Whedon Woos "Wonder Woman"
"Joss Whedon has tackled ghastly aliens and dastardly vampires. So, why not work on something Wonder-ful?
"The Buffy the Vampire Slayer mastermind has officially lassoed the writing and directing job on Warner Bros.' big-screen version of Wonder Woman, the studio announced Thursday.
"'We are excited about working with Joss,' Warner Bros. Pictures President Jeff Robinov said in a statement. 'He brings great energy and creativity to the process.'
"Added Whedon: 'Wonder Woman is the most iconic female heroine of our time, but in a way, no one has met her yet. What I love most about icons is finding out what's behind them, exploring the price of their power.'"
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Sunday, March 13, 2005
D&D re-enactment vid remixed to Bon Jovi tune
Lightning Bolt!
D&D re-enactment vid remixed to Bon Jovi tune
"Someone posted [this Stileproject] video clip of adults dressed up and re-enacting a Dungeons and Dragons melee to our forums, then decided to remix it in slomo to the tune of Bon Jovi's Blaze of Glory.
"The result is fantastically humorous. An homage to all things geek." [via Boing Boing]
D&D re-enactment vid remixed to Bon Jovi tune
"Someone posted [this Stileproject] video clip of adults dressed up and re-enacting a Dungeons and Dragons melee to our forums, then decided to remix it in slomo to the tune of Bon Jovi's Blaze of Glory.
"The result is fantastically humorous. An homage to all things geek." [via Boing Boing]
Black Crawling Systems Archive
Black Crawling Systems Archive
"The Black Crawling Systems Archive was founded by Brian Oblivion. Originally a Boston based BBS from 1990-1993, Black Crawling Systems moved to the web in '93 and had a home at LØpht where Brian was a member.
"When LØpht ceased to exist on December 27, 1999, the Black Crawling Systems Archive soon followed.
"We really liked this archive and could not bear to see it die. Although some of the files may be outdated, and may only pertain to Americans, most of it will always be relevant and interesting to everybody. Not to mention its historical significance in our culture. "So, we've scrounged up a fairly complete mirror of it and put it back online. It is pretty much the way it was when it died. We've cleaned up all of the HTML and hunted down many of the files that were missing. We're still missing a few, so if you find any of those, please let us know. We had a difficult time finding a decent copy of the "Cellular Telephony Utilities" section of the archive, so we decided to merge what we could find with our own collection of cellular files while keeping it as much like the original as possible.
"We may add to this archive from time to time, but only when a file meets the old-school spirit of the rest of the archive. Many respects to the former LØpht for their enormous contribution to the scene. Long live the BCSA."
"The Black Crawling Systems Archive was founded by Brian Oblivion. Originally a Boston based BBS from 1990-1993, Black Crawling Systems moved to the web in '93 and had a home at LØpht where Brian was a member.
"When LØpht ceased to exist on December 27, 1999, the Black Crawling Systems Archive soon followed.
"We really liked this archive and could not bear to see it die. Although some of the files may be outdated, and may only pertain to Americans, most of it will always be relevant and interesting to everybody. Not to mention its historical significance in our culture. "So, we've scrounged up a fairly complete mirror of it and put it back online. It is pretty much the way it was when it died. We've cleaned up all of the HTML and hunted down many of the files that were missing. We're still missing a few, so if you find any of those, please let us know. We had a difficult time finding a decent copy of the "Cellular Telephony Utilities" section of the archive, so we decided to merge what we could find with our own collection of cellular files while keeping it as much like the original as possible.
"We may add to this archive from time to time, but only when a file meets the old-school spirit of the rest of the archive. Many respects to the former LØpht for their enormous contribution to the scene. Long live the BCSA."
Seven Soliders #0 Preview PDF
A preview of the zero issue of the latest mind-blowing comic from Grant Morrison. A thirty issue "mini" series made up of seven four issue interlocking mini-series and two front and back bookend issues to introduce and wrap things up. Briefly introduced in his storyarc for the JLA Classified book, this series is going to blow from one end of the DC Universe to the next, going places that only the psychedelic imagination of Grant Morrison can take us.
Seven Soliders #0 Preview PDF
Seven Soliders #0 Preview PDF
Saturday, March 12, 2005
PlayNC: Federal Judge Dismisses Claims and Strikes Allegations in Marvel Lawsuit Against NCsoft
PlayNC: Federal Judge Dismisses Claims and Strikes Allegations in Marvel Lawsuit Against NCsoft
"LOS ANGELES, March 11, 2005—A U.S. district court judge in Los Angeles dismissed several key claims by comic book publisher Marvel Enterprises, Inc in the company’s trademark and copyright infringement case against online computer game publisher NCsoft® Corporation and game developer Cryptic Studios™. Marvel sued NCsoft and Cryptic Studios in November of last year, claiming that the City of Heroes® online computer game allows players to imitate comic book characters owned by Marvel.
"In a March 9 order, U.S. District Court Judge R. Gary Klausner agreed with NCsoft that some of Marvel’s allegations and exhibits should be stricken as “false and sham” because certain allegedly infringing works depicted in Marvel’s pleadings were created not by users, but by Marvel itself.
"The judge also dismissed more than half of Marvel’s claims against NCsoft and Cryptic Studios, including Marvel’s claims that the defendants directly infringed Marvel’s registered trademarks and are liable for purported infringement of Marvel’s trademarks by City of Heroes’ users. In addition, he dismissed Marvel’s claim for a judicial declaration that defendants are not an online service provider under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The judge dismissed all of these claims without leave to amend, meaning that Marvel cannot refile these claims.
"Although the judge allowed certain claims to survive the motion to dismiss, NCsoft and Cryptic Studios are pleased with the result and are confident that both the law and the facts will support their case. In fact, citing a 1984 Supreme Court case holding that the sale of video cassette recorders did not violate copyright law, the Court noted that “It is uncontested that Defendants’ game has a substantial non-infringing use. Generally the sale of products with substantial non-infringing uses does not evoke liability for contributory copyright infringement.” Only “where a computer system operator is aware of specific infringing material on the computer system, and fails to remove it, the system operator contributes to infringement,” the Court stated."
"LOS ANGELES, March 11, 2005—A U.S. district court judge in Los Angeles dismissed several key claims by comic book publisher Marvel Enterprises, Inc in the company’s trademark and copyright infringement case against online computer game publisher NCsoft® Corporation and game developer Cryptic Studios™. Marvel sued NCsoft and Cryptic Studios in November of last year, claiming that the City of Heroes® online computer game allows players to imitate comic book characters owned by Marvel.
"In a March 9 order, U.S. District Court Judge R. Gary Klausner agreed with NCsoft that some of Marvel’s allegations and exhibits should be stricken as “false and sham” because certain allegedly infringing works depicted in Marvel’s pleadings were created not by users, but by Marvel itself.
"The judge also dismissed more than half of Marvel’s claims against NCsoft and Cryptic Studios, including Marvel’s claims that the defendants directly infringed Marvel’s registered trademarks and are liable for purported infringement of Marvel’s trademarks by City of Heroes’ users. In addition, he dismissed Marvel’s claim for a judicial declaration that defendants are not an online service provider under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The judge dismissed all of these claims without leave to amend, meaning that Marvel cannot refile these claims.
"Although the judge allowed certain claims to survive the motion to dismiss, NCsoft and Cryptic Studios are pleased with the result and are confident that both the law and the facts will support their case. In fact, citing a 1984 Supreme Court case holding that the sale of video cassette recorders did not violate copyright law, the Court noted that “It is uncontested that Defendants’ game has a substantial non-infringing use. Generally the sale of products with substantial non-infringing uses does not evoke liability for contributory copyright infringement.” Only “where a computer system operator is aware of specific infringing material on the computer system, and fails to remove it, the system operator contributes to infringement,” the Court stated."
Steve Jackson Games 2005 Report to Stakeholders
Last year's report to the stakeholders was pretty informative. Makes me wish that more companies did this sort of things. I bet that companies like Guardians of Order would not be having some of the troubles that they are having, if they were as open as SJG is.
Steve Jackson Games 2005 Report to Stakeholders
"Steve Jackson Games Incorporated has a single stockholder . . . me. But we have a great many STAKEholders — that is, people who have a stake in the success of the business. These include our employees, our distributors, the retailers who carry our line, and, of course, the people who PLAY our games! Less obvious stakeholders, but very real, are the creative talents who produce our games, the printers who create the finished product, and the convention organizers who depend on us for game programming, prizes, and so on.
"We try to stay in good communication with all our stakeholders. The main avenues of communication are our website, the catalogs and other marketing material that we distribute, and the quarterly letter that goes to the 100+ people and companies to whom we pay royalties. But last year, as an experiment, I wrote a report not unlike the "report to the stockholders" that you would expect from a public company. It was a useful exercise for me, and I got a surprising amount of favorable feedback from all levels of the hobby. So let's do it again. Note that, unlike the typical "report to the stockholders," this report does not strictly start and finish with the calendar year 2004. There have been significant developments since December 31, and I'll discuss them."
Steve Jackson Games 2005 Report to Stakeholders
"Steve Jackson Games Incorporated has a single stockholder . . . me. But we have a great many STAKEholders — that is, people who have a stake in the success of the business. These include our employees, our distributors, the retailers who carry our line, and, of course, the people who PLAY our games! Less obvious stakeholders, but very real, are the creative talents who produce our games, the printers who create the finished product, and the convention organizers who depend on us for game programming, prizes, and so on.
"We try to stay in good communication with all our stakeholders. The main avenues of communication are our website, the catalogs and other marketing material that we distribute, and the quarterly letter that goes to the 100+ people and companies to whom we pay royalties. But last year, as an experiment, I wrote a report not unlike the "report to the stockholders" that you would expect from a public company. It was a useful exercise for me, and I got a surprising amount of favorable feedback from all levels of the hobby. So let's do it again. Note that, unlike the typical "report to the stockholders," this report does not strictly start and finish with the calendar year 2004. There have been significant developments since December 31, and I'll discuss them."
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Andre Norton Nears End
This will be a great loss indeed. She will be greatly missed as one of the greats of the genre. I'm glad to hear, though, that her name will live on through an award.
Andre Norton Nears End
"Andre Norton, who had been hospitalized with flu and pneumonia prior to her 93rd birthday on February 17, unfortunately is not expected to survive and according to her wishes has returned home under 'hospice care.'
"'She is losing the battle with her illness and is tired of fighting,' wrote Sue Stewart on a Norton message board. 'I made the decision late yesterday evening to bring her back home to be with us, her cat and her books when she departs... You're more than welcome to send your cards and flowers here. I want you all to know that she's aware that you care and she appreciates it.' The address published on the SFWA News site is: Andre Norton c/o Sue Stewart, 1007 Herron Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130.
"In the meantime, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) announced on February 20 that it has created the Andre Norton Award, a new literary award to recognize outstanding science fiction and fantasy novels that are written for the young adult market."
Andre Norton Nears End
"Andre Norton, who had been hospitalized with flu and pneumonia prior to her 93rd birthday on February 17, unfortunately is not expected to survive and according to her wishes has returned home under 'hospice care.'
"'She is losing the battle with her illness and is tired of fighting,' wrote Sue Stewart on a Norton message board. 'I made the decision late yesterday evening to bring her back home to be with us, her cat and her books when she departs... You're more than welcome to send your cards and flowers here. I want you all to know that she's aware that you care and she appreciates it.' The address published on the SFWA News site is: Andre Norton c/o Sue Stewart, 1007 Herron Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130.
"In the meantime, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) announced on February 20 that it has created the Andre Norton Award, a new literary award to recognize outstanding science fiction and fantasy novels that are written for the young adult market."
Required Reading for Open Gaming Developers
From the Livejournal of game designer Mike Mearls. He is usually a source for interesting ideas, and this bit of discussion isn't a disappointment.
Required Reading for Open Gaming Developers
"If you work with any of the material released under the OGL you must read The Cathedral & the Bazaar, by Eric S. Raymond.
"There's an online version available.
"It's long enough that the print version from O'Reilly is a good resource.
"I'm two-thirds of the way through it, and I feel that I finally understand both the potential of the OGL and how the gaming industry has managed to bungle that potential. In short, RPG companies have been given a powerful tool yet their reliance on closed development styles keeps them from seeing it."
[Back to me now...] I don't see what he proposes happening. The example that he sites, and the model that he seems to be groping towards may work for open source software development, but I don't see it as a model that would work for RPG publishers. No one is going to follow the model because it flies in the face of "nobody is going to buy the cow if the milk is free" logic. Too many business models are built to follow the "cow model," and I don't think that enough people are going to think changing to an open source model will work. Hell, I don't think it would work.
I don't know, I think that it is yet another case of someone letting philosophizing get ahead of pratical concerns. While Mike Mearls is a very good game designer, it should be pointed out that he isn't a business owner. Perhaps he would feel differently about business models if he were. Who knows...
Required Reading for Open Gaming Developers
"If you work with any of the material released under the OGL you must read The Cathedral & the Bazaar, by Eric S. Raymond.
"There's an online version available.
"It's long enough that the print version from O'Reilly is a good resource.
"I'm two-thirds of the way through it, and I feel that I finally understand both the potential of the OGL and how the gaming industry has managed to bungle that potential. In short, RPG companies have been given a powerful tool yet their reliance on closed development styles keeps them from seeing it."
[Back to me now...] I don't see what he proposes happening. The example that he sites, and the model that he seems to be groping towards may work for open source software development, but I don't see it as a model that would work for RPG publishers. No one is going to follow the model because it flies in the face of "nobody is going to buy the cow if the milk is free" logic. Too many business models are built to follow the "cow model," and I don't think that enough people are going to think changing to an open source model will work. Hell, I don't think it would work.
I don't know, I think that it is yet another case of someone letting philosophizing get ahead of pratical concerns. While Mike Mearls is a very good game designer, it should be pointed out that he isn't a business owner. Perhaps he would feel differently about business models if he were. Who knows...
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Israeli Army frowns on Dungeons and Dragons
The pictures with the article are great. Someone, somewhere down the line over there seems to think that S.C.A. stuff is D&D...because all of the pictures of people playing D&D shows a bunch of guys in fake armor having sword fights.
Israeli Army frowns on Dungeons and Dragons
"Does the Israel Defense Forces believe incoming recruits and soldiers who play Dungeons and Dragons are unfit for elite units? Ynetnews has learned that 18-year-olds who tell recruiters they play the popular fantasy game are automatically given low security clearance.
"'They're detached from reality and suscepitble to influence,' the army says.
"Fans of the popular role-playing game had spoken of rumors of this strange policy by the IDF, but now the army has confirmed that it has a negative image of teens who play the game and labels them as problematic in regard to their draft status."
Israeli Army frowns on Dungeons and Dragons
"Does the Israel Defense Forces believe incoming recruits and soldiers who play Dungeons and Dragons are unfit for elite units? Ynetnews has learned that 18-year-olds who tell recruiters they play the popular fantasy game are automatically given low security clearance.
"'They're detached from reality and suscepitble to influence,' the army says.
"Fans of the popular role-playing game had spoken of rumors of this strange policy by the IDF, but now the army has confirmed that it has a negative image of teens who play the game and labels them as problematic in regard to their draft status."
RPG Company List Entries:
It is nice to start to be listed for my work...
RPG Company List Entrie
"Battlefield Press
Small-press makers of the Luftwaffe 1946 RPG, Eric Flint's 1632 Resource Guide and Role Playing Game, and the superhero rules system Beyond Mortal Men (by Christopher Helton). All three are based on Gold Rush Games Action! system. In addition, they publish a number of 3rd edition D&D (aka 'D20') adventures and supplements, including 'Cityscape' (2002) and the upcoming 'Sherwood' and 'Pulp Fantasy'. Founded in 2001 by editor Jonathan M. Thompson with authors B.L. Sisemore and Adam R. Thompson."
RPG Company List Entrie
"Battlefield Press
Small-press makers of the Luftwaffe 1946 RPG, Eric Flint's 1632 Resource Guide and Role Playing Game, and the superhero rules system Beyond Mortal Men (by Christopher Helton). All three are based on Gold Rush Games Action! system. In addition, they publish a number of 3rd edition D&D (aka 'D20') adventures and supplements, including 'Cityscape' (2002) and the upcoming 'Sherwood' and 'Pulp Fantasy'. Founded in 2001 by editor Jonathan M. Thompson with authors B.L. Sisemore and Adam R. Thompson."
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