Let's show Hasbro that we care! C'mon!

[The Mane-iac 1,648]

Honestly, and nothing against you Rainbow Dashey, but I'm not too sure about the game and "fair use" since it does include quite a few aspects from the source material (title, characters, settings, art style, etc). I'm not an attorney or anything so I can't say if it would fall within the legal bounds of that clause or not, it is very broadly written and goes on a case by case basis.

 

I don't have time tonight or tomorrow since I have a funeral in the morning, but I was going to write something up sounding like a "Dear Celestia" letter just making a fans plea like the Jericho fans did. Where the nuts they sent were symbolic in saying that they thought the network was nuts for canceling the show, I thought I would mention something along the lines of what I've learned from this action. Maybe something like "no matter how someone may act normally, we all have times when we act brashly without thinking of the repercussions it might cause with our friends (the Brony fanbase). Once that action has been taken it might be hard to listen to your friends opinions, but you should because some very valid points can be made and a different course of action can normally be worked out that doesn't hurt a wonderful relationship in the end." or something, idk, that was just off the top of my head quickly.

 

I think it just needs to be something that shows them just how much us bronies appreciate the show and that we are a creative, tight-knit, bunch and things like this hurts the image we have of them since they were so supportive in the beginning.

Edited February 9, 2013 by Puddlejumper

[Acoustic Cloud 2,202]

Honestly, and nothing against you Rainbow Dashey, but I'm not too sure about the game and "fair use" since it does include quite a few aspects from the source material (title, characters, settings, art style, etc). I'm not an attorney or anything so I can't say if it would fall within the legal bounds of that clause or not, it is very broadly written and goes on a case by case basis.

 

I don't have time tonight or tomorrow since I have a funeral in the morning, but I was going to write something up sounding like a "Dear Celestia" letter just making a fans plea like the Jericho fans did. Where the nuts they sent were symbolic in saying that they thought the network was nuts for canceling the show, I thought I would mention something along the lines of what I've learned from this action. Maybe something like "no matter how someone may act normally, we all have times when we act brashly without thinking of the repercussions it might cause with our friends (the Brony fanbase). Once that action has been taken it might be hard to listen to your friends opinions, but you should because some very valid points can be made and a different course of action can normally be worked out that doesn't hurt a wonderful relationship in the end." or something, idk, that was just off the top of my head quickly.

And I am aware that it is a hit or miss on the statements of right to fair use.  But my point of said statement is that it is what Hasbro should be allowing, they are allowed to call if it is permissible in the sense of how you said "a case by case basis".  It was written solely on the intent and hopes they would conclude it as such and keep it within the copyright acts.

[Motion Spark 7,807]

well for the time being, we can only have faith in the petition online. Later we would get more ideas, for now on spread the word, use Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Tumblr ....spread the petition! tell your friends, tell the friends of your friends! c'mon we need more!

[khaine21x3 789]

I think this is one of those situations where a petition might actually do some good. Somepony should definitely put something together.

 

I highly doubt that, the most likely reason that they issue a C&D order is because they've found a major publisher to make a commercial fighting game.I'm gonna guess that it'll be EA or Ubisoft.

 

@,

 

Corporations will not respond to petitions, if you really want change then you gotta create a lobby group to block MLP from being aired in most countries and their toys to be banned.

[Acoustic Cloud 2,202]

I highly doubt that, the most likely reason that they issue a C&D order is because they've found a major publisher to make a commercial fighting game.I'm gonna guess that it'll be EA or Ubisoft.

I highly doubt your doubt... I say that in the sense is that we are talking about Hasbro here.  There is not a high chance they are producing a commercial fighting game.  It would even be easier to just charge through Mane6 because I'm sure most of us will still pay money to an extent.  But I guess they decide to test out how much power they have over us... this could get messy :/

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

I highly doubt that, the most likely reason that they issue a C&D order is because they've found a major publisher to make a commercial fighting game.I'm gonna guess that it'll be EA or Ubisoft.

@,

 

Corporations will not respond to petitions, if you really want change then you gotta create a lobby group to block MLP from being aired in most countries and their toys to be banned.

 

And I highly doubt that, it's Studio B that has the guts to make things happen on the show. Hasbro would never produce a Fighting Game based on the property at this point in time. 

[Dev 251]

I'm actually against this idea, it might make Hasbro want to get rid of the game more. Think about it.

 

"This game might be a threat to us, but we don't know if lots of people like it, so we won't press as much"

 

"Oh wait, a hell of a lot of people are angry and like this game. Gives us more reason to get rid of it."

 

Yeah...I might sign a petition, but maybe we should think everything through first.

[khaine21x3 789]

And I highly doubt that, it's Studio B that has the guts to make things happen on the show. Hasbro would never produce a Fighting Game based on the property at this point in time. 

 

What makes you so sure? they get no royalty if fighting is magic is released but by blocking it and licensing the IP to major video game corporations like EA, they'll get real nice payments and royalties for the use of their IP.

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

I'm actually against this idea, it might make Hasbro want to get rid of the game more. Think about it.

 

"This game might be a threat to us, but we don't know if lots of people like it, so we won't press as much"

 

"Oh wait, a hell of a lot of people are angry and like this game. Gives us more reason to get rid of it."

 

Yeah...I might sign a petition, but maybe we should think everything through first.

 

We can't do much more damage, it's already in the can until someone decides to to play nice and make something happen on Hasbro's end. 

 

What makes you so sure? they get no royalty if fighting is magic is released but by blocking it and licensing the IP to major video game corporations like EA, they'll get real nice payments and royalties for the use of their IP.

 Because it's Hasbro, and there obsessed with keeping a squeaky clean image in the MLP IP. That, and they're not going to risk making something that appeals to bronies and bronies only. 

Edited February 9, 2013 by Shoboni

[Kamil 315]

I'm actually against this idea, it might make Hasbro want to get rid of the game more. Think about it.

 

"This game might be a threat to us, but we don't know if lots of people like it, so we won't press as much"

 

"Oh wait, a hell of a lot of people are angry and like this game. Gives us more reason to get rid of it."

 

Yeah...I might sign a petition, but maybe we should think everything through first.

 

It doesn't make a whole lot of monetary sense to act first, and then continue doing the same thing when all of your customers boycott you for that action. That response may be a bit drastic, but on a reduced scale it is what's happening.

 

Also, it can't exactly get worse.

[Motion Spark 7,807]

What makes you so sure? they get no royalty if fighting is magic is released but by blocking it and licensing the IP to major video game corporations like EA, they'll get real nice payments and royalties for the use of their IP.

have you ever heard that the last thing you lose is the hope. It doesn't hurt if we try at least, they might give a shit about our petition but at least we tried. If the game wasn't big they wouldn't have done this.

[TailsIsNotAlone 3,695]

Here is a quick Manifesto-esque document that I have composed (and which is unfinished).  I need your help to arrange more points, especially towards the legal matter at hand.

 

 

TL;DR: No getting out of this, you have to read my points

 

I read your statement and made a few tweaks here and there. xD

Try this on for size, RD. Originally I put it in spoilers, but what the hay. I think everypony should see it. Final edit!

 

 

Dear Hasbro,

 

The following is a collective message from the My Little Pony fans of MLP Forums, concerning your apparent decision to pursue a copyright infringement claim against the Mane6 development team project, "Fighting is Magic."

 

As you can imagine, word of this decision spread quickly throughout the fan base. Overwhelmingly our response has been surprise, dismay, and most of all, disappointment.

 

As a large, vocal and visible community dedicated to your most successful television program, the bronies feel compelled to respond. We understand that trademarks and intellectual property are a serious matter. While we take great pleasure in producing fan art, music, animation and writing based on your program, we have always sought to do so legally and with a certain degree of respect for Hasbro.

 

Because of this, and our widespread anticipation for the final product of "Fighting is Magic," we do not understand the decision to block the project. The developers' failure to obtain a license is significant, but we feel that their two-year labor of love merits a more favorable reception--especially from a company that has been so accommodating and respectful towards bronies in the past.

 

"Fighting is Magic" is a nonprofit endeavor that makes no claim to Hasbro's intellectual property and is intended for entertainment and commentary purposes only. This is where the provisions of 'Fair Use' law in the Copyright Act of 1976, i.e. Section 17 USC: 107, become significant. It is vital to remember that the purpose and character of the project's copyright use pose no threat or ill effects to the company's product.

 

With this in mind, we ask that you reconsider and show this project the same tolerance you have shown for similar legitimate fan works. It is not only the characters in the show itself, its creator, or its current writing staff, but also Hasbro itself that we have come to regard as friends. Your current stance on the project as we understand it poses no small risk to the goodwill that made this relationship possible.

 

Please approve the development of this project as a gesture of the same respect and appreciation we feel, and are compelled to display, for you and your program.

 

Sincerely,

The Bronies of MLP Forums

Edited February 9, 2013 by TailsIsNotAlone

[Kamil 315]

 @@TailsIsNotAlone, that version is a lot clearer and easier to read (more than a little due to standard formatting). However, I'm not sure whether Dashey has actual experience with legal documents which caused the stylistic choices that were made in his Manifesto. If so it might be better to stick with that form.

[khaine21x3 789]

@,

 

They could just get someone to release the game in countries where US copyright laws don't apply, what Hasbro gonna do? sue China and Africa? ip block sites that offer downloads?

 

have you ever heard that the last thing you lose is the hope. It doesn't hurt if we try at least, they might give a shit about our petition but at least we tried. If the game wasn't big they wouldn't have done this.

 

I'm advocating drastic measures by lobbying various governments to block MLP from being shown and their merchandise to be banned as well as starting a boycott movement at the same time.

[hawkflame 3,310]

I highly doubt that, the most likely reason that they issue a C&D order is because they've found a major publisher to make a commercial fighting game.I'm gonna guess that it'll be EA or Ubisoft.

 

I *really* don't see Hasbro going in this direction with their property.  And if "competition" was the issue, why go after something in a genre that they haven't even entered the market for, as opposed to something like fan animation?

[TailsIsNotAlone 3,695]

 @@TailsIsNotAlone, that version is a lot clearer and easier to read (more than a little due to standard formatting). However, I'm not sure whether Dashey has actual experience with legal documents which caused the stylistic choices that were made in his Manifesto. If so it might be better to stick with that form.

In my opinion, what we need is a well structured message that makes both a legal and emotional appeal to Hasbro, not a "brony manifesto." The term itself is confusing and loaded with negative connotations.

[Motion Spark 7,807]

@,

 

They could just get someone to release the game in countries where US copyright laws don't apply, what Hasbro gonna do? sue China and Africa? ip block sites that offer downloads?

 

 

I'm advocating drastic measures by lobbying various governments to block MLP from being shown and their merchandise to be banned as well as starting a boycott movement at the same time.

what you are saying have no sense at all, I can feel like you want to start some sort of online war agaisnt Hasbro which is the opposite of what we want, the last thing we want is to piss them off.

[khaine21x3 789]

I *really* don't see Hasbro going in this direction with their property.  And if "competition" was the issue, why go after something in a genre that they haven't even entered the market for, as opposed to something like fan animation?

 

Fan animation isn't competing with Hasbro and there is no profit in fan animation cept for clop artists, royalties made from video games are pretty big if you see certain IP like star wars and warhammer.

 

Hasbro already licensed their IP for a smart phone game which has been released so I totally see the future where they go all out for all sorts of genre and platform.

[Acoustic Cloud 2,202]

In my opinion, what we need is a well structured message that makes both a legal and emotional appeal to Hasbro, not a "brony manifesto." The term itself is confusing and loaded with negative connotations.

Actually a manifesto doesn't have negative connotations, they are widely used as simply as to make a new years resolution.  That is a "Personal Manifesto" And if you are referring to the communist manifesto, that is classic literature and it has nothing negative of the sort, and if you are referring to that cop in the news recently that made a manifesto... well he's a looney XD So I wouldn't consider a manifesto negative... more like point driven.

Yes now that I think back on it, my manifesto may be a bit excessive.

and...

@Kamil

I have actually used the United states code for many a project and have spent many hours reading it in part.  No I'm not a certified lawyer, but I do know how to use the code..

[Aeon Of Dreams 115]

News of this made it to Lauren Faust, not that she can do anything from a legal standpoint, but she did make a very nice offer.

 

 

Yet another reason to love Lauren Faust.

[Dev 251]

It doesn't make a whole lot of monetary sense to act first, and then continue doing the same thing when all of your customers boycott you for that action. That response may be a bit drastic, but on a reduced scale it is what's happening.

 

Also, it can't exactly get worse.

Things like this aren't really predictable, and you really don't want to pick a fight against someone who holds most of the aces.

[Gone for good 1,593]

Alright, personally after reading a bit of this thread and a long walk out of rage, I've come to the conclusion that unless Mane6 really wants to send in some counter claims or battle this out in court (which is something I totally would do if I were in their situation. I personally have sent in many DMCA counter claims in the past and while they aren't the same thing this game easily passes off as parody) petitions and what not are the best way to go.

 

That being said, I think that starting more fan projects is the way to go from here. I hate to say it, but this entire act isn't them trying to keep their trademark, because they can despite fanworks: they're just being bullies like pretty much most big companies are. Assuming the Brony community is as big as you all like to say it is, eventually they'll get the message that you can't beat this.

[khaine21x3 789]

@,

 

But I know what she has in mind and I would personally rather not see Milky Way and The Galaxy Girls fighting game coz I don't like their design and she has failed dozens of times to get any takers for her IP.

[hawkflame 3,310]

Fan animation isn't competing with Hasbro and there is no profit in fan animation cept for clop artists, royalties made from video games are pretty big if you see certain IP like star wars and warhammer.

 

Hasbro already licensed their IP for a smart phone game which has been released so I totally see the future where they go all out for all sorts of genre and platform.

 

Okay, then what about fan comics?  Aren't those in a sense competing with the official MLP comic by IDW? 

 

Just because they released one MLP game in a genre/format that happens to fit the show doesn't mean they're going to go into all sorts of video game genres.  What, do you expect them to do an MLP survival horror game too?

[khaine21x3 789]

Okay, then what about fan comics?  Aren't those in a sense competing with the official MLP comic by IDW? 

 

Just because they released one MLP game in a genre/format that happens to fit the show doesn't mean they're going to go into all sorts of video game genres.  What, do you expect them to do an MLP survival horror game too?

 

I'd actually buy it, I can totally see it being more successful than other mainstream zombie games due to the lulz of having a pony survival horror game.