EULA and the donations for mods

GeorgeLKMT · June 8, 2016

Because this seems to be a topic that a lot of people are willing to discuss, unfortunately in threads not fit for such dialogue, I'd like to start one here. Let's talk about modding and its monetization in a form of voluntary donations.

Right now, ED's EULA clearly states this:

4.1(b) if you decide to make available the use of the New Game Materials created by you to other gamers' date=' [b']you agree to do so solely without charge, unless with prior approval and a licence from TFC;[/b]

While voluntary donations might not be explicitly forbidden by that wording (donation ≠ charge or fee), they aren't permitted either and it's safe to assume that such behaviour would be punished, at least in a form of a forum ban.

So the question is: Would you like ED to consider allowing modders to receive donations?

Donations would be voluntary.

Content or any of its parts COULD NOT be limited by a financial contribution (so...free, no exceptions)

Content would NOT have guaranteed compatibility or be supported/endorsed by ED itself (just like it is now with mods).

1. A lot of people here seems to be willing to donate to their favorite modders, but can't due to modders themselves having their hands tied

2. Plenty of other game compaines with mod-rich environments are actually allowing this, as long as the payment is not compulsory

I attached a little poll in case you don't want to speak up.

Stay on topic

Be civil and respect forum rules

Thank you

GeorgeLKMT · June 8, 2016

Some more thoughts:

It's wrong because ED is not going to profit from this.

They're not profiting from mods now either. One might also argue that the attractiveness of their product is being kept high thanks to the rich user-generated content availability, which in turn might give them more revenue from the original content.

But modders can get in touch with ED and licence the content.

That might be the case for things like campaigns, but as we saw with Starway's textures, sometimes it's not even possible. Furthermore, a lot of content is simply not DLC-worthy (low value, too specific, etc.)

We'll get a lot of people making really bad mods just for money.

It's a free market, bad mod = no donation. Modding is also usually very time-consuming process requiring certain knowledge and experience, not something everyone can and will do.

Forum will be flooded with begging for donations and ads.

One very popular modding site has a great rule about this. 100% no talking about donations. No asking, no mentioning, not even in PM. You have a button on your profile, it's there, people can use it, that's it. Similar rule could be easily implemented here.

Obviously, that all just my 2c, feel free to tell me where I'm being wrong.

Edited June 8, 2016 by GeorgeLKMT

Kuky · June 8, 2016

This is can of worms I think, but I'll add my opinion.

I think anyone can make a website of their own (and people do) and they can setup donation button if they want. I think it's not alright for people to setup equivalent here, on ED's forums. People can have links to their website, but not a direct link for donations.

WinterH · June 8, 2016

I do not think this will change, and Starway was a special case due to failing of an official DLC to materialize for reasons unforseen by involved parties.

If, though, ED would keep their rule, but perhaps be a bit more lenient in allowing more people to accept donations based on their judment of mod quality, I think this might be a sweet spot.

But I don't forsee ED removing quoted piece from their EULA, and I can see valid reasons like keeping absolute control of their products ecosystem / QC as well as keeping at least some stake on monetization of additions to their platform.

And yeah, I agree that this probably is a can of worms. Infact, I'd be surprised if thread remains open for long :D.

GeorgeLKMT · June 8, 2016

I think anyone can make a website of their own (and people do) and they can setup donation button if they want. I think it's not alright for people to setup equivalent here, on ED's forums. People can have links to their website, but not a direct link for donations.

Thing is, what is the difference? Signature link leading to a website with a donation button and signature link leading directly to paypal or similar service? Its appearance could be stated in rules (like no "donate now" images, only text, small font...). Right now, both options seems to be forbidden.

dallas48 · June 8, 2016

Option 4 makes sense to me.

Edited June 8, 2016 by dallas48
spelling

GeorgeLKMT · June 8, 2016

Option 4 makes sense to me.

There are 3 options in the poll one of which is "explain below"...? I'm sorry I don't follow.

GeorgeLKMT · June 8, 2016

But I don't forsee ED removing quoted piece from their EULA, and I can see valid reasons like keeping absolute control of their products ecosystem / QC.

ED has no control over mods now and certainly not doing any quality checks. Mods ecosystem is fully in the hands of community and separate from official products.

I am just waiting to see how long it takes to close or delete this thread.

The thread is not breaking any forum rules. This being a "can of worms" is IMHO not a valid reason for closure, how else we're supposed to let ED know what we want? Just keep it civil. And maybe, make posts relevant to the topic. :)

PicksKing · June 8, 2016

I am not really familiar with steam (so you should correct me, if I am wrong) but I feel remembered to something a fried told me about it. He is programer and steam has a platform for indiegames made by users. The user has to pay some money, which has two functions:

1. its a fee for supplying and providing the platform and the games.

2. its a filter to keep all the inkompetent gready pitchmen outside and avoid a flood of waste data. After the fee is paid they can offer their products.

I think this concept is transferable for ED and for donations, if they want.

dallas48 · June 8, 2016

Forum will be flooded with begging for donations and ads.

One very popular modding site has a great rule about this. 100% no talking about donations. No asking, no mentioning, not even in PM. You have a button on your profile, it's there, people can use it, that's it. Similar rule could be easily implemented here.

sorry, this is what i meant.

(still figuring out the quote buttons)

Edited June 8, 2016 by dallas48

YoYo · June 8, 2016

Im Yes with this.

PeroperoDokkiri · June 8, 2016

Donations are OK from our point of view.

However they make no sence from ED's point of view.

Modders don't participate financially in running DCS World mainteance, support, development etc. while they would make an income using ED's platform free of charge. IT IS NOT FAIR.

It is exaclty the same situation as if you were an owner of the restaurant and you had people comming in with their own food, beverages etc.

EDIT:

I voted YES btw.

NineLine · June 8, 2016

This is in the EULA, its not going to change. Find a another creative reason to donate to somebody, but ED doesnt and isnt going to allow the donations or charging for DCS content without their permission.