Thoughts on this parody on Mega Man 2?

[noiseredux]

I had no idea who Dane Cook was, but havign just watched some of his stuff, it amazes me how popular he seems to be. It felt to me like he was just...saying things. Not particularly funny things. Just stuff. I kept waiting for some sort of punchline, but it never came.

I think that's the thing. Like I said, he makes me laugh. But he's no different than hanging out with yr friends, getting drunk and saying funny shit. Which is fine with me if that's what I'm in the mood for.

[Luke]

Thanks again for the comments Luke! I welcome any more feedback on any of my stuff as well.

- John

John, now this is really kick ass. You take on something, albeit a topic that has been discussed way more than it should be, but really add your own creative perspective and something new. Not that other people haven't designed their own MM carts, but at least to me this is leaps and bounds more interesting than the MM2 video.

As we discussed, I don't want you to give up on the videos, but I really enjoyed this brief article (I really liked the "this isn't the correct template, but it looks cool!" comment. I agree).

Keep it up man, and you've got the right attitude. Some guys here make a living off of reviewing/selling video games, so keeping an open mind and listening to feedback can help, which you're already doing.

But as far as those MM covers, I'd purchase one, poster size for $20, in a heart beat.

[Hookshot_John]

@Hobie-wan: That's good advice - I tried to clean it up in post, but fabric will probably help the bouncing... it is in a home office.

@General_Norris: I usually spell out the punch lines in my videos - seems to be my style. Something I will have to work with. Usually I've stuck to more informative videos but this is my second take on a more comedic approach.

I really need to master sprite animation Flash - this will allow me to do more than just voice-overs in the future.

John, now this is really kick ass. You take on something, albeit a topic that has been discussed way more than it should be, but really add your own creative perspective and something new. Not that other people haven't designed their own MM carts, but at least to me this is leaps and bounds more interesting than the MM2 video.

As we discussed, I don't want you to give up on the videos, but I really enjoyed this brief article (I really liked the "this isn't the correct template, but it looks cool!" comment. I agree).

Keep it up man, and you've got the right attitude. Some guys here make a living off of reviewing/selling video games, so keeping an open mind and listening to feedback can help, which you're already doing.

But as far as those MM covers, I'd purchase one, poster size for $20, in a heart beat.

Thanks Luke, I plan on doing a lot more of the box art covers in the future - I'm more of a graphic artist by trade. Which brings me to a question that's been bothering me and maybe someone on here can answer it. What is the rule on selling retro art that is an obvious take on a licensed character/item/theme. I know parodies are usually game, but that Mega Man box art doesn't fit that.

Sites like http://www.72pins.com seem to be getting away with it - or are allowed to because it's their own take/art. I have some shirt designs on redbubble:

http://thehookshot.com/store/

but I've tried to keep these designs more custom to avoid any lawsuits. Am I being too parinoid and should I try to start a better store for these designs?

Thanks! - John

[Luke]

Am I being too parinoid and should I try to start a better store for these designs?

Thanks! - John

I'd suggest to keep printing and selling your merchandise from your site if possible, but don't be afraid to branch out (but that could hurt your profit margins).

I'm more than happy to speak with some lawyers on this issue if you'd like me to. Until you receive a cease and desist order I would say "sell! sell! sell!", as if it's your intellectual property, you have every right to sell it.

[Hookshot_John]

I'd suggest to keep printing and selling your merchandise from your site if possible, but don't be afraid to branch out (but that could hurt your profit margins).

I'm more than happy to speak with some lawyers on this issue if you'd like me to. Until you receive a cease and desist order I would say "sell! sell! sell!", as if it's your intellectual property, you have every right to sell it.

Thanks Luke - right now I'm sure most lawyers would say there is a grey area and be cautious, but like you said, until you get a cease and desist order you are free to sell your designs. I'll probably need to set up a LLC to help secure myself a little more.

Right now I just sell t-shirts through redbubble, but does anyone know of any good companies/sites that I can submit designs and sell posters and other merchandise? I know Cafepress, but maybe some other ones?



I would prefer to work through other companies for right now, only because my designs are limited and setting up my own process for printing and shipping would take my focus away from the actual website and updating it.

[Luke]

John,

You mentioned cafepress; they're great with customer satisfaction, product quality, and fulfillment. They'll also do some of the legal for you as they will contact you with any issues regarding likeness, and issues of that ilk.

If you do make more shirts available, I'm definitely in the market for one of the "Mega Man 2" redesigned cart t's.

And fyi, getting a cease and desist letter can be something to cherish. I have a friend who received and framed a c&d letter from the actor who played Screech on saved by the bell.

[Erik_Twice]

Thanks Luke - right now I'm sure most lawyers would say there is a grey area and be cautious, but like you said, until you get a cease and desist order you are free to sell your designs.

There's no gray area.

Also permission doesn't work that way.

[Luke]

There's no gray area.

He said "grey area".

[o.pwuaioc]

Thanks Luke - right now I'm sure most lawyers would say there is a grey area and be cautious, but like you said, until you get a cease and desist order you are free to sell your designs.

There's no gray area.

Also permission doesn't work that way.

Now I see that you take the whole "piracy thing" way far beyond emulating/torrenting games.

Also, are you familiar with the laws of the state in which Hookshot John and his website reside?

[Erik_Twice]

Now I see that you take the whole "piracy thing" way far beyond emulating/torrenting games.

Yeah, next time you will see me defending writers so that they get compensated for what they write. The nerve!

Also, are you familiar with the laws of the state in which Hookshot John and his website reside?

I'm pretty sure that nowhere in the US you are allowed to use someone's else intelectual property without permission.

There's no gray area.

He said "grey area".

You and your evil language-twist! Now my curse is invalid!