Hello world! My name is Rext. I have recently created a minecraft multiplayer server. I am using bukkit and everything is great. I came across a plugin today that got me thinking. This plugin makes it so that while in game you can type a command that will instantly direct the player to paypal. With this the user can purchase some in game item, rank, permission, or anything else with real money. I though this would be amazing. Since some people have a donation system up so that to join their server you must donate though paypal and they will add you to their whitelist. Well why should they do that when it can be completely automatic! The only thing that is stopping me from doing this is the law. I was wondering if because of the fact that by doing this you would be making money off of Mojangs copyrighted game. However since mojang freely gives you the software to use and if the server is run off of bukkit, off your own private internet, and your own private port with your own private ram and memory. Is this legal to take and use a minecraft player's money in this fashion? And is it legal is the money is only used for supporting the server or used in anyway possible? OR can you simply call it a donation with perks to say that it would be a donation and a gift just to avoid legal aspects?
Thanks for reading this post. I really hope this will get by a member of Mojang because I would love to use this because running a server isn't cheap and I don't want to be sued so please Mojang if you read this please reply!
It's not illegal as long as they Know that they are giving you money and that they don't think that they're doing something else which they should know unless they are just dumb
Oh haha at first I thought you said they would suddenly lose money when they joined the server, but i forgot that is impossible without their debit card info. I think it's legal, but I might be wrong. Don't count on it
Well, most servers that take money do so to keep the server up and running at the best specs as possible. Not quiet sure what the plugin you are talking about is, but as long as the players know what they are paying for and how much they are paying it shouldn't be a problem. Although, most people will probably frown on the idea of buying items with real money.
Well the thing is all I really need is the OK from Mojang for me to do so. I just don't want to turn around and have Mojang sue me.(Which I highly doubt they would cause they are awesome!) So just to make sure they won't I would like to hear it from one of the members of the Mojang team.
A few notes, since I've actually got a fair bit of experience in this area.
1) Mojang wont sue you. They don't have the time or resources to bother.
2) Regardless of how you word it, they are receiving virtual items for real money. Paypal is VERY leery of this on the whole, and may shut you down for no reason.
3) Technically, legally, it is not legal. Even though you are provided the tools, you are making money from Mojang's product. Even if it's just to 'pay server fees'. Paying to join a server is one thing. Paying for items is another. The only way around this is people who pay are considered 'premium' users, and have access to everything you provide. Any concept of buying a particular item is considered a sale of virtual items or currency.
4) Regardless of the legality of it, Mojang still won't care, honestly. They really won't.
TLDR Version!: It's not legal, but nobody will stop you. And you probably won't get in trouble for it. I personally don't think it's a very sound idea if you plan to spend a lot of cash up front, as most people probably won't be interested. Anything you can provide, anyone else can provide elsewhere for free, unless you have something truly fantastic and innovative that's actually worth paying for.
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Basically it would be like you come on the server and as a guest. You can walk around but cannot do anything but that. Then you can purchase a better rank that will allow you to build on the server. Which is private property of mine. But would this be an easy way around legal? Saying that if you DONATE to the server you are granted your new rank because we simply like you...
EDIT: Also, I suggest you don't charge for in game items. It's just stupid. Charge that with in game money, such as iconomy. For stuff like server permissions, and adminship, that's ok to charge for.
I am the bone of my sword
Steel is my body, and fire is my blood
I have created over a thousand blades
Unknown to death, Nor known to life
Have withstood pain to create many weapons
Yet, those hands will never hold anything
So as I pray, Unlimited Blade Works
EDIT: Also, I suggest you don't charge for in game items. It's just stupid. Charge that with in game money, such as iconomy. For stuff like server permissions, and adminship, that's ok to charge for.
Ya I wasn't going to charge for items just ranks and crap. I was just saying that's what the plugin can do.
Thanks for reading this post. I really hope this will get by a member of Mojang because I would love to use this because running a server isn't cheap and I don't want to be sued so please Mojang if you read this please reply!
Hey!
If you liked my post, please push the ⬆ !
1) Mojang wont sue you. They don't have the time or resources to bother.
2) Regardless of how you word it, they are receiving virtual items for real money. Paypal is VERY leery of this on the whole, and may shut you down for no reason.
3) Technically, legally, it is not legal. Even though you are provided the tools, you are making money from Mojang's product. Even if it's just to 'pay server fees'. Paying to join a server is one thing. Paying for items is another. The only way around this is people who pay are considered 'premium' users, and have access to everything you provide. Any concept of buying a particular item is considered a sale of virtual items or currency.
4) Regardless of the legality of it, Mojang still won't care, honestly. They really won't.
TLDR Version!: It's not legal, but nobody will stop you. And you probably won't get in trouble for it. I personally don't think it's a very sound idea if you plan to spend a lot of cash up front, as most people probably won't be interested. Anything you can provide, anyone else can provide elsewhere for free, unless you have something truly fantastic and innovative that's actually worth paying for.
Minecraft Saver World Recovery Website: http://mcsaver.net. Recover and save your precious worlds! Over 1500 saved!
http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/554094-p2p-server-legality/
EDIT: Also, I suggest you don't charge for in game items. It's just stupid. Charge that with in game money, such as iconomy. For stuff like server permissions, and adminship, that's ok to charge for.
I am the bone of my sword
Steel is my body, and fire is my blood
I have created over a thousand blades
Unknown to death, Nor known to life
Have withstood pain to create many weapons
Yet, those hands will never hold anything
So as I pray, Unlimited Blade Works
Ya I wasn't going to charge for items just ranks and crap. I was just saying that's what the plugin can do.