asked in
Authoring & Writing Content
Updated

This is something that has been bothering me and holding me back somewhat when it comes to adding content to my site.

For my particular niche, I am focusing on Video Gam

Hi Cornelius,
You definitely are in a good Niche, In fact just today I was walking by the Television and glimpsed at a story about a teenager who is a multi millionaire from playing video games.
So after giving it some thought I wanted to take a stab at your question.
What if you were to video yourself playing the game with maybe screencast or some other screen capturing software and you then layer it with voice narration and uploaded it to a youtube channel. With a little editing.
This is not my expertise, however I think it would be a good work around. Maybe it will be something to look into and get further feedback.
Not sure if this will work. Hope you find a solution.

Thank you for coming by and answering the question! Seems like today was pretty serendipitous, huh?

I have thought about doing that, but I'm not particularly comfortable with being on camera.

I'm largely introverted, and doubt I'd be very entertaining on camera.

I've also read a policy on YouTube where adding commentary is enough to satisfy their view of Fair Use, but I'm still just not particularly vocal when I'm playing either... adding to that, I have recorded lots of different videos from differing periods of time, and can't fathom trying to add commentary after the fact.

If push comes to shove, I can try to add commentary, but the video camera aspect is something which would take some time to be comfortable with.

I do know how to do video editing, so whichever direction I go, I should be ok in that regard.

Copyright is a very tricky subject for my niche, and I do thank you for taking the time to try to figure it out with me.

I will continue to try to figure it out in the meantime!

Ah OK I see where I maybe misunderstood something. OK So the screencast software would only work if you were playing the game on your computer. So if you are playing it on your TV then maybe what you could do is video just the TV screen with your phone or a video recorder as you are playing the game with out you in the video. Then you could still use a program like screencast or some other one and upload the video to it and then use it's editing software to record voice details of what you were doing while playing the game and once finished you could then upload the video to youtube. So your image would never be on it just your voice narration. here is a video of Kyle demonstrating screencast. My apologies if i'm totally not getting what your dilemma is as it pertains to monetizing your niche.

Well the video isn't exactly the hardest part. There are accessories and hardware that allow you to get crisp, clear video from a tv. I have lots of those videos, but what I don't know how to really do is add commentary on my thoughts from things I recorded months, if not years ago.

I know I'm throwing you in the deep end here, but legally speaking, streaming/monetizing video games exists in a very grey area. Courts have ruled that, in essence, no matter what part of a video game you are recording/streaming/monetizing, the copyright to it still belongs to the developers, and that, technically speaking, every video that is recorded is in violation of the developers' copyright of the software.

Now, as you mentioned before, there are people who do make a fortune playing video games. Generally speaking, most developers allow people to monetize videos of their games, as it is free advertising for them, can boost sales, etc... but at any time, a developer can choose to claim a video for copyright infringement. One of the most notorious youtube stars has had a few videos removed because of that.

And as I've started to learn throughout the course of my endeavors, the company that my niche is about has previously held a very strict stance on copyright with their games. So much, to the point people have have made public outcries about it. They seem to have relaxed their stance a bit, but it still is another thing to consider.

I know I went slightly off track there, but those are just some of the issues I have in my niche. I'm not complaining, or upset, but thought you or anyone else would appreciate the background.

I will see about doing the voiceovers, but as I know what happens, and just don't know what to say about it in general, I seriously can't see the angle I should take specifically for the voiceovers.

If these were live recordings, then it wouldn't be as bad. But even then, I don't have the bubbly personality it seems the most successful people in my niche have.

Very well spoken. It is crystal clear to me now. Yeah you are facing a real challenge. However since we have been corresponding I have noticed you have a real knack for research (legality) more in particular and you are able to communicate this quite effectively. your speech and style with the written word is excellent. I don't have a clue just right now but you may want to look at how you can monetize that. I would love to have your ability in this regard and I'm paying attention to your detail. I have learned somethings that I will incorporate into copyrighting. I hate that we couldn't solve this problem together, but you never know maybe another time in the future we can figure out how to solve some other of the worlds problems. I'm being somewhat facetious but I really mean it. I would like to joint venture with you maybe in the future on something that we can work on to change our circumstances monetarily. We are on the perfect platform to accomplish something of this sort. lets stay in touch if you would like.
Mac

Yep... I love my niche, and I'm sure I can regularly produce content for it, but it's both fast-paced, and incredibly tricky to navigate.

I wouldn't say I know the legality the best either. I guess I'm just a natural researcher, and the things that I'm passionate about get researched a little too well it seems!

I did originally ask about using pictures of copyrighted material in my works, but I'll have to do my best to make sure it falls under fair use.

And as for videos, I believe I can upload them just fine, but copyright would still be problematic, and monetization would definitely be an issue I'd have to take my time on.

I appreciate the feedback on my writing! I personally feel it can get a little long-winded at times, but I guess grammar just clicked with me for some reason! It's great to hear that my writing might be another monetary asset to me, and I may consider using it in the future! For now, I see it as something my audience will definitely appreciate!

Much appreciated! As much as I don't believe I really have any worthwhile talents, it's little things like this that prove me otherwise, and make me question just how much potential I have! I also really appreciate the offer, and may have to take you up on it.

Hi my friend stopping in to say hello and wrap up all of my loose ends. I just wanted to make sure I always respond to anyone who has taken the time to reach out to me. Especially to someone as yourself because you have added value to me. Sometimes when you give of yourself so much to others, it helps when you receive as well. You have a lot to offer and an audience waiting for you my friend and I am one of them. So I look forward to our next engagement. I'm here to help.
Take care and I will be waiting.
your friend,
Mac

Hello, yeah when it comes to fair use and copyright, in my opinion, it's always better to err on the side of caution. I wrote a blog post about this topic a while back with links to additional resources that may be helpful. Hope this helps.

Also, keep in mind that just because you took the photo doesn't necessarily mean you can use it for commercial purposes. If that photo contains an image of a company's Intellectual Property or logo featured prominently, you may need to get explicit permission from the owner of the brand as well.

With that being said, if you signed up for an affiliate program that is promoting your niche, I'd imagine they've gotten written consent from those video game manufacturers. I could be wrong but I hope I've given some food for thought here.

Best Wishes,
Mike

Thanks Mike.

No affiliate program just yet, but for this case in particular, the pictures are of the actual game itself, not the manufacturer's packaging of it. I'm aware that with Amazon, in particular, I could use those product images if I were affiliated with them, but I don't think I would be able to use the pictures of actual game play.

I wouldn't know completely either, but I know some developers are far more lenient than others. I'll check out the post!

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Copyright and fair use in gaming?

Copyright and fair use in gaming?

asked in
Authoring & Writing Content
Updated

This is something that has been bothering me and holding me back somewhat when it comes to adding content to my site.

For my particular niche, I am focusing on Video Gam

Hi Cornelius,
You definitely are in a good Niche, In fact just today I was walking by the Television and glimpsed at a story about a teenager who is a multi millionaire from playing video games.
So after giving it some thought I wanted to take a stab at your question.
What if you were to video yourself playing the game with maybe screencast or some other screen capturing software and you then layer it with voice narration and uploaded it to a youtube channel. With a little editing.
This is not my expertise, however I think it would be a good work around. Maybe it will be something to look into and get further feedback.
Not sure if this will work. Hope you find a solution.

Thank you for coming by and answering the question! Seems like today was pretty serendipitous, huh?

I have thought about doing that, but I'm not particularly comfortable with being on camera.

I'm largely introverted, and doubt I'd be very entertaining on camera.

I've also read a policy on YouTube where adding commentary is enough to satisfy their view of Fair Use, but I'm still just not particularly vocal when I'm playing either... adding to that, I have recorded lots of different videos from differing periods of time, and can't fathom trying to add commentary after the fact.

If push comes to shove, I can try to add commentary, but the video camera aspect is something which would take some time to be comfortable with.

I do know how to do video editing, so whichever direction I go, I should be ok in that regard.

Copyright is a very tricky subject for my niche, and I do thank you for taking the time to try to figure it out with me.

I will continue to try to figure it out in the meantime!

Ah OK I see where I maybe misunderstood something. OK So the screencast software would only work if you were playing the game on your computer. So if you are playing it on your TV then maybe what you could do is video just the TV screen with your phone or a video recorder as you are playing the game with out you in the video. Then you could still use a program like screencast or some other one and upload the video to it and then use it's editing software to record voice details of what you were doing while playing the game and once finished you could then upload the video to youtube. So your image would never be on it just your voice narration. here is a video of Kyle demonstrating screencast. My apologies if i'm totally not getting what your dilemma is as it pertains to monetizing your niche.

Well the video isn't exactly the hardest part. There are accessories and hardware that allow you to get crisp, clear video from a tv. I have lots of those videos, but what I don't know how to really do is add commentary on my thoughts from things I recorded months, if not years ago.

I know I'm throwing you in the deep end here, but legally speaking, streaming/monetizing video games exists in a very grey area. Courts have ruled that, in essence, no matter what part of a video game you are recording/streaming/monetizing, the copyright to it still belongs to the developers, and that, technically speaking, every video that is recorded is in violation of the developers' copyright of the software.

Now, as you mentioned before, there are people who do make a fortune playing video games. Generally speaking, most developers allow people to monetize videos of their games, as it is free advertising for them, can boost sales, etc... but at any time, a developer can choose to claim a video for copyright infringement. One of the most notorious youtube stars has had a few videos removed because of that.

And as I've started to learn throughout the course of my endeavors, the company that my niche is about has previously held a very strict stance on copyright with their games. So much, to the point people have have made public outcries about it. They seem to have relaxed their stance a bit, but it still is another thing to consider.

I know I went slightly off track there, but those are just some of the issues I have in my niche. I'm not complaining, or upset, but thought you or anyone else would appreciate the background.

I will see about doing the voiceovers, but as I know what happens, and just don't know what to say about it in general, I seriously can't see the angle I should take specifically for the voiceovers.

If these were live recordings, then it wouldn't be as bad. But even then, I don't have the bubbly personality it seems the most successful people in my niche have.

Very well spoken. It is crystal clear to me now. Yeah you are facing a real challenge. However since we have been corresponding I have noticed you have a real knack for research (legality) more in particular and you are able to communicate this quite effectively. your speech and style with the written word is excellent. I don't have a clue just right now but you may want to look at how you can monetize that. I would love to have your ability in this regard and I'm paying attention to your detail. I have learned somethings that I will incorporate into copyrighting. I hate that we couldn't solve this problem together, but you never know maybe another time in the future we can figure out how to solve some other of the worlds problems. I'm being somewhat facetious but I really mean it. I would like to joint venture with you maybe in the future on something that we can work on to change our circumstances monetarily. We are on the perfect platform to accomplish something of this sort. lets stay in touch if you would like.
Mac

Yep... I love my niche, and I'm sure I can regularly produce content for it, but it's both fast-paced, and incredibly tricky to navigate.

I wouldn't say I know the legality the best either. I guess I'm just a natural researcher, and the things that I'm passionate about get researched a little too well it seems!

I did originally ask about using pictures of copyrighted material in my works, but I'll have to do my best to make sure it falls under fair use.

And as for videos, I believe I can upload them just fine, but copyright would still be problematic, and monetization would definitely be an issue I'd have to take my time on.

I appreciate the feedback on my writing! I personally feel it can get a little long-winded at times, but I guess grammar just clicked with me for some reason! It's great to hear that my writing might be another monetary asset to me, and I may consider using it in the future! For now, I see it as something my audience will definitely appreciate!

Much appreciated! As much as I don't believe I really have any worthwhile talents, it's little things like this that prove me otherwise, and make me question just how much potential I have! I also really appreciate the offer, and may have to take you up on it.

Hi my friend stopping in to say hello and wrap up all of my loose ends. I just wanted to make sure I always respond to anyone who has taken the time to reach out to me. Especially to someone as yourself because you have added value to me. Sometimes when you give of yourself so much to others, it helps when you receive as well. You have a lot to offer and an audience waiting for you my friend and I am one of them. So I look forward to our next engagement. I'm here to help.
Take care and I will be waiting.
your friend,
Mac

Hello, yeah when it comes to fair use and copyright, in my opinion, it's always better to err on the side of caution. I wrote a blog post about this topic a while back with links to additional resources that may be helpful. Hope this helps.

Also, keep in mind that just because you took the photo doesn't necessarily mean you can use it for commercial purposes. If that photo contains an image of a company's Intellectual Property or logo featured prominently, you may need to get explicit permission from the owner of the brand as well.

With that being said, if you signed up for an affiliate program that is promoting your niche, I'd imagine they've gotten written consent from those video game manufacturers. I could be wrong but I hope I've given some food for thought here.

Best Wishes,
Mike

Thanks Mike.

No affiliate program just yet, but for this case in particular, the pictures are of the actual game itself, not the manufacturer's packaging of it. I'm aware that with Amazon, in particular, I could use those product images if I were affiliated with them, but I don't think I would be able to use the pictures of actual game play.

I wouldn't know completely either, but I know some developers are far more lenient than others. I'll check out the post!

See more comments

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