“The Fantasy Forum”—a fanzine

[Jim Kane]

Originally Posted by stefanj

My two articles were contest entries, which in general practice become property of the contest operator . . . in this case, Metagaming. I did not hold the copyright.

Stefan, why can't you write to Howard Thompson, and simply ask him release whatever claim he may possess on your materials back to you via a statement of "Quit Claim"? His address is very easy to find with some Google-Fu. I for one would be *very* interested in seeing your work on Astrologers for TFT. Since these characters have always been with us historically - Astrologers and Cartographers, which sort of go hand-in-hand for navigation and exploration - I always wanted to see a competent treatment of either of these characters (or both) for TFT.

Besides, the worst thing that can happen is that he flatly ignores your letter, or writes back with a: "No."

And, you would still be in the same position, just 50 cents poorer for the postage on your letter.

JK

[Andrew Hackard]

I would like to dissuade anyone who happens to have Mr. Thompson's contact information from using it, much less disseminating it. The man evidently wants to be left alone; let us respect his wishes.

[stefanj]

Originally Posted by Andrew Hackard

I would like to dissuade anyone who happens to have Mr. Thompson's contact information from using it, much less disseminating it. The man evidently wants to be left alone; let us respect his wishes.

I'm fine with that.


I doubt he'd bother coming after me for cleverly rewriting my Astrology rules into a new article, but I have other, more promising things to work on right now.

[ak_aramis]

Originally Posted by Andrew Hackard

It did, but many design contests include legal phrasing to the effect that you assign ownership of submissions to the contest organizer. It avoids legal entanglements on their end.

And that transfer is exactly the kind of thing the copyright recovery act was intended for.

[philreed]

Please cease all "legal advice." Individual authors must choose for themselves how best to proceed.