Submitted by bettinaalonso on 15 July, 2007 - 14:52.
For several years I have been involved in an online gaming project based on a popular PC game. The work involves using a special toolset provided by the game developers, for the community to create special modules for others to play online.
However due to the technical nature of the game it requires good quality hardware and fast reliable internet connections on which to host the servers. While not cheap we have managed to get a good deal and our annual costs, hardware breakdowns notwithstanding, total under £1,000 per year to cover hosting in a professinal standard data centre.
Part of the EULA states very clearly that no profit is to be made from the toolset or by running servers.
Up to this point the previous administrators simply had a 'Donate' option where people can donate by PayPal or directly to the host by cheques, bank transfers and so on. Donations never have and never will afford anyone any special priveliges when it comes to playing the game, in accordance with the EULA. They are simlpy contributing some money to ensure the project continues, and hopefully even improves.
However having recently taken over management of the project I would like to know the legal view of such a project. It would never have got this far without the contributions of the community, and I doubt the previous management would have bothered at all had they been presented with a lot of legal 'red tape'. Likely, I won't either if it turns out to be necessary.
Is the way we have been doing things legal? Is there a better way to cheaply and easily safeguard myself while maintaining the project and improving the service I provide the community?
Any advice or links to helpful sites would be much appreciated.
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RE: RE: Advice on small hobby endeavour
Thanks a lot, it's nice to have confirmation. :)
Currently I make no secrets of the general state of the project's finances, I tell people the running costs and how much we have saved in total. I am considering publishing a basic cashflow somewhere on the website so people can look out for their donations, but it's good to know I have no legal obligation to do so.
Dave.
RE: Advice on small hobby endeavour
Hi, David
There is no problem with what you are doing. You are not representing yourselves as a Charity, your donors clearly understand the basis on which you accept their donations, and you are using the money appropriately. Legal, decent and honest is the mantra.
You might go one step further by publishing basic accounts to the site.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Gerry