in synch with any future updates. Also, some third parties may produce "printable" versions in some localised page format like say USA legal, which would barf on a non-USA printer using ISO standard A4. Not everyone has Word - or if they do, it is Word 95 and not 2000, or the converter used say a font that some folks have. Conversion to PDF (which is a format I detest http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif means a fixed page size for printing - so then the converter would need separate A4, USA letter etc versions. More possible headaches! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

And the manual comes with the game download, in any case. It is in HTML as anyone can read that in thier browser - supplying it in Word or PDF would introduce the compatibility issues above. Those who want to convert HTML to Word (say) and then print off a personal copy for thier own use are quite welcome to do so. Putting a copy up on a web site is a probable route to opening a whole can of worms as noted above, and also probably breaks the copyright and/or the distribution rights issue(s) as well. From the distribution notice:
Basically - end users can distribute thier own scenarios, campaigns, OOBS, maps, pictures, sounds and icons. basically, stuff you make with the game editors, SHPED etc. The supplied game documentation etc is not part of that.

As to graphics used on any personal web site - as Don said, those particular banners and any of the images on his linetap.com site are OK to use. (That covers permission for the unique artwork bit, above I believe).


Cheers
Andy

Re: Resources for web site
 

Thanks for the informative and concise reply.