Open letter to Lack, Twill and Andy

[pimpdave]

Just got this from "Crazy Map +Dice" thread. I wonder if Lack got a letter like the one at that site...

by teakwoodsailing on Mon Oct 20, 2008 12:12 am

Interesting read:
http://www.monopolizedchaos.com/2008/04 ... st-letter/ teakwoodsailing

Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:41 pm
Private message

IMHO this dude has done the right thing. Reading his blog post I cannot help but feeling sympathy for him. He knows how to communicate with his readers, and anyone who happens to read his blog!

And his blog generates exactly HOW much revenue?

How many people are working under that dude that rely upon the continued existence of the blog for their livelihood?

I actually don't know how many people are gainfully employed by Conquer Club, but I'm pretty certain it's at least 2. Conquer Club is absolutely a bigger engine. Plus, there is a difference. What that guy is doing can be argued as diluting the brand. What Conquer Club is doing can't really be argued as diluting the brand's effectiveness. Conquer Club would be better seen akin to what MP3s are.

I'm not going to go into it any further. But because the issues are completely different, the approach and handling of the issue at hand is better handled differently as well. Thus, to compare that guy's response to that of Conquer Club is like comparing apples to oranges.

Although, I don't expect that to stop anyone...

[yeti_c]

It won't work for the army counts...

The army numbers are generated by the server and that reads the XML direct and outputs them.

You *Could* do it by putting your own numbers up - but they will look ugly and unsightly due to HTML's constraints.

C.

this statement is very likely to illustrate my ignorance on these matters... but here goes anyway: could they not be holes in the Graphics (I am thinking of it like layers in Photoshop) so the numbers from the source image can be visible through the dead superficial skin-overlay?

hah.. *jim awaits his lessen in reality.*

What?

C.

[jiminski]

Just got this from "Crazy Map +Dice" thread. I wonder if Lack got a letter like the one at that site...

by teakwoodsailing on Mon Oct 20, 2008 12:12 am

Interesting read:
http://www.monopolizedchaos.com/2008/04 ... st-letter/ teakwoodsailing

Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:41 pm
Private message

IMHO this dude has done the right thing. Reading his blog post I cannot help but feeling sympathy for him. He knows how to communicate with his readers, and anyone who happens to read his blog!

Running a non profit Blog is a completely different ball game to running a profit making game site?

C.

i've got one for a comparable site to ours too but i am sure it is helpful to post it in the final analysis.. heh our CC legal eagles would have a field day!

[jiminski]

It won't work for the army counts...

The army numbers are generated by the server and that reads the XML direct and outputs them.

You *Could* do it by putting your own numbers up - but they will look ugly and unsightly due to HTML's constraints.

C.

this statement is very likely to illustrate my ignorance on these matters... but here goes anyway: could there not be holes in the Graphics (I am thinking of it like layers in Photoshop) so the numbers from the source image can be visible through the dead superficial skin-overlay?

hah.. *jim awaits his lessen in reality.*

What?

C.

[BaldAdonis]

this statement is very likely to illustrate my ignorance on these matters... but here goes anyway: could they not be holes in the Graphics (I am thinking of it like layers in Photoshop) so the numbers from the source image can be visible through the dead superficial skin-overlay?

hah.. *jim awaits his lessen in reality.*

It's easy to see this if you fire up BOB and turn the map opacity way down. The numbers still show up as normal, because they aren't part of the image. They're just plastered on over top of it, using the coordinates in the XML file. No matter which image you use, the numbers will show through.

The problem is they aren't in the same places - in that nice little white circle - on both maps. For example, Classic Art is the same size as original Classic, so you can replace it without stretching the images. But when the numbers show up: Brazil sits too high above the Brazil circle, but still within the territory, and Peru is still in Peru, but Argentina is way out in the ocean. The rest of the map has similar problems, and is especially confusing in Europe/Asia.

On top of that, I don't know what any of the names correspond to, and that's what's used in the dropdown and log. Replacing Classic! with the pre-revamp Classic didn't have these problems. You might get away with using Clickable Maps to deal with the dropdowns, but it would be annoying to reconstruct what happened in the past rounds from the log.

yeti_c: I suppose there's no "swap xml" functions eh? I just want to change the coordinates....

What you said about things being messy with HTML writing made me think of replacing the numbers with images. I know it wouldn't be practical (with higher army values/small territories), but it was amusing to imagine using cavalry and artillery on the board again.

[jiminski]

this statement is very likely to illustrate my ignorance on these matters... but here goes anyway: could they not be holes in the Graphics (I am thinking of it like layers in Photoshop) so the numbers from the source image can be visible through the dead superficial skin-overlay?

hah.. *jim awaits his lessen in reality.*

It's easy to see this if you fire up BOB and turn the map opacity way down. The numbers still show up as normal, because they aren't part of the image. They're just plastered on over top of it, using the coordinates in the XML file. No matter which image you use, the numbers will show through.

The problem is they aren't in the same places - in that nice little white circle - on both maps. For example, Classic Art is the same size as original Classic, so you can replace it without stretching the images. But when the numbers show up: Brazil sits too high above the Brazil circle, but still within the territory, and Peru is still in Peru, but Argentina is way out in the ocean. The rest of the map has similar problems, and is especially confusing in Europe/Asia.

On top of that, I don't know what any of the names correspond to, and that's what's used in the dropdown and log. Replacing Classic! with the pre-revamp Classic didn't have these problems. You might get away with using Clickable Maps to deal with the dropdowns, but it would be annoying to reconstruct what happened in the past rounds from the log.

yeti_c: I suppose there's no "swap xml" functions eh? I just want to change the coordinates....

What you said about things being messy with HTML writing made me think of replacing the numbers with images. I know it wouldn't be practical (with higher army values/small territories), but it was amusing to imagine using cavalry and artillery on the board again.

thank you mate, that makes sense even to me.

I love the idea of using images for the army count too.. you could bring in additional images to cope with the higher number .. Fighter plane for 100, Stealth bomber for 1,000 or something.

[Snorri1234]

Dear Lack, Twill and Andy

I tried to send you a private PM yesterday but you ignored it so I'm turning to the next place-here.

It takes a long time for mods to respond to even the smallest and unimportant pms. ONE FCKING DAY is not long.

Besides, why the hell would they respond to your pm anyway?

Let me start by saying that I love Conquer Club. I enjoy playing most of the maps, love seeing what the foundry is going to turn out next and jumping in for 3-4 games every time a new map comes out. I enjoy the G1 forums particuarly those times when I can't keep up with the posts because there are so many coming at once. I enjoy running tournaments and meeting people from all over the world.

Why on earth does everyone feel the need to state how much they love something in their first paragraph?

We don't have a CC forum for G1 (as well as numerous other forums such as whatever you're calling Off Topic these days) which sucks and takes at least half my enjoyment from the site. Probably more. Worse than that though, there has been absolutely no word from anyone on how long this is going to continue. If you don't know you need to let us know that and let us know that you're at least working on it. From what I can see you're not.

The forum-thing is really very unimportant. If they're facing legal consequences I do not expect them to put forums as their priority. Anyone with a brain can reason that the forums will be restored when they're done with the more important stuff.

To date there has been no confirmation as to why the maps had to be taken down because of actions by Hasbro. That's certainly the rumor and expectation of the CC community but none of the Admin staff have confirmed it and one of you needs to either confirm it or correct that impression.
The focus has been on the Classic Map but the Middle Earth/Centerscape map needs to be addressed too. It is much less clear as to why this has been taken down although the speculation is that its too similar to Hasbro's LOTR risk version. There is no clear ideas as to what can and can't be done to fix/replace the current lucky charms version.

Again, anyone with a brain can reason that it is ofcourse because of the actions by Hasbro. Why are you saying that the admins need to tell you that?

I would like to see you have a locked thread in the announcements forum that one of you will update daily telling us what's going on and what we can expect moving forward. I'd like to know how long we're looking at for a forum return (days, weeks, months, never?)
I'd like to know the official reason that the Classic and Middle Earth maps were removed. This may be a confirmation of the general wisdom and may not be.
I'd like to know what the process going forward for Classic and Middle Earth is.

that's fairly simple and, to my mind at least, not unreasonable.

Them talking about what seems to be an ongoing case is pretty unreasonable. It's very likely that they are unable to do all those things because they are not in the least bit certain what they will do. Demanding all these things is futile because I have no doubt that they will communicate with us when they are able to give us the information. Lack has always been very quick with telling us what happened and what will happen, and the only possible reason that I can think of that he hasn't is because he either doesn't know yet or cannot tell us.

[cpurcell]

I back you barterer. I'm highly dissapointed with the new maps as well, and I really think that there needs to be better communication. The Nemesis forum is missing as well, and I'd like to know for how long. If we would be informed of what was going on, we'd probably be much more understanding and forgiving, but we have to be clued in on what's going on behind the scenes.

Dave, shut up. Almost all of the people in this thread are presenting great views on this problem, and you are passive aggressively trying to destroy all of that.

I really think that the communication is the step that is lacking here, and that if we would get information, things would run alot smoother.
---C

[BaldAdonis]

I love the idea of using images for the army count too.. you could bring in additional images to cope with the higher number .. Fighter plane for 100, Stealth bomber for 1,000 or something.

I dunno how it would happen though. The XML gives you one pixel to centre a number... keeping a host of images (up to 6 for the first 20 armies) in one territory is a lot harder. Unless of course, you made an image for every possible army count, and every colour.

[Elijah S]

Barterer -
I think your letter was well-written and that you're entitled to ask the questions you asked.
There appeared, to me at least, to be nothing which would incite the kind of responses you've received from a few f*ck heads...
Have you ever noticed that there's always a few individuals who attempt to find some arguable point to just about anything that's ever said? (snorri's great at that. He did the same thing in a few of my post... but I'm guessing he's just some pimply-faced little 13 year old who desperately wants to be considered "all growed-up", so I just ignore him.)

Anyways... I'm sure this is a difficult time for Lack, as it appears that Hasbro has recently sent letters to other sites demanding they stop using what Hasbro considers 'copyrighted' material.
Luckily, the vast majority of maps and terminology used here in CC is original and shouldn't be considered an infringement of any kind.

My guess is that Hasbro has decided to go into the online gaming business and we'll see a site popping up soon.... To which we should all tell Hasbro to kiss our asses, boycott their site(s) and be vocal in pointing out their greed.

[pimpdave]

Barterer - ... you're ... a... f*ck head...

Have you ever noticed that there's always a few individuals who attempt to find some arguable point to just about anything that's ever said?

Um, yes, I have noticed the same thing. For a perfect example, please consider the entire contents of the OP.

Also, why are you calling barterer a bad name? Keep the flames out of here.

[cpurcell]

Barterer - ... you're ... a... f*ck head...

Have you ever noticed that there's always a few individuals who attempt to find some arguable point to just about anything that's ever said?

Um, yes, I have noticed the same thing. For a perfect example, please consider the entire contents of the OP.

Also, why are you calling barterer a bad name? Keep the flames out of here.

I know you think that it's hilarious to edit quotes , but seriously, it's not that hard and it destroys the whole purpose. But grats on trying to better the site through your unmatchable sense of coolness !

Oh and btw...

Um, yes, I have noticed the same thing. For a perfect example, please consider me to be the biggest loser on this site. I like to try to piss people off, and ruin their forum experience with non-sensicle drivel.

---C

[keiths31]

[pimpdave]

Oh and btw...

Um, yes, I have noticed the same thing. For a perfect example, please consider me to be the biggest loser on this site. I like to try to piss people off, and ruin their forum experience with non-sensicle drivel.

---C

Bravo. An excellent impression of me sir. However, you forgot two things. A) I seldom make spelling errors that egregious and B) You're taking this off-topic into a flame fest.

I can solve B, but I don't want to do your work for you on A, because you should learn how to spell on your own.

As for B. Yeah, this site is bullcrap! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I want everything I want when I want it and that is NOW! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH.

[Elijah S]

Have you ever noticed that there's always a few individuals who attempt to find some arguable point to just about anything that's ever said?

Um, yes, I have noticed the same thing. For a perfect example, I once tried to argue with a girl who said I had no penis... I tried and tried to convince her it was, in fact, a penis, but the harder she laughed the more I realized she was right, and that I have no penis... So, I now spend my time in GD flaming people because, sadly, I have no penis!

Sad sad sad...

[Gold Knight]

Lets try this again, from the beginning, as I would like to see an actual response that matters than a bunch of immature posters argue...BTW G1, temporary memberships to LoD available if you need a place to sleep

Dear Lack, Twill and Andy

I tried to send you a private PM yesterday but you ignored it so I'm turning to the next place-here.

Let me start by saying that I love Conquer Club. I enjoy playing most of the maps, love seeing what the foundry is going to turn out next and jumping in for 3-4 games every time a new map comes out. I enjoy the G1 forums particuarly those times when I can't keep up with the posts because there are so many coming at once. I enjoy running tournaments and meeting people from all over the world.

That being said, I'm very disappointed in the things that have happened over the past week. Its not even so much the things that have happened. Servers crash, I think everyone understands that. Lawsuits can cause changes and I think that everyone who has a reasonable perspective can understand that as well. The thing that has bothered me though is the lack of communication on where we're going from here.

We don't have a CC forum for G1 (as well as numerous other forums such as whatever you're calling Off Topic these days) which sucks and takes at least half my enjoyment from the site. Probably more. Worse than that though, there has been absolutely no word from anyone on how long this is going to continue. If you don't know you need to let us know that and let us know that you're at least working on it. From what I can see you're not.

The handling of the Classic and Middle Earth maps has been a fiasco. I totally understand that you needed to pull down the existing maps and that you threw up something temporary in the meantime. There needed to be an announcement thread on this. Yes there was something on the home page. However taking every discussion that was started on this and throwing it into one unmanageable poorly named thread in the Q&A subforum was not a good idea. There was enough speculating and accusations going on in there that there needed to be a definative thread about why this happened and where CC is going from here that people could be pointed to. Twill, I know you posted a couple times in there but lets be honest, those posts are now lost under the tide of unhappy customers that are coming in.

To date there has been no confirmation as to why the maps had to be taken down because of actions by Hasbro. That's certainly the rumor and expectation of the CC community but none of the Admin staff have confirmed it and one of you needs to either confirm it or correct that impression.

The Map Foundry has been consistently told that they're going to have to make new maps but that they can't make new maps because nobody knows what the parameters are going to be. This needs to be cleared up.

The focus has been on the Classic Map but the Middle Earth/Centerscape map needs to be addressed too. It is much less clear as to why this has been taken down although the speculation is that its too similar to Hasbro's LOTR risk version. There is no clear ideas as to what can and can't be done to fix/replace the current lucky charms version.

The idea yesterday to put a vote up for an hour as to which of the two "classic" maps to go with was a joke. Going with both of them was the right decision in the end but the idea that we're going to put a poll up for an hour, and an hour when many people aren't around but are working or in class or where ever was a pretty poor decision.

So here's what I'm asking for.

I would like to see you have a locked thread in the announcements forum that one of you will update daily telling us what's going on and what we can expect moving forward. I'd like to know how long we're looking at for a forum return (days, weeks, months, never?)
I'd like to know the official reason that the Classic and Middle Earth maps were removed. This may be a confirmation of the general wisdom and may not be.
I'd like to know what the process going forward for Classic and Middle Earth is.

that's fairly simple and, to my mind at least, not unreasonable.

People are passionate about things they care about and only want to make it better. Most of us want to see CC succeed and are reasonable folks so stop hiding from us and talk to us. You've already cost the CC community two of its best members (RJbeals and Optimus Prime)and if you think that quality people like that are easily replaced you're sadly mistaken.

Sincerely
Bryan Ellis
aka barterer2002

[oaktown]

I am, of course, somebody who enjoys and supports this site enough to help oversee the Foundry, but for a moment I would like to play devil's advocate... I'm sure folks will throw virtual tomatoes at me for this, but I think it is important that this be said.

we should all tell Hasbro to kiss our asses, boycott their site(s) and be vocal in pointing out their greed.

In February it came to our attention that a site similar to CC - we'll call it 'Grategy' - was ripping off our maps. They clearly copied both the gameplay layout and graphic design of some CC maps, including RjBeals' excellent Italy map. While imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, RjBeals and other discovered that seeing your hard work being used by somebody else for financial gain without your permission is extremely frustrating. Letters were sent to Grategy requesting that the offending maps be immediately removed.

Imagine if the site admins over at Grategy had responded by saying, "Kiss my ass, greedy ConquerClub! You have no right to keep us from using your property!" Grategy's users would probably laugh and say "Right on, brother, stick it to the man," but as a CC mapmaker I'd be pissed and I'd want to take them to court. And I'd probably win. Goodbye Grategy.

As a mapmaker with limited mod powers in the Foundry, I don't know exactly what's going on upstairs. Like the rest of you, I have a pretty good guess, and if that guess is right all I can say is that it sucks to be Lack right now. It has been a frustrating week for the rest of us, sure, but I respect Lack & Co. for showing a great deal of restraint in the face of so much criticism.

It's only been a week since the Classic map came down. I don't mind waiting another week, or two, or more if that's what it takes, before we are told for sure what the future of the Classic map will be.

[samuelc812]

I am, of course, somebody who enjoys and supports this site enough to help oversee the Foundry, but for a moment I would like to play devil's advocate... I'm sure folks will throw virtual tomatoes at me for this, but I think it is important that this be said.

we should all tell Hasbro to kiss our asses, boycott their site(s) and be vocal in pointing out their greed.

In February it came to our attention that a site similar to CC - we'll call it 'Grategy' - was ripping off our maps. They clearly copied both the gameplay layout and graphic design of some CC maps, including RjBeals' excellent Italy map. While imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, RjBeals and other discovered that seeing your hard work being used by somebody else for financial gain without your permission is extremely frustrating. Letters were sent to Grategy requesting that the offending maps be immediately removed.

Imagine if the site admins over at Grategy had responded by saying, "Kiss my ass, greedy ConquerClub! You have no right to keep us from using your property!" Grategy's users would probably laugh and say "Right on, brother, stick it to the man," but as a CC mapmaker I'd be pissed and I'd want to take them to court. And I'd probably win. Goodbye Grategy.

As a mapmaker with limited mod powers in the Foundry, I don't know exactly what's going on upstairs. Like the rest of you, I have a pretty good guess, and if that guess is right all I can say is that it sucks to be Lack right now. It has been a frustrating week for the rest of us, sure, but I respect Lack & Co. for showing a great deal of restraint in the face of so much criticism.

It's only been a week since the Classic map came down. I don't mind waiting another week, or two, or more if that's what it takes, before we are told for sure what the future of the Classic map will be.

Well said Oak

[black elk speaks]

I am, of course, somebody who enjoys and supports this site enough to help oversee the Foundry, but for a moment I would like to play devil's advocate... I'm sure folks will throw virtual tomatoes at me for this, but I think it is important that this be said.

we should all tell Hasbro to kiss our asses, boycott their site(s) and be vocal in pointing out their greed.

In February it came to our attention that a site similar to CC - we'll call it 'Grategy' - was ripping off our maps. They clearly copied both the gameplay layout and graphic design of some CC maps, including RjBeals' excellent Italy map. While imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, RjBeals and other discovered that seeing your hard work being used by somebody else for financial gain without your permission is extremely frustrating. Letters were sent to Grategy requesting that the offending maps be immediately removed.

Imagine if the site admins over at Grategy had responded by saying, "Kiss my ass, greedy ConquerClub! You have no right to keep us from using your property!" Grategy's users would probably laugh and say "Right on, brother, stick it to the man," but as a CC mapmaker I'd be pissed and I'd want to take them to court. And I'd probably win. Goodbye Grategy.

As a mapmaker with limited mod powers in the Foundry, I don't know exactly what's going on upstairs. Like the rest of you, I have a pretty good guess, and if that guess is right all I can say is that it sucks to be Lack right now. It has been a frustrating week for the rest of us, sure, but I respect Lack & Co. for showing a great deal of restraint in the face of so much criticism.

It's only been a week since the Classic map came down. I don't mind waiting another week, or two, or more if that's what it takes, before we are told for sure what the future of the Classic map will be.

While your points are certainly valid, it should not go unmentioned that many here feel as though they are in the dark about what is going on with their service. No reason has been given for the troubles that have been felt by the body of this site's members. While it may be okay to ignore us "freemiums" is should be noted that those who have paid accounts aught to be apprised of the status of things. fair enough, we should not be telling hasbro to kiss our asses, but the site management could be a tad more forthcoming about the state of affairs. the alternative is to let the rumor mill run on.

[Elijah S]

I am, of course, somebody who enjoys and supports this site enough to help oversee the Foundry, but for a moment I would like to play devil's advocate... I'm sure folks will throw virtual tomatoes at me for this, but I think it is important that this be said.

we should all tell Hasbro to kiss our asses, boycott their site(s) and be vocal in pointing out their greed.

In February it came to our attention that a site similar to CC - we'll call it 'Grategy' - was ripping off our maps. They clearly copied both the gameplay layout and graphic design of some CC maps, including RjBeals' excellent Italy map. While imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, RjBeals and other discovered that seeing your hard work being used by somebody else for financial gain without your permission is extremely frustrating. Letters were sent to Grategy requesting that the offending maps be immediately removed.

Imagine if the site admins over at Grategy had responded by saying, "Kiss my ass, greedy ConquerClub! You have no right to keep us from using your property!" Grategy's users would probably laugh and say "Right on, brother, stick it to the man," but as a CC mapmaker I'd be pissed and I'd want to take them to court. And I'd probably win. Goodbye Grategy.

As a mapmaker with limited mod powers in the Foundry, I don't know exactly what's going on upstairs. Like the rest of you, I have a pretty good guess, and if that guess is right all I can say is that it sucks to be Lack right now. It has been a frustrating week for the rest of us, sure, but I respect Lack & Co. for showing a great deal of restraint in the face of so much criticism.

It's only been a week since the Classic map came down. I don't mind waiting another week, or two, or more if that's what it takes, before we are told for sure what the future of the Classic map will be.

Since this is quoting my personal thoughts on the matter, I'll respond by pointing out that the inherent difference here is that "grategy" directly copied maps from CC.
And as someone who has also contributed a map to this site (albeit not several like you, Oaktown), I feel the same degree of 'contributorship' to this site...
I've also done website development, original art/graphic artwork & numerous literary works, all of which are copyrighted. -So, I do have an appreciation for laws regarding plagiarism.
Here, however, no CC map is a direct copy of Hasbro's board and this site doesn't negatively affect the sales of their boardgame - If anything, it probably contributes to it.

I, too, have encouraged members to be patient, as I'm fairly sure that the legal aspects of this ordeal will be settled. But I also feel that there's strength in numbers and sitting back silently and taking it up the arse doesn't sound like much of an option. -Especially considering the number of members on this site.

[jiminski]

I am, of course, somebody who enjoys and supports this site enough to help oversee the Foundry, but for a moment I would like to play devil's advocate... I'm sure folks will throw virtual tomatoes at me for this, but I think it is important that this be said.

we should all tell Hasbro to kiss our asses, boycott their site(s) and be vocal in pointing out their greed.

In February it came to our attention that a site similar to CC - we'll call it 'Grategy' - was ripping off our maps. They clearly copied both the gameplay layout and graphic design of some CC maps, including RjBeals' excellent Italy map. While imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, RjBeals and other discovered that seeing your hard work being used by somebody else for financial gain without your permission is extremely frustrating. Letters were sent to Grategy requesting that the offending maps be immediately removed.

Imagine if the site admins over at Grategy had responded by saying, "Kiss my ass, greedy ConquerClub! You have no right to keep us from using your property!" Grategy's users would probably laugh and say "Right on, brother, stick it to the man," but as a CC mapmaker I'd be pissed and I'd want to take them to court. And I'd probably win. Goodbye Grategy.

As a mapmaker with limited mod powers in the Foundry, I don't know exactly what's going on upstairs. Like the rest of you, I have a pretty good guess, and if that guess is right all I can say is that it sucks to be Lack right now. It has been a frustrating week for the rest of us, sure, but I respect Lack & Co. for showing a great deal of restraint in the face of so much criticism.

It's only been a week since the Classic map came down. I don't mind waiting another week, or two, or more if that's what it takes, before we are told for sure what the future of the Classic map will be.

Since this is quoting my personal thoughts on the matter, I'll respond by pointing out that the inherent difference here is that "grategy" directly copied maps from CC.
And as someone who has also contributed a map to this site (albeit not several like you, Oaktown), I feel the same degree of 'contributorship' to this site...
I've also done website development, original art/graphic artwork & numerous literary works, all of which are copyrighted. -So, I do have an appreciation for laws regarding plagiarism.
Here, however, no CC map is a direct copy of Hasbro's board and this site doesn't negatively affect the sales of their boardgame - If anything, it probably contributes to it.

I, too, have encouraged members to be patient, as I'm fairly sure that the legal aspects of this ordeal will be settled. But I also feel that there's strength in numbers and sitting back silently and taking it up the arse doesn't sound like much of an option. -Especially considering the number of members on this site.

yeah but the Classic was a direct copy, with a tiny tinker here or there. Metaphorically it was a soft drink called 'Coke Cola' using that text as the logo sitting along with a wavy line; subconsciously alluding to an old fashioned and distinctive bottle shape, which in turn perhaps evoked the hour-glass form of a busty lady!

I think it is a good and well reasoned post by Oak.. it gets to the crux of the matter.

[jiminski]

I love the idea of using images for the army count too.. you could bring in additional images to cope with the higher number .. Fighter plane for 100, Stealth bomber for 1,000 or something.

I dunno how it would happen though. The XML gives you one pixel to centre a number... keeping a host of images (up to 6 for the first 20 armies) in one territory is a lot harder. Unless of course, you made an image for every possible army count, and every colour.

I genuinely do not know how these things work .. (hah that is patently obvious with each of my posts.) But could you make the images dependant upon each digit of the troop count number?

Is that clear? probably not.. what i mean is; you just have to build 1 - 9 of each digit reading from right to left and you have a different symbol for each decimal, so the theory is the same for each digit just an alternative image.

Infantry: 1
Cannon: 10
Tank: 100
Jet Fighter: 1,000
Bomber: 10,000
Chuck Norris: 100,000

is there a need for 5 troops? maybe .. but that just means that the far right digit is stand alone and most complex.