A really strange request from a reader

Bekka · Post by **Bekka** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 5:40 pm

http://www.endoflogic.com/eolforum/show ... hp?tid=384

I'm completely baffled and I don't really know what to say to him now.

Cope · Post by **Cope** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 5:52 pm

Well, they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...or something like that.

I guess it depends a great deal on what this person stands to gain from such a venture. If they're just doing it for their own pleasure (or something equally non-profit), then one could regard it as something like a form of fan art.

But it is your intellectual property we're talking about here. If you feel at all uncomfortable with the idea then it would be best to just nix it.

Kirb · Post by **Kirb** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 6:08 pm

That's tricky. If you're really against it, then you should just tell him no, but break it to him as gently as possible.

Keffria · Post by **Keffria** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 6:47 pm

That's both flattering and rather strange... I mean, I happen to be a fan of "The n00b", but to want to make movies out of it (regardless of the quality) ... well, you have some pretty devoted fans.

If you're comfortable with it (i.e. not too "weirded-out", as I would be), go ahead and let him do it. I mean, as long as this person doesn't decide to do anything inappropriate, it *could* be interesting... ;>>

Steverules · Post by **Steverules** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:12 pm

I think that's pretty cool. I do a lot of video and I understand what they are wanting to do. A live action film based on the Noob storylines. I'd have mixed feelings on this. On one part I understand you want to protect your property. They may interpet your vision a little differently than you and if the end product was garbage then it'd directly reflect on you and your strip. On the other hand this could generate new readers. You should just tell him thanks but no thanks and do the movie yourself.

Gengar003 · Post by **Gengar003** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:40 pm

Well... He says he'll be doing them "on film," so I think it's a safe guess that there'll be some video editing going on...

Maybe just insist that in the credits, you have a spot to yourself (where you're listed with no other people) along with a url. Could be some good exposure for your comic.

That's awesome that someone wants to make mini-movies off your comic!

VileTerror · Post by **VileTerror** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:44 pm

Make it a partnership!

This could your chance to break into a new medium!

Kris X · Post by **Kris X** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:57 pm

How peculiar, yet I understand?

Steverules · Post by **Steverules** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:13 pm

Did he mention anything about you being naked and farm animals being involved? If so I think I've stumbled across his website. . . on numerous occassions. Uh. . . research for a school paper.

LibertyCabbage · Post by **LibertyCabbage** » Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:15 pm

let him make his porno, don't u think it's cool that someone likes your comic enough to do that?

Bustertheclown · Post by **Bustertheclown** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 3:50 am

Wow, I just realized that the n00b is about mmofrpg-ing. Wow, I'm slow. I should really read it, since I'm bazaaring in EQ right this very moment. I'm a smelly, angry dwarf!

...
...
...

I'm freaking crackin' up here! You rock!

Okay, so, my take on the whole independent short thing...

That you want total creative control is perfectly understandable, and I think you handled the situation very well. As to independent shorts, in general, I don't think anybody would ever stand to gain anything but debt from an independent short film of any kind. I certainly don't think that it's strange to be asked such a thing. There are just things in this world that happen to strike certain people as having the potential of making for a great film. That person happens to think that the n00b is one of those things. Good for you! You've inspired others!

Now, to read more n00b for a few minutes before I camp... er... go to bed.

Rkolter · Post by **Rkolter** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 4:35 am

Cope wrote:Well, they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...or something like that.

I guess it depends a great deal on what this person stands to gain from such a venture. If they're just doing it for their own pleasure (or something equally non-profit), then one could regard it as something like a form of fan art.

But it is your intellectual property we're talking about here. If you feel at all uncomfortable with the idea then it would be best to just nix it.

Ditto.

Bekka · Post by **Bekka** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 6:30 am

Well, I believe it's fixed now

Buster, I love your comic, I wish I knew how to shade with x-crossing!

McDuffies · Post by **McDuffies** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:41 am

Keffria wrote:That's both flattering and rather strange... I mean, I happen to be a fan of "The n00b", but to want to make movies out of it (regardless of the quality) ... well, you have some pretty devoted fans.

Perhaps he wants to make a movie but doesn't have ideas, so he found inspiration in "Noob".

In that situation, I would probably ask him what he was intending to do, to describe it a bit further, perhaps to send me a script. But I'd probably allow it, yes. I am a fan of shoestring-budget movies.

TheGoobla · Post by **TheGoobla** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:51 am

I have a rather limited belief in intellectual property, so my answer as a peaceful internet hippie is share and share alike!

Vorticus · Post by **Vorticus** » Fri Mar 11, 2005 4:05 pm

This would be really crazy if this guy was doing his skit using machina from a MMORPG.

Nking79 · Post by **Nking79** » Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:36 am

I don't see a problem licensing the use of characters to someone else as long as there are rules, guidelines and most importantly - a contract. A few things to keep in mind if anyone decides to license a character:

- You should have the ability to stop the use. This includes distribution. If you feel your character is not being used the way you want him/her/it to be used, you need to be able to say "no more."

- You should get a percentage of any profits arising from the use of your character. This includes the selling of any related products (even if it doesn't use your character. If your character/story was used to promote anything - you should deserve a small cut.

- You should be able to review how the character is being used before anything is done. If you were to allow the characters in the skit, you want to make sure the writer/director conforms to who your characters are.

- Make sure everything is in writing.

Odd1 · Post by **Odd1** » Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:51 am

I agree with nking79, make sure and get all the details straight off the bat and there really isn't any problem. I've been having some difficulties lately with a client whom I have a vague illustrating contract with. It can lead to a lot of frustrations.

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A really strange request from a reader

A really strange request from a reader

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