Seems pretty mean-spirited of the NanoWriMo bods if they're clamping down on the NanoWriMo twibbon. It's a great way to see which Twitter people are taking part in NanoWriMo.
I didn't realise they were a big, unfeeling corporation. Figured they were just a nice bunch of people who liked writing.
Shame.
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53,387 / 50,000
Nov 2, 2009 - 05 59
Actually, they're not a big unfeeling corporation, they're just asking that people not use them. It IS a trademark violation, and trademark laws require that it be defended. They are not, however, pursuing anyone using the Twibbon or suing anyone. If the creator of the Twibbon were to ask permission to use those trademarks, or used one of the web badges, there's a good chance that permission might be granted.
----------Heather Dudley
Forums Moderator
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A Dragon Writes
20,388 / 50,000
Nov 3, 2009 - 17 15
We're working on granting permission for the twibbon, it's just a bit of a process.
Matt - honestly it's not a big unfeeling corporation ... it's quite the opposite. Trademark laws are very specific and have to be defended rigorously at all times (unlike copyright). The issue started when we had people pretend to be part of NaNoWriMo in the past, charge money and create merchandise, etc. That's what the trademark is for, to protect folks from stuff like that. But it comes at a price, which means that we need to approve other things that seem like they'd be totally fair use.
(The alternative for fans & supporters is to simply create things that fall within the fair use and don't use the logo or the full nanonwrimo name. Things like NaNo Supporter, Wrimo Wribbon or November Novelist, etc. We all know what they mean. Use a more generic image instead of the logo badge.)
----------NaNoWriMo & ScriptFrenzy Staff
42,229 / 50,000
Nov 12, 2009 - 06 24
cybele -- A lot of people don't understand this. Maybe you guys could send an email explaining, or something prominent anyway. Probably emphasising that the twibbon can be allowed, even encouraged, but that there are boxes that need ticking first.
0 / 50,000
Nov 12, 2009 - 06 37
Matt - honestly it's not a big unfeeling corporation ... it's quite the opposite. Trademark laws are very specific and have to be defended rigorously at all times (unlike copyright). The issue started when we had people pretend to be part of NaNoWriMo in the past, charge money and create merchandise, etc. That's what the trademark is for, to protect folks from stuff like that. But it comes at a price, which means that we need to approve other things that seem like they'd be totally fair use.
(The alternative for fans & supporters is to simply create things that fall within the fair use and don't use the logo or the full nanonwrimo name. Things like NaNo Supporter, Wrimo Wribbon or November Novelist, etc. We all know what they mean. Use a more generic image instead of the logo badge.)
Or, the word "NaNo" in the colors of the logo could work.
53,387 / 50,000
Nov 12, 2009 - 06 40
I promise, we have something coming out very soon to answer this question. we're just proofing it now.
----------Heather Dudley
Forums Moderator
Liquid Story Binder, on sale for 50% off during November!
A Dragon Writes
0 / 50,000
Nov 12, 2009 - 06 40
I didn't realise they were a big, unfeeling corporation. Figured they were just a nice bunch of people who liked writing.
Shame.
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They aren't a "big, unfeeling corporation" However, if the family crest logo is being used by people without the expressed permission of OLL, then they are in violation of United States copyright laws, and are subject to fines and possibly jail time if OLL wishes to go the legal route to protect their trademark.
I've seen two versions of the twibbon now, and something really needs to be done.