WotC, the OGL 1.*, and SRD 3.*
I know the OGL 1.0 cannot 'legally' be changed by Hasbro/WotC. But that does not mean they cannot try, and in the process cause a lot of agita for those who have relied upon it in the past. I think that for most OSR projects there is no need to use the OGL. Game rules cannot be protected, only the actual words and images (copyright), trademarks and tradenames, and occasionally patents for really unique processes and game items.
If you avoid using the word for word descriptions as allowed under the OGL 1.0 but which may identify the work as covered by the OGL, images, trademarks and tradenames associated with anything from WotC, and possible process 'tech' like the use of the d20 (although I think that is really stretching it), I really don't think there is any reason to use the OGL unless you just like the idea of notifying them that you are a target to be bullied and harassed.
I think in the future I am going to remove the OGL, convert 1d20 rolls to 2d10s, make a point of not using WotC 'character creation' system (which I already do not use), and go through with a fine tooth comb and remove any references that may be identical to the OGL 1.0. In fact, perhaps we should join together and try to come up with a bullet proof OSR set of rules that provides the feel of, but is completely removed from the OGL 1.0? I think Microlite may be an ideal place to start that process... remove what little there is of the SRD 3.5, rename it, and give credit to the author of Microlite20 and varieties, but that is it. (As I think about it, giving credit to sources of 'inspiration' is a dangerous bit of courtesy that may come back to bite you -- if you are not violating IP law and you are not including the OGL in your document making such polite comments may just open you up for abuse and harassment.)
HERE IS AN INTERESTING POST ON ITCHIO:
SQUIRE WALDO
37 minutes ago
Although the post comes with the caveat, "I'm not a lawyer..." I believe his explanation is quite accurate. There is also a very interesting comment by 'Cone of Negative Energy' that points out the negative aspect of using the OGL... you are contractually agreeing to abide by terms that would otherwise not be covered under various aspects of intellectual property (IP) law.
https://itch.io/t/420581/publishing-wit ... gl-and-you
If you know the answer I would appreciate you explaining it to me:
If I rely upon parts of Microlite20 or Microlite2020 that uses the OGL 1., but the part that I use from Microlite20 has nothing to do with the SRD 3.5 or anything else from WotC, is that non-WotC content now 'given' to WotC by including the OGL 1.?
I suppose I just just sit down and study the damn thing for myself, but sometimes it is nice to get guidance from more knowledgeable people.