Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

[Calabask]

This I got from TFW2005. All in all, I'm kind of speechless at this. What does Hasbro really hope to gain by crushing the enthusiasm of the conventions put on for fans by systematically going to war with various parts of the fandom. This makes me want to throw together a convention here on the East Coast, or try something out, something where people can go to and enjoy themselves rather than have to deal with the gradual escalation of force that Hasbro is doing here. But I think this, in particular, is worse than the ban on the Third Party stuff being sold. This is just a giant **** you.

http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-new ... rt-174729/

[El Duque]

It appears that the restrictions at this year's BotCon will be extending beyond the dealer room and into Artist Alley. Word is starting to spread through the community that sales of "fan art" using Hasbro trademarks and IP will not be permitted. They can provide "fan art", they just can't offer it for purchase. Artists officially employed by Hasbro may be exempt, we await further details and expect an official statement soon. We'll keep you updated as this situation develops.

[Bullycon]

I am not a lawyer, but my guess is that this is the legal strategy that Hasbro has been forced into. They have to take a zero-tolerance approach to all infringing works now, just to be able to effectively fight the third-party products. Even things which are effectively harmless, or may even benefit their bottom line, now have to be fought just so Hasbro has a documented history of fighting infringing works. You must protect your trademarks or lose them, in the legal world.

Third-party toys have brought this hammer down from Hasbro. Now, the rest of the fandom gets to suffer, as a result. Thanks, guys. Thanks a whole heap.

[Delicon]

While it may be the "legal" thing to do, it doesn't sit well with me at all.

[korisifu]

Really glad I didn't join the fan club now. Now I have the benifit of: not having my credit card info hacked, not having to pay full price for 1/3 of a botcon, and can still have my transformers my way. I have a colossus Devastator now thanks to third parties and have just watched quality control at hasbro decline in the prime series.

[metaphorge]

So I wonder how long it will take Hasbro to come after all the "infringement" going on here at seibertron.com?

Way to shoot yourselves in the feet, guys. Are you going to keep this up until I have to boycott buying anything from you at retail?

[Uncommon]

I would have thought the best way to fight the third-party toys is to actually compete with them.

[Mindmaster]

Looks like Hasbro's ban-hammer just got bigger...

[FracturedKoi]

I can understand wanting to protect your property, IP, or whatnot, but to restrict fans enjoyment, creativity, enthusiasm, and fun at a convention for the fans is going a bit too far.

I can honestly say that this is one year that I'm glad not to be attending BotCon! My convention of choice this year is Savcon, at least they don't have a ginormous banhammer to thwart my fun!

[metaphorge]

I can understand wanting to protect your property, IP, or whatnot, but to restrict fans enjoyment, creativity, enthusiasm, and fun at a convention for the fans is going a bit too far.

Why should Hasbro care if they don't get paid for said "fun"?