@ChaoticDeluge
There’s also a clause in the TOS, I’ve forgotten the wording used, but it basically says that protections under the law > whatever they have in their terms of service. So, copyright law still applies to us and our work, and they need to follow it.
This is why Episode needs to buy stories like Envy, Back and Forth, and other user stories from the authors before they make them into featured stories on the main page. Essentially, they must do this because they DON’T own the rights to them. Otherwise, they could have just taken them without going through the trouble to obtain the rights.
Don’t get me wrong. They’re pulling more shady ass stuff than ever recently. None of it’s okay, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they did steal ideas, plots and other details from user stories then changed them just enough to cover their asses. But they definitely don’t own our stories, despite what the TOS make it sound like.
This site has copyright law pretty simply explained. All of this still applies to us. We would need an actual lawyer familiar with contracts and copyright law to explain the details to us, though.
They own way too many irrevocable rights to our stories for my liking. That, and what the hell is the nonsense with being able to exploit our voice, likeness and persona?! That’s scary!
I couldn’t tell you want that means, but it is worded in a rather terrifying way, and I don’t like it either…
Also, the fact that they do withhold the right to delete our stories for any reason also rubs me the wrong way. I understand being able to delete stories that seriously violate the terms of service (like plagiarism, gore, or stories that are essentially pornography) but essentially being able to just delete them “just because” doesn’t seem right…
If you check the second rule (?) of the TOS, it says that you agree in everything for every second you use the app/portal. So they could update it and if we keep using it, we are the ones at fault. Oof
This. This TOS has a lot of nuances that need to be explained by an attorney and I’m seeing a lot of wrong interpretations on how it works. When it comes to intellectual property, it’s really important we understand what we’re agreeing to. There are some online legal services that are affordable that may be able to help you all interpret it (I’m staying out of this), and based off what I’m seeing going around the community, it would be a good idea for anybody concerned to seek an attorney- a licensed attorney who specializes in copyright law and contracts, not a law student or pre law student or your cousin who worked at a law firm 3 years ago or your friend who likes to watch YouTube videos on copyright laws- to explain to them what’s in the TOS.
