Blizzard C&Ds Datecraft, they redesign
by Mike Schramm 
Jul 29th 2008 at 4:00PM
Well, not actually -- they only got threatened with one. We heard from the site's founders, and they tell us that they got a call from Rod Rigole, a VP of Legal Affairs over at Blizzard, who told them to cut out using Blizzard's artwork and terminology on their website was a no-no, and that they would be recieving legal papers soon. Rather than pick a fight, they instead redesigned to the standard gamer dating site you see today.
But here's the kicker: they used an official fansite kit to actually make the site. Even with the stuff they give out, Blizzard seems extremely protective of their artistic IP -- they used this same technique to attack the WotLK wiki and the Glider folks as well. They'll let fans slide, it seems, but if you're making money off of their materials, beware.
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Virtual selves, Blizzard, News items, Forums
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Badger Jul 29th 2008 4:16PM
Interesting read, Mike, but one exception:
"I can't quite see the purpose of World of Warcraft (or gaming in general) flavored dating sites -- if you were looking for a potential partner, why limit yourself to only people that play this game? But nevertheless, there are quite a few of them around, so someone must be using them."
This statement is a little bit misleading. It seems to suggest that all of the sites you linked are strongly tied to Warcraft, when they're really just designed to cater to, well, the nerdier and/or geekier crowds.
Chuddy Jul 29th 2008 5:06PM
badge man, I'm telling ya, always wearing them hatershades. haha. :D
Badger Jul 29th 2008 6:34PM
BADGEMAN. Saving The Internetz One Typo At A Time.
Seriously, though. That wasn't meant to be harsh. I like Schramm. I'm not one of the handful of particularly unpleasant people who wander from post to post going "OMG SHRAM Y DONT U DIE N A FIER."
I just thought the word choice in his opening sentence was a little misleading, that's all.
Tinious Jul 29th 2008 4:16PM
The Fansite Kit License is very clear that the use of the material can be revoked at any time for any reason at Blizzard's sole discretion.
The license also states that modifications can only be made to the materials for use of a "fan site" which is solely at their discretion.
So I'm not how that's a "kicker". And there is no license term against making money, just that you can only do so via a fan site. This is actually a pretty generous grant relative to how most of the IP lawyers of the world think, IMO.
FireStar Jul 29th 2008 4:45PM
I agree. If you're a fan site and you aren't making money, I don't see the problem. However, if you're getting money and you didn't do all the work (i.e. taking Blizzard's stuff) then i think there is a problem and Blizzard is completely justified.
Kyudo Jul 29th 2008 4:26PM
"but if you're making money off of their materials, beware."
No shit.
If you don't pro-actively protect your copyrighted property, you essentially lose your power over it.
Brian Jul 29th 2008 4:31PM
I don't see how this is a problem, Blizzard have an IP that has properties that they market so you know what their brand is about. If someone is misrepresenting their brand then sure they should ask them to stop. It's not like they have shut them down, just said stop making it look like we are saying these things.
Glider were abusing the game which is unfair for legit players. The WotLK Wiki was publishing stuff that was under an NDA so I don't have any sympathy for them either.
I would advise them to screw themselves but that seems entirely what they are set up to do so good luck with it! :)
Psyclerk Jul 29th 2008 4:32PM
That sounds like the biggest online sausage-fest ever.
ILikePvPbuthatePvPers Jul 29th 2008 5:06PM
Afraid you'd come up a little short compared to the other sausages?
Dotixi Jul 29th 2008 5:07PM
Welcome to WoW!
MechChef Jul 29th 2008 4:44PM
Warcraft nerds and geekettes need to get laid too. /shrug
thain Jul 29th 2008 5:00PM
"I can't quite see the purpose of World of Warcraft (or gaming in general) flavored dating sites -- if you were looking for a potential partner, why limit yourself to only people that play this game? But nevertheless, there are quite a few of them around, so someone must be using them."
Maybe because that way at least the two people will have a common interest? So that instead of raids being a time sink that splits a relationship apart it is something they can do together? Same reason people who like anything would prefer their significant other to like the same thing. Its not THAT odd or uncommon.
Eternalpayn Jul 29th 2008 5:00PM
"who told them to cut out using Blizzard's artwork and terminology on their website was a no-no,"
Umm... so Blizzard said they couldn't stop using their stuff?
Verit Jul 29th 2008 5:16PM
This isn't/wasn't a fansite really - so I can see where blizzard is coming from. The bigger risk I think they are protecting themselves from is some users (strange as it may seem) may think its a blizzard endorsed site.
Eric Jul 29th 2008 5:38PM
It's really not a fan site, so I'm really not surprised. A fan site is something more like WoW Insider or other blog / WoW related stuff. That site was based on online matchmaking which is risky business to being with, with a WoW as a common factor for participants. I wouldn't want to be associated with it either if I were Blizzard, even if it was just a fan site kit and totally unofficial, could end up in some sketchy places.
PimpyMicPimp Jul 29th 2008 6:28PM
They used an official fan site package to create it?
God, it's the hypocritical treatment of different people like this that drives me insane. This company, for all it's brilliance, can pull some of the stupidest stunts. This reminds me where they shut down and banned that gay/transexual guild, claiming that realworld/specialised guilds like that should not exist, while keeping around countless political or religiously affiliated groups.
Argh, this enrages me.
vlad Jul 29th 2008 10:05PM
DUH!
it clearly states that the fan kit is for non commercial use. you need to retire mike. hand this site to whitcomb so he can fire 90% of the corney bloggers and hire some whippersnappers. :)
Dightkuz Jul 30th 2008 3:44AM
Aw geez, just looking at the WoW-women makes me shiver. Thank god I'm swedish
Badger Jul 30th 2008 9:24AM
If you click a hyperlink to a dating site, dude ... You are taking your life and your sanity into your own hands. Just sayin' ...
DirtyPriest Jul 30th 2008 5:02AM
" if you were looking for a potential partner, why limit yourself to only people that play this game? "
People seek out other people who they have something in common with? Is that strange or something?
I wouldn't seek out someone who plays WoW though considering all the relationship woes you see on the forums. :P But I wouldn't mind someone who likes games too.