Saveourfandom.com calls for protection from Hasbro's C&D orders.

[Misterian 118]

Okay, I think we all know how Hasbro has had the tendency to occasionally put Cease and Desist orders on some parts of the fandom.

Well, after what they did with JanAnimations, it seems that apparently a good chunk of Bronies thought Hasbro was going abit too far, so they presented this website;

 

http://www.saveourfandom.com/

 

It's not a petition to get Hasbro to straight up stop their C&D orders per say, but rather a website to encourage Hasbro to see how the C&D orders they've been giving are not needed as they've only served to help the fandom grow and thus, them to get more profits (especially considering that most if not all fan projects have been strictly non-profit).

 

What do you guys and gals think of this?

Edited March 23, 2014 by Misterian

[Metemponychosis 1,262]

I think that this is the wrong way to go about it.

Instead of doing this, people should ask their permission before starting big projects, instead of hoping they won't get caught or deluding that Hasbro will have mercy.

[NavelColt 22,882]

I think it's pointless. Companies have to protect their copyright and trademarks at least a little bit. Hasbro not doing any C&D's whatsoever would risk losing their trademark, and then suddenly we have no more show. They're incredibly lenient in general and have killed very few things in comparison to most other companies, so in my opinion, people need to suck it up, learn a thing or two about trademark laws, and realize the ratio of fan content that isn't removed, vs the feeble handful of things that have been removed.

[longgone 873]

I think that this is the wrong way to go about it.

Instead of doing this, people should ask their permission before starting big projects, instead of hoping they won't get caught or deluding that Hasbro will have mercy.

I agree....all one has to do is ask "Can I use your characters for an animation, all rights for characters will be given to Hasbro, etc.", and there's no reason why they wouldn't do it.

[Khaoios 1,970]

I think that this is the wrong way to go about it.

Instead of doing this, people should ask their permission before starting big projects, instead of hoping they won't get caught or deluding that Hasbro will have mercy.

 

Exactly this. 

 

Now I, for one am in the process of making a fan film, but as a director of Halo machinima's I always ask for permission, b/c it would suit as a "back-up" if god forbid youtube takes it down, you have the company's approval on such content.  So at this point, i will being asking for permission very soon, b/c i don't want to run into copyright infringment problems, later.

[Misterian 118]

I think it's pointless. Companies have to protect their copyright and trademarks at least a little bit. Hasbro not doing any C&D's whatsoever would risk losing their trademark, and then suddenly we have no more show. They're incredibly lenient in general and have killed very few things in comparison to most other companies, so in my opinion, people need to suck it up, learn a thing or two about trademark laws, and realize the ratio of fan content that isn't removed, vs the feeble handful of things that have been removed.

 

In a way, I do sort of agree, but by the same token, Hasbro's C&D orders have been abit inconsistent.

 

I mean, they C&D'ed Fighting Is Magic, which is abit hypocritical considering they themselves have an online game on their website that does technically involve some fighting (*cough* Adventure Ponies *cough*).

 

They called for the removal of the Molestia blog, which at least makes sense, considering it's not only a strong case of canon defilement, but it's obvious Hasbro wouldn't want that franchise associated with one of their canon characters being portrayed as a sexual deviant.

 

But JanAnimations videos? what sense is that supposed to make? yes, it uses canon characters, like ONE background character expanded upon and given an identity, which the same can be said with almost every background character ever drawn into the show.

 

You could make the argument that Sweetie Belle's appearances might've prompted Hasbro's actions, but there are several other fan-made videos on Youtube that featured essential characters, long before JansAnimations started his work no less, so why did Hasbro suddenly think he of all people should have his videos removed when they could've done the same with every other fan-made video?

 

All I'm saying is that the least Hasbro can do is provide some clarification on what they do and don't want associated with their IP.

[FractalMoon 378]

I think that this is the wrong way to go about it.

Instead of doing this, people should ask their permission before starting big projects, instead of hoping they won't get caught or deluding that Hasbro will have mercy.

This is the right way to do things, but everyone has to remember that saying "Lol, Hasbro owns (Insert IP here)" Is not the same as written, binding permission from the creator to create something. Many people (especially fan creators and consumers of their material) believe that simple attribution is all you need for permission, and as such cry out when the work is served a legally-mandated C&D order. ALWAYS make sure you have written (preferably signed and officially notarized) consent from a content creator before you do anything involving their work.

In a way, I do sort of agree, but by the same token, Hasbro's C&D orders have been abit inconsistent.

 

I mean, they C&D'ed Fighting Is Magic, which is abit hypocritical considering they themselves have an online game on their website that does technically involve some fighting (*cough* Adventure Ponies *cough*).

 

They called for the removal of the Molestia blog, which at least makes sense, considering it's not only a strong case of canon defilement, but it's obvious Hasbro wouldn't want that franchise associated with one of their canon characters being portrayed as a sexual deviant.

 

But JanAnimations videos? what sense is that supposed to make? yes, it uses canon characters, like ONE background character expanded upon and given an identity, which the same can be said with almost every background character ever drawn into the show.

 

You could make the argument that Sweetie Belle's appearances might've prompted Hasbro's actions, but there are several other fan-made videos on Youtube that featured essential characters, long before JansAnimations started his work no less, so why did Hasbro suddenly think he of all people should have his videos removed when they could've done the same with every other fan-made video?

 

All I'm saying is that the least Hasbro can do is provide some clarification on what they do and don't want associated with their IP.

Fighting is Magic accepted donations, and thus was considered in violation of fair use (Non-commercial use only) and JanAnimations was a Youtube Partner, same problem.

[Satsuki Kiryuin 1,155]

My sides. We're going through another "End Of The Fandom" phase. It's like #cutforbieber all over again.

[Mlpfan185 1,763]

Something was here. Something was here. Something was here. 

Edited October 10, 2018 by NONAME

[Shanks 10,816]

Right idea wrong approach, the problem isn't Hasbro it is the law. If Hasbro dosen't show that it is doing the bare minimum to protect its patents than it will lose them completely, that is how messed up these laws really are. Hasbro didn't write these laws and considering Hasbro's trend of otherwise being considerably more tolerant of these matters than other companies I think that none of the C&D's that have happened would ever have happened. I hate it when these things happen, I am pissed off and frustrated just like many of you going after Hasbro but what I am angry at are the companies who do go out of their way to make laws like this like Viacom, Comcast, Disney and nearly other major media conglomeration you can think of.

[The Mane-iac 1,648]

Yea, way to go overboard. Like Earthbending said, it's not Hasbro, it's the stupid way the copyright laws are in the US. People can take advantage of them and force companies to issue C&Ds, and companies have to issue C&Ds at times or risk legal complications for their IPs.

 

Hasbro is a lot more lenient then many other companies are. So if you are going to pick a fight, know who the true target is.

[Icedog68 71]

In a way, I do sort of agree, but by the same token, Hasbro's C&D orders have been abit inconsistent.

 

I mean, they C&D'ed Fighting Is Magic, which is abit hypocritical considering they themselves have an online game on their website that does technically involve some fighting (*cough* Adventure Ponies *cough*).

 

They called for the removal of the Molestia blog, which at least makes sense, considering it's not only a strong case of canon defilement, but it's obvious Hasbro wouldn't want that franchise associated with one of their canon characters being portrayed as a sexual deviant.

 

But JanAnimations videos? what sense is that supposed to make? yes, it uses canon characters, like ONE background character expanded upon and given an identity, which the same can be said with almost every background character ever drawn into the show.

 

You could make the argument that Sweetie Belle's appearances might've prompted Hasbro's actions, but there are several other fan-made videos on Youtube that featured essential characters, long before JansAnimations started his work no less, so why did Hasbro suddenly think he of all people should have his videos removed when they could've done the same with every other fan-made video?

 

All I'm saying is that the least Hasbro can do is provide some clarification on what they do and don't want associated with their IP.

DAMN RIGHT! I'm signing! I hope everyone does too!

[Andaasonsan 3,205]

I don't know why, but sometimes I get the impression that Bronies have a really overblown sense of entitlement. I wonder why that is?

[Misterian 118]

This is the right way to do things, but everyone has to remember that saying "Lol, Hasbro owns (Insert IP here)" Is not the same as written, binding permission from the creator to create something. Many people (especially fan creators and consumers of their material) believe that simple attribution is all you need for permission, and as such cry out when the work is served a legally-mandated C&D order. ALWAYS make sure you have written (preferably signed and officially notarized) consent from a content creator before you do anything involving their work.

Fighting is Magic accepted donations, and thus was considered in violation of fair use (Non-commercial use only) and JanAnimations was a Youtube Partner, same problem.

 

Funny, what I heard was that Fighting is Magic was dropped the C&D anvil because it was making a fighting game with characters of the MLP franchise.

 

But even putting that aside, I'm personally not sure the whole donations thing fully justifies straight-up throwing a C&D order on it.

 

Some of you might argue I'm being either naive or impractical for suggesting this (and maybe I am), but surely Hasbro could've given a warning first, telling makers of certain fan projects to cease in accepting donations, and then pull a C&D order if the makers of said project don't respond in agreement within 24 hours.

 

Or offer to lift their C&D orders of the people behind certain fan projects agree to not make any 'profit' (from said donations), and if the fans agree, let them continue their project as they see fit on the sole condition that no profit is made off of it.

 

Or heck, Hasbro could've even have the fans GIVE all donations directly to them (sort of like how Nintendo claimed all ad revenue on videos of their games, only in a more voluntary fashion) that way Hasbro gets extra profit and fans can continue their projects undeterred, a win-win solution!

 

Again, some of you might call me naive or impractical for suggesting these things, but I can see so many several alternatives, that surely the C&D is something that should probably be a last resort.

[Scootalove 10,689]

I don't know, but they need to let it go and suck it up. Asking for permission would be the right thing to do, research about trademark laws, and besides we would have to think before we do anything.

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

I think this is the wrong way to go about it. Archaic copyright laws that don't work in the digital age and can be abused are the root of the problem and what needs to be addressed as a whole. No one is going to listen if you make the attack on one fandoms fanwork the crutch of the arguement. 

[NavelColt 22,882]

In a way, I do sort of agree, but by the same token, Hasbro's C&D orders have been abit inconsistent.

 

I mean, they C&D'ed Fighting Is Magic, which is abit hypocritical considering they themselves have an online game on their website that does technically involve some fighting (*cough* Adventure Ponies *cough*).

 

They called for the removal of the Molestia blog, which at least makes sense, considering it's not only a strong case of canon defilement, but it's obvious Hasbro wouldn't want that franchise associated with one of their canon characters being portrayed as a sexual deviant.

 

But JanAnimations videos? what sense is that supposed to make? yes, it uses canon characters, like ONE background character expanded upon and given an identity, which the same can be said with almost every background character ever drawn into the show.

 

You could make the argument that Sweetie Belle's appearances might've prompted Hasbro's actions, but there are several other fan-made videos on Youtube that featured essential characters, long before JansAnimations started his work no less, so why did Hasbro suddenly think he of all people should have his videos removed when they could've done the same with every other fan-made video?

 

All I'm saying is that the least Hasbro can do is provide some clarification on what they do and don't want associated with their IP.

 

Both Fighting is magic and Jan Animations were high-quality, professional-level animated entities which had few rivals from even the best animators in the fandom, and were no doubt being confused for official Hasbro content by individuals across the internet who didn't know any better. If you ask me, Hasbro's pretty consistent in C&D's, actually. Minus the Molestia blog, which was removed probably purely on the account that Soccer Moms would roll heads, the major things they've canned tend to be animated projects of the high caliber scale, of which have drawn insane levels of popularity and legitimately rival the show's level of quality so much that they're practically one and the same from the average joe's quick glance. Prime example being that you can bet that if Double Rainboom hadn't sought out permission ahead of time, that'd have been canned too.

 

Sure, public information is always good. In another topic I talked about how they need to be making their 'ask us for permission' document more known to the fandom.

[GXPBlast 597]

I really like the layout of the site, I really hope that it has an effect.

Edited March 24, 2014 by FurzVette

[Paladin Butters 163]

I don't know if anyone else noticed, even Double Rainboom was removed. and It probably won't be long till snowdrop is removed as-well. Maybe, I don't know people animated Pony's that WEREN'T A CREATION from Hasbro these videos WON'T get removed!?!?!

 

 

 

AND didn't have "MY LITTLE PONY:FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC" in the name????

Edited March 24, 2014 by Paladin Butters

[joecal97 340]

I've already submitted from that website, so I hope it helps!

They shouldn't try to stop it, but they should embrace it!

I don't see why they'd try to stop it unless there was a clear breach of copyright, and the person is clearly trying to take advantage of the show, we are just having fun!

[NavelColt 22,882]

I don't know if anyone else noticed, even Double Rainboom was removed. and It probably won't be long till snowdrop is removed as-well. Maybe, I don't know people animated Pony's that WEREN'T A CREATION from Hasbro these videos WON'T get removed!?!?!

 

I will point out that Double Rainboom's removal had absolutely nothing to do with Hasbro, and wouldn't, because it got Hasbro's permission ahead of time :3 Flamingo Rich, the creator, pulled it himself. Read about it, here.

[LordDiscord 289]

I think it's pointless. Companies have to protect their copyright and trademarks at least a little bit. Hasbro not doing any C&D's whatsoever would risk losing their trademark, and then suddenly we have no more show. They're incredibly lenient in general and have killed very few things in comparison to most other companies, so in my opinion, people need to suck it up, learn a thing or two about trademark laws, and realize the ratio of fan content that isn't removed, vs the feeble handful of things that have been removed.

I am rather confused by this, why would they loose their copyright, if they allowed a few fans to make parodies? That literally sounds as if Hasbro does not own their own franchise. I mean they should be able to choose if they want to allow fans to use it, I mean if Valve or Microsoft can allow their fans without the risk of losing their IP then why is Hasbro at risk for allowing the same thing? I understand the need to protect copyright(don't get me wrong) but how can they say the product is theirs if supposedly the ''Big bad government'' can take it away from them at any time? Also what happens to the IP if they lose it? Couldn't they get it back or re patient it?   

[Planty 1,053]

I think that this is the wrong way to go about it.

Instead of doing this, people should ask their permission before starting big projects, instead of hoping they won't get caught or deluding that Hasbro will have mercy.

 

The thing is is that hasbro have been very kind!

 

The problem is that in the US, you have to be seen actively defending your IP (or property) or you will loose it. They know that the fandom drives a fair amount of popularity of the show, which is why they try and leave things as long as possible before doing things.

 

I do wish they would talk to us a bit better and maybe sponsor some projects. This like fighting is magic could have been very good for them if they charged a little bit for it.

[NavelColt 22,882]

I am rather confused by this, why would they loose their copyright, if they allowed a few fans to make parodies? That literally sounds as if Hasbro does not own their own franchise. I mean they should be able to choose if they want to allow fans to use it, I mean if Valve or Microsoft can allow their fans without the risk of losing their IP then why is Hasbro at risk for allowing the same thing? I understand the need to protect copyright(don't get me wrong) but how can they say the product is theirs if supposedly the ''Big bad government'' can take it away from them at any time? Also what happens to the IP if they lose it? Couldn't they get it back or re patient it?   

 

I'd recommend looking into trademark and copyright law It will give you better answers than I or anyone else here can give.

[Metemponychosis 1,262]

The thing is is that hasbro have been very kind!

 

The problem is that in the US, you have to be seen actively defending your IP (or property) or you will loose it. They know that the fandom drives a fair amount of popularity of the show, which is why they try and leave things as long as possible before doing things.

 

I do wish they would talk to us a bit better and maybe sponsor some projects. This like fighting is magic could have been very good for them if they charged a little bit for it.

I said all I had to say in the thread discussing the C&D. 

I understand that part of the problem are the laws that "regulate" this sort of thing and it's jus sad that this happened for one reason and another.

 

Well, the first step in making this happen, Hasbro talking and sponsoring projects, belongs to the fans trying that need to contact them. Good or bad, we can't kill the beast. So we need to live with it.