Ed Mohrmann | 02 Apr 2010 10:41 a.m. PST |
Folks, I've had 8 requests for PDF's of the OTR rules. I have no problem providing them (gratis, of course) IF I can establish that the rules are no longer in copyright (which I believe to be true) and if I can get Paul Koch's OR Dick Bryant's OK. Paul had, years ago, OK'd me providing a copy to a gamer friend. Paul wrote the rules, originally, and The Courier published them. I'm therefore unsure who has the current rights, if any. I e-mailed Paul at the last e-dress I had for him and it bounced. Currently working other avenues. I have yet to e-mail Dick, but will do if I can't get Paul. I'll keep y'all posted. |
Condottiere | 02 Apr 2010 11:07 a.m. PST |
Generally, copyrights last for the life of the author plus 70 years. So, it probably is still copyrighted, unless the author purposefully placed them in the public domain. |
Hastati | 02 Apr 2010 11:09 a.m. PST |
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Ed Mohrmann | 02 Apr 2010 3:56 p.m. PST |
John Holly, you are correct for materials published after 1976, I believe, so the OTR rules would still be in copyright. I looked up my notes from about 8 years ago when I registered a set of rules for a friend (copyrighted, that is.) Anyway, if there's that much interest, perhaps the current owner would make them available via PDF download for a nominal sum. I'll see what I can find out and let y'all know. |
Dan Cyr | 02 Apr 2010 4:47 p.m. PST |
There are a number of older rule sets, long out of print, that when you approach the author (as I have), you are told that no, they'll not allow them to be freely given away, for whatever reason. I've even offered to reprint one (1) set and had the author (this is 10-12 years ago) tell me no, that he intended to republish them someday (they last were printed in 1975). Go figure. Hopefully, Paul will be more reasonable as "OTR" is a good set of rules and should be available to folks. Unless someone is worried about being sued by a family member, I'd suggest that most war gaming rules would be fairly safe to make copies of once the author dies. Not because I believe in doing an illegal act, but because there is no money in it that one is 'stealing'. Hard to believe that a author would rather his/her work disappear than be passed on electronically. Dan |
Demosthenes Of Athens | 02 Apr 2010 5:41 p.m. PST |
My copy of OTR reads Copyright (c) 1983 by the Courier Publishing Co Inc. |
gamertom | 02 Apr 2010 7:34 p.m. PST |
Many years ago I sent a few variants of OTR to Hal Thinglum for publishing in MWAN. After publishing the first one, he received a complaint from Dick Bryant that I hadn't acknowledged that OTR was copyrighted by The Courier. Since then I've incorporated such a note into any revisions even though I haven't made any of them available for several years. So I think it's safe to assume you need the permission of either Dick Bryant or his family to send out copies of OTR. |
Ed Mohrmann | 03 Apr 2010 4:21 a.m. PST |
OK, I confirmed with my OTR copy that Courier had the copyright. So DeLyall is correct. Doesn't that mean that Historical Gamer Magazine, which bought The Courier and MWAN, would now hold the copyright ? Actually, I suppose it would be Legio X, Inc. OK, another avenue to explore. |
Ed Mohrmann | 03 Apr 2010 11:11 a.m. PST |
The rights to OTR are held by Don Perrin. I've left him a message on his website. We'll see what happens. |
Ed Mohrmann | 03 Apr 2010 4:05 p.m. PST |
Good news ! Don has agreed that I can provide the PDF's, the only caveat being that I give him USD 1.00 for each one I sell over 100. I also need to put a copyright note on each copy, no problem there. Of course, I'm not selling them, but I'll provide the PDF's and send him a buck each for 'em. It's a GREAT deal ! |
Demosthenes Of Athens | 03 Apr 2010 4:22 p.m. PST |
That's good news Ed. OTR is a great set of rules that deserve to be revived. Tony |
gregoryk | 03 Apr 2010 5:53 p.m. PST |
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delta6ct | 03 Apr 2010 8:30 p.m. PST |
OTR = On To Richmond -Mike |
Ed Mohrmann | 04 Apr 2010 6:43 a.m. PST |
OK, I've sent out 9 e-mails with 9 PDF's of the OTR rules attached. If anyone else wants one, please let me know ASAP as I may (emphasize 'MAY') be operating within a finite (and short !) timeframe to be able to work under the agreement reached with Don Perrin. Please remember that these are for personal use. Each page (except the covers) carries a copyright notice, writ small, though. BTW, if any of you happen to see Don at a con somewhere, tell 'em 'Thanks'. |
hetzer | 04 Apr 2010 9:57 a.m. PST |
Ed, Would you send me a set at rsksvs@aol dot com Thank you. Rob Smith |
gregoryk | 04 Apr 2010 11:00 a.m. PST |
Ed, can you send me a set, to gregoryfk at gmail dot com? Many thanks for this. Cheers, gregoryk
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WLBartlett | 04 Apr 2010 11:57 a.m. PST |
I'd appreciate a copy too. bartman1466 at yahoo dot com Thanks Bill |
cabin4clw | 04 Apr 2010 7:23 p.m. PST |
I'd like a copy as well. cabin4clw@yahoo.com Thanks, Joe |
gaiusrabirius | 05 Apr 2010 7:54 a.m. PST |
I express my gratitude to Ed Mohrmann for making this .pdf available, and for his diligence in clearing it with the copyright owner. Good work, Ed. |
Ed Mohrmann | 05 Apr 2010 1:24 p.m. PST |
Rob/Gregory/Bill/Joe - I'll send your files out NLT Friday. My laptop (which is the networked 'puter) got 'virused' yesternoon. It's in for 'curing' and will be back NLT friday, perhaps sooner. I'm working with my ancient 'lifeboat' desktop (dial-up) and the time to send a file that large is prohibitive. Apologies for the delay, but OTR *will* get to you. |
AppleMak | 05 Apr 2010 4:07 p.m. PST |
I would also appreciate a copy tony.little@gbpackersfan.com Cheers. Been looking for an excuse to get back into ACW |
WLBartlett | 05 Apr 2010 4:24 p.m. PST |
Dial up!?!? I feel your pain
thanks for making these available to us, it is very much appreciated. Regards, Bill |
nickhartley | 06 Apr 2010 4:53 a.m. PST |
Could I also have a copy nickp.atkinson@btinternet.com Many thanks |
Ed Mohrmann | 06 Apr 2010 6:15 a.m. PST |
Tony/Nick, you've been added to the list. |
docdennis1968 | 06 Apr 2010 7:33 a.m. PST |
If you copy something and give it away for NO MONEY, and the item is out of production, how much REAL trouble is there with this? Haven't we been doing stuff like this forever? I know that I have told folks to go ahead and copy old Rustys Rules with no problems from the old (not Dayton) RSM LTD crew! Maybe I am just out of touch with reality on this issue, but with a couple of well known exceptions, who, in this business, could afford the legal fees to get some pittance for an obscure (to most normal folks, not wargamers) item that someone might copy and send to friends! It just does not make economic sense, but I could be dead wrong too I guess! |
Ed Mohrmann | 06 Apr 2010 2:56 p.m. PST |
docdennis1968 – you're probably, almost certainly, correct about the economic sensibility. OTOH, it doesn't cost anything to do the right thing - 'right thing' from my personal perspective, of course. |
lindrp | 06 Apr 2010 3:37 p.m. PST |
I'd like a copy also, please. I have fond memories of playing a game with Paul Koch at one of my first HMGS shows. lpratt5@columbus.rr.com Thanks |
docdennis1968 | 06 Apr 2010 8:17 p.m. PST |
Ed Mohrmann You are right, of course, also. Asking the author was not only right but polite of you. Most of the old stuff is nearly "public domain" in fact, if not strictly by law, but it never hurts to show a little respect to the guy or guys who first came up with something! Thanks!! |
Ed Mohrmann | 07 Apr 2010 7:50 a.m. PST |
Lindrp – I've added you to the list. Shooting to get these out Friday at the latest. |
lindrp | 08 Apr 2010 3:41 a.m. PST |
Ed, Thanks. Speaking of Rusty's Rules, I had a lot of fun playing both ACW and SYW with them way back when. I lost my copy at some point. |
Ed Mohrmann | 08 Apr 2010 11:30 a.m. PST |
ALL – the PDF file has been sent to the latest list (Rob/Gregory/Bill/Joe/Nick/Tony/Lindrp) If anyone on the list HAS NOT received the file, PLMK. Enjoy ! |
hetzer | 08 Apr 2010 4:29 p.m. PST |
Ed, Got your email, but no PDF file was attached. Rob |
Ed Mohrmann | 08 Apr 2010 6:23 p.m. PST |
OK, the PDF has been re-sent to Rob, Greg, Bill, Joe, Nick, Tony and Lindrp. The mail to Tony bounced, the ISP saying that the file size was too large. I've e-mailed Tony and suggested 2-3 alternatives. Hope the rest of you received it OK. |
hetzer | 08 Apr 2010 6:54 p.m. PST |
Ed, Got it that time. Thanks a million. Rob |
Rev Zoom | 09 Apr 2010 5:50 a.m. PST |
Ed, If it's not too late, could you email me a copy? Thanks Kevin |
Ed Mohrmann | 09 Apr 2010 9:02 a.m. PST |
Winks147, not too late – but I need your e-dress
BTW, you live in Arizona and when last I knew, so did Paul Koch, OTR's author. |
79thPA | 09 Apr 2010 9:36 a.m. PST |
I'd like a copy if I can get one. Also willing to paypal you some cash if you need it. joseph.cairo@notes.udayton.edu |
WLBartlett | 09 Apr 2010 12:06 p.m. PST |
I got mine today, thanks Ed. Happy gaming
Regards, Bill |
Ed Mohrmann | 09 Apr 2010 12:21 p.m. PST |
79thPA – on the way as soon as I log off TMP
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79thPA | 09 Apr 2010 1:18 p.m. PST |
Got mine. Fantastic! Those Stone Mountain ads/pics sure bring back some memories. |
Rev Zoom | 09 Apr 2010 4:14 p.m. PST |
Thanks Ed. winks147@cox.net I didn'trealize Paul lived in AZ – any idea where? |
Ed Mohrmann | 09 Apr 2010 5:25 p.m. PST |
Kevin – your PDF file has been sent (about 1 minute ago). White Pages gives me Paul A Koch in Lake Havasu City, Az, @ 108 El Dorado Ave S, wife Caroline (which matches; Paul and I joked about his wife and my first wife having their name spelled exactly alike). There are 5 other 'Paul Koch' listings in White Pages, but that is the closest match. No 'phone number is available for that listing. |
Demosthenes Of Athens | 12 Apr 2010 4:16 p.m. PST |
Any possiblity that someone could host the PDF file for download even for a short period of time? It would save Ed trying to do bulk emails. |
Buzzkill | 12 Apr 2010 4:41 p.m. PST |
Ed, thanks for the diligent work running down permission to share these rules. If it is still available I would like a copy at rkbtaylor@hotmail.com. If you need me to paypal you $$ let me know at that e-mail address. Thanks, – Rob Taylor |
Ed Mohrmann | 12 Apr 2010 5:04 p.m. PST |
DeLyall, thanks for the thought, but because of one of the aspects of my agreement with Don Perrin, that won't do. Basically, I have to keep count of the number of copies I send out. There is a threshhold quantity to which I'll need to respond. Buzzkill, as an ex-gunbunny friend of mine would say, 'On the waaaaaaaaaaay !' |
Joe Martin | 15 Apr 2010 10:33 a.m. PST |
Please send me a copy of the rules. Thank you so much for the generosity of your time and effort. jemartin917@hotmail.com If that bounces due to file size, you can send it to my work email: joe@polkcountyda.com Thanks again! |
Ed Mohrmann | 15 Apr 2010 11:50 a.m. PST |
Joe, sent just now. Let me know if you received successfully. |
vonLoudon | 10 May 2010 10:53 a.m. PST |
Ed, if this revives, I'm going to have to play it. Been meaning too for years and acquired two copies, one photocopy and one courier book. Maybe David Corbett's group could compile some the scenarios they use to publish out of MWAN. |
Ed Mohrmann | 13 May 2010 4:23 a.m. PST |
VonL, there certainly is a core group of about 40 or so who've received the PDF's ! I used to run OTR games a lot, and still do the occasional game. |
bschulte | 13 May 2010 7:54 a.m. PST |
Ed, If it's not too late, I'd like a copy of the rules as well: tocwoc@live.com Brett S. beyondthecrater.com |