08-19-2012, 08:01 AM,
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beast013
Captain
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Posts: 39
Threads: 2
Joined: May 2012
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RE: Second-hand PDFs
I consider pdf files the same as software. I can sell them as long as I do not save any copies (print, back-up copies, etc.).
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08-19-2012, 08:52 AM,
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Shad
General of the Army
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Posts: 2,247
Threads: 293
Joined: May 2012
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RE: Second-hand PDFs
Don't be concerned, just air it out. I'm surprised this conversation hasn't happened before regarding PG's digital downloads, to be honest.
The problem I have with selling a PDF, whether you keep a copy or not, is that PDFs are not subject to wear like material goods are.
Obviously unlike printed wargames you can use it as much as you please without impacting its condition.
To this point the prices AP demands for PDFs are so low that I suspect they are affordable for all who wants them, but removing PDFs from sale troubles me.
Regarding the poll choices, there are a lot of other directions in the decision tree:
- if you made a PnP copy would you sell the digital copy and keep the PnP copy?\
- would you sell the digital copy and destroy the PnP copy?
- would you make a PnP copy for someone else? for free or not?
- etc.
AP is printing games again so this is less of risk for the present, but there will certainly come a time when only the digital copies remain with no AP to buy them from.
If you use Steam you'll know that resale of the games you "buy" is expressly forbidden by Valve. Whether this would hold up in court is, I believe, undetermined.
...came for the cardboard, stayed for the camaraderie...
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08-19-2012, 02:00 PM,
(This post was last modified: 08-19-2012, 03:20 PM by larry marak.)
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larry marak
Recruit
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Posts: 1,343
Threads: 194
Joined: May 2012
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RE: Second-hand PDFs
All this conversation makes me want to figure out (I really Don't understand computers much) how to transmit my files to a public library to print out color copies of unit counters, as my downloads are all on black and white.
How many PDF downloads of Avalanche products are currently no longer available, including both PG and other lines? In GWAS CSA Navy is gone, replaced by a different counter-manifest and new scenarios. Then there's The Marshall's Fist, a PG download that was available recently as a Gold Club exclusive.
One thing Avalanche has been verrrry concerned about from the get go was theft of intellectual property. Hence shying away from vassal among other options. I'm somewhat surprised Shad was able to get permission to publish the images of counters on the internet. While the owner has had some professional experiences with computer wargaming, or maybe BECAUSE of bad experience with computer wargaming, as well as documented bad experiences with another publisher, (Just Plain Wargames) he really doesn't want his company's work stolen.
Many of the rights to some of the SPI games are still in abeyance, although no-one appears to be the owner. And in some cases, the rights to famous products may never be sorted out, like the Batman television series from the 60's. Split ownership there is why no DVD's were ever released. (Okay, you are all about to hear about my puerile love of superhero media). The rights to Superboy the Series, seasons 2-4 are owned by the star of the show, who decided he WAS superman and bought ownership of the 3 seasons he was the star, , and will only allow individuals to buy copies he burns at very high prices.
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08-20-2012, 01:40 PM,
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Shad
General of the Army
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Posts: 2,247
Threads: 293
Joined: May 2012
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RE: Second-hand PDFs
(08-19-2012, 02:00 PM)larry marak Wrote: I'm somewhat surprised Shad was able to get permission to publish the images of counters on the internet.
Don't be. Publishing poor quality scans of one side of individual counters is nowhere near a violation of copyright.
Posting PDF originals, the same digital files that the countersheet supplier receives, would certainly be.
Posting hi-res scans of a finished sheet, front and back, would probably be.
Posting assy-quality scans of sheets, as BGG now requires, is unproven but probably safe because no one is going to be able to recreate anything rivaling a real sheet with those.
Individual counters? Especially when some are as bad as this:
I wouldn't be surprised at all! The publisher may not like it, but the litigation would fail.
...came for the cardboard, stayed for the camaraderie...
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08-21-2012, 10:48 AM,
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Hugmenot
First Lieutenant
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Posts: 1,396
Threads: 51
Joined: May 2012
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RE: Second-hand PDFs
(08-19-2012, 02:00 PM)larry marak Wrote: How many PDF downloads of Avalanche products are currently no longer available, including both PG and other lines? I am too new to PG to know the answer but I do know AP added Black SS as a downloadable PDF a couple of months ago. I can certainly do without black SS counters and will include this PDF as part of my next purchase.
Given a choice, I will always purchase the PDF format over the printed format if it does not include counters or counters that i do not need. The ability to cut-and-paste the text is something I value. That the PDF is cheaper to purchase is just an added bonus to me.
From a seller's perspective, PDF do not require reprints and takes no physical place in the inventory. Furthermore, I would hazard many people are more likely to drop $6 to $10 for a downloadable PDF if they are just looking around, and not for a specific product.
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