[Opensim-users] content licensing

[Jani Pirkola]

Hi,

I have been building the not yet officially launched web shop/resource for
virtual goods content; terrains, avatar shapes etc (http://www.rexxed.com).
I have been talking to many people inside SL and the content creators are
afraid of someone stealing their content if they bring it to Opensim users.

Inside SL, the content is kind-of-licensed using tick marks like "no
transfer" etc. I have followed dozens of discussions at different forums
about content licensing, protection and rights. It seems that while content
can be copied within SL without permission (stolen), people still feel that
having a system that tries to prevent copying is better than not having any
protection mechanism.

There is no technology to solve protection. This is more behavioral and
social issue. When popular music shops removed DRM protection, they have
experienced rise in sales. I believe that having a working licensing system
would help a lot more.

Opensim needs a licensing scheme, where real licenses can be attached to
assets. Is there already one? Once we get this clear, the content creators
of SL can begin to trust that "life outside of SL sandbox" may be a working
alternative.

Take a look at e.g. http://www.rexxed.com/2009/05/jaana-facegen-model/ for
how I think content could be licensed. I am using CC licensed for free
content and a commercial license for paid content. Same content can be
distributed using many different licenses.

Comments?

Best regards,
Jani
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