c't magazine email

[smoth]

[Deutsche Fassung: siehe unten.]

Dear Software Author,

As in previous years, in 2010 some issues of c't magazine include a
covermount CD/DVD-ROM. The DVD-ROM that will come with c't 24/2010
features a hand-selected collection of free- and shareware programs
as well as fully registered versions. This compilation includes
games and hardware-diagnosis software. Your software
"Gundam RTS" has been pre-selected to
be part of this collection.

Each program on DVD will be described in detail in the magazine.

To put your software on the DVD we need your consent as soon as possible,
since the deadline is imminent. It can easily be given on our Website at

-Snip

where you will find a form for your data. In order to protect your information
we generated the following authentification code for you:

-Snip

To be able to include your software we need your consent until the
10/17/2010 at the latest.

Thanks a lot for your assistance!

In case you haven't heard about c't: with about 350.000 sold copies every
fortnight we are among Europe's most successful computer magazines.

If you have any further questions please contact psz@ct.heise.de.

Regards,

Your c't magazine


Sehr geehrte Programmautorin, sehr geehrter Programmautor,

das c't magazin legt auch 2010 wieder mehrere CD/DVD-ROMs der
"c't-Software-Kollektion" bei, die Free- und Shareware-Programme sowie
Vollversionen ausgewählter Software für Windows, Mac OS, Linux und
PDAs enthalten sollen. In Ausgabe 24/2010 wird es um die Themen
"Spiele" und "Hardware-Diagnose" gehen.

Ihr Programm "Gundam RTS" ist Teil unserer Vorauswahl.
Jene Programme, die wir letztlich auf DVD ver├Âffentlichen, werden wir auch
ausf├╝hrlich im Heft vorstellen.

Um Ihre Software mit aufnehmen zu k├Ânnen, ben├Âtigen wir so schnell wie m├Âglich
Ihre Genehmigung. Die k├Ânnen Sie uns innerhalb weniger Minuten erteilen. Bitte
rufen Sie dazu in Ihrem Web-Browser die Seite

-Snip

auf, unter der wir ein Formular f├╝r Ihre Daten vorbereitet haben. Alles Weitere
wird dort erklärt. Damit das Ganze sicher stattfindet, haben wir Ihnen einen
Authentifizierungscode zugeteilt:

-Snip

Auf Grund des kurz bevorstehenden Redaktionsschlusses m├Âchten wir Sie
um eine schnellstm├Âgliche Antwort bitten! Wir k├Ânnen Ihre Software nur dann
noch berücksichtigen, wenn Sie bis _spätestens_ 17.10.2010 antworten.

Vielen Dank f├╝r Ihre Unterst├╝tzung.

Falls Sie c't noch nicht kennen: Mit ca. 350.000 verkauften Exemplaren (IVW-
gepr├╝ft) geh├Âren wir zu den erfolgreichsten Computermagazinen Europas.

Bei R├╝ckfragen wenden Sie sich bitte an psz@ct.heise.de.

Vielen Dank f├╝r Ihre Unterst├╝tzung.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen,

Ihr c't magazin

I replied to the email noting that my project is not valid for whatever they want as I see gundam rts using someone else's IP as a violation of their caution clause. Anyway, am I the only one who got one of these?

[very_bad_soldier]

The c't is one of the most printed and most notable computer magazines in germany. You better do whatever is possible to get your stuff on that DVD. Sounds like a chance, congrats.

[Wombat]

finally, u deserved it man *klap*klap*

btw, someone from germany make a pic and show us article

[smoth]

>
> Dear Steven,
>
> thanks a lot for your answer. I've checked Gundam, and I'm sure that it
> does not violate Bandai's IP. The use of game elements, characters and
> look-and-feel means no trademark or copyright infliction. I think Gundam is
> a real gem, and I would be very happy to have it on our cover DVD-ROM. You
> need not worry about our caution clause. In fact, gameplay or story
> elements (as well as, for example, sound effects) can't be protected by
> copyright laws (at least that's the case according to German law, to UK
> law, and - as far as I know - to US laws, too). Copyright laws protect
> works of intellectual property, such as music compositions, texts (if they
> are more than just standard phrases), pictures, movies, computer programs
> and so on, but not every piece of sampled sound nor ideas can be protected.
> When a registered trade mark (brand) is used without permission, that would
> be an infliction of the owner's rights, but as far as I can see that is not
> the case with Gundam RTS. So I am sure you didn't have to worry at all.
> Lawyers who write disclaimers and liability poetry of that kind always want
> to make everything even securer than secure, and people of healthy mind
> stand beside and shake their heads ...
>
> So please don't take those lawyers' poetry too serious - and if you don't
> mind, fill in the form. There's really no risk for you. Your program is
> already published via the Web. If Bandai had wanted to complain about
> Gundam RTS being in the world, they would already have done so. They won't
> wait until c't magazine includes your game on its cover DVD. ))
>
> Greetings from Germany,
>
> Peter

[Wombat]

'Your program is already published via the Web'

show uzzzzzzz

[smoth]

I am about to shit bricks. We still don't have the darn 86 release.



DEVS: what do I need to include with spring to honor gpl. I need to do this right!

[luckywaldo7]

Wow, what a great breakthough. Good job man, you've earned it

[Argh]

That's great news

Anyhow, on the GPL... technically, nothing at all. The GPL's main clauses about due notice, etc. are met by Spring distributions already, in the form of the "prominent notice" that is shown to every end-user, and the copy of the GPL that is included with Spring itself.

For complete safety, I'd include license / copyright notices about the use of Bandai's property in the interior of the distribution just to cover your ass, though; it may not violate German law to distribute it, but Bandai of America is dealing with American copyright law, where if you sell a shirt with a character that looks too much like Mickey Mouse, you can be sued.

As an American citizen, keep in mind that any distribution can still be pursued here, so include a statement to the effect of "The characters, designs and general concepts of this game were originally conceived by Bandai, and the Author makes no claims of ownership to this Game's characters or artwork which is Bandai's intellectual property".

That should do it, though, just as for a ModDB release or any other distribution

[smoth]

yeah I am thinking this can be huge for the engine so I have to get this done. i am looking at canceling all appointments and making this a priority task.

[Regret]

Quickly setup a paypal and a donate button somewhere visible on your website so you can exploit this to the fullest. Or just link to the server costs collection fund Licho has etc.

[smoth]

I am seriously thinking of not doing this. I am terrified that it could backlash.

[Wombat]

put my avatar near acc number and they wont resist !

[zwzsg]

Oh noes GRTS is about to get some free press coverage and publicity! This must be stopped at all cost!

You'd better release a Spring 0.82.5.1 compatible version soon though.

[oksnoop2]

Go Smoth Go!

[Wombat]

SMOTH FOR MOD

[zwzsg]

Anyway, am I the only one who got one of these?

Nope!

[Pxtl]

Oooh, KP is getting one too?

[Wombat]

[Sabutai]

Don't be a chicken! If you're going to regret this do it asap. Publish and you might cry. Don't publish and you'll cry years later for not grabbing this opportunity!

[Beherith]

Smoth, if there is anything I can do to help, please contact me.