Plagiarism

[avisarr]

I was recently contacted by a Khoras fan who let me know about some plagiarism that was going on. Apparently someone was copying large portions of text (whole pages actually) and posting them on another website and claiming the work as their own. The website where the material was posted was a type of community library where people submitted original writing and gaming ideas. The person in question was receiving comments on and praise for "his" work. By the time I found out about it, the situation was already corrected and the plagiarized material had been taken off line.

I'm not going to point fingers or try to pin blame. It seems that the person in question has taken responsibility, put things right and all is forgiven. However, since the subject has been brought up, I thought it would be appropriate to address the issue.

This isn't the first time it's happened. Over the years, I've stumbled upon many people borrowing (or outright stealing) text, images and more from Khoras. It happens.

If you see something from Khoras elsewhere on the net, it's usually legitimate as the person has either asked permission or given appropriate credit. For instance, the World of Mythosa (www.mythosa.net) borrowed the "locator map" idea from Khoras and gave credit and a link back to Khoras. That's the right way to do it. The Dathkandra chat from Exodus Project asked permission, received it and then borrowed loads of material from Khoras for an online chat based RPG they were building. They also credited Khoras and provided a link.

However, I have seen many people do it the wrong way. On one occasion, another webmaster copied the exact style, layout and organization of Khoras (including titles, subtitles and specific terminology) and applied it to his own world. Although not blatant plagiarism, it would have been nice if he would have mentioned Khoras and explained why his site looked so much like Khoras. On several occasions, I've seen gamers (probably just kids) copy small amounts of Khoras material and post it online without giving a source. It's not a huge deal. I let the small fish go. However, posting something that isn't yours online and intentionally passing it off as your own original work is definitely crossing a line.

I've had many people email me and ask permission to use Khoras as the basis for a role playing game, a comic book, a website or a short story.  I almost always give permission as they always are willing to give credit appropriately. I've said it before and I'll say it again: all I ask is that you give appropriate credit. If you want to use Khoras for something, just ask. And then, when you use it, give credit and a link back to Khoras. I don't think that's too much to ask.

I try not to be a hard ass about this copyright stuff. I'm actually a very nice guy. I answer all email and welcome all comments on the Khoras forum. I almost always give permission to use Khoras stuff. So, don't be afraid to ask. Khoras is online, free of charge, for everyone to use and enjoy. I welcome and encourage gamers to use Khoras material in their own gaming. All I want is help spreading the word. I have often said that Khoras "wallows in obscurity". I'm hoping to change that.

And to all of you who have supported Khoras, read and enjoyed Khoras, told others about Khoras or even just used a part of Khoras in your gaming, I offer you a heartfelt "thank you". You inspire me to keep building. 

David M. Roomes
Creator of the World of Khoras

[Golanthius]

Duly noted...Did you get a chance to look at the group site I mentioned? If so, is it acceptable?

[avisarr]

Do you mean http://groups.google.com/group/world-of-ehlonir/?

Yep, it's fine. No problem there.

[Golanthius]

Yep, that's the one...Thank you

[sid6.7]

bummer...

copyrights are defintly a tangled web and best left to the creator of the work...

whats neat is that someone recoginized the work as yours and reported it.

The Khoras fans are at work keeping khoras protected...yehaw!

[tanis]

haha does that make us David's Warriors??? lmao the newest mercenary guild in Ithria