Official Twilight T-Shirt Contest Won't Let You Use Anything From Twilight
from the good-luck dept
David writes in to alert us to the rather hilarious situation where Cafe Press is running an official Twilight t-shirt design contest, where you can try to design a t-shirt for the upcoming release of the latest installment (didn't the last one come out like 3 weeks ago?) in the series, called Eclipse. You're supposed to design a t-shirt related to the movie, and you can win a $500 gift card.That, of course, is not very interesting. Where it gets amusing is when you look at the restrictions in the fine print (I've bolded my favorites):
- No use of the official Twilight movie logo e.g.
- All images must be tagged with "twilight movie"
- No use of images or depictions of the actors in the movie
- No use of profanity, vulgar or hate language
- No use of explicit sexual language or graphics
- No use of copyrighted material from the movie or its promotional materials (e.g. no use of images of the movie, movie posters or from the movie website)
- No political party associations (e.g. republican, democrat, or candidates)
- No blood
- No fangs
- No stakes thru the heart
- No coffins
- No bats
- No use of Twilight book cover images
- No pictures of apples
- No journals (you cannot create Twilight journal products)
- No calendars (you cannot create Twilight calendar products)
- No Cards (you cannot create Twilight postcards, greeting cards and note cards)
- No Undergarments (you cannot create Twilight thongs or boxer shorts)
Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.
While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.
–The Techdirt Team
Filed Under: permission culture, rules, t-shirts, twilight
Reader Comments
Subscribe: RSS
View by: Time | Thread
See the cover here:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1d/Twilightbook.jpg
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re:
"is a neat reference that's now been wasted on such a juvenile offering."
It is a great picture that made me stop in the book shop and think "That is so hot" and smile all the way home.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Apples
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Apples
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Apples
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Re: Apples
No, it's because the sparkly vampires aren't really "vampires" in the traditional (folklore) or common knowledge (Bram Stoker) sense. The vampires in the movies don't have fangs, just as they don't get harmed by sunlight and play vampire baseball. They still drink blood, but you don't see gore in the first movie (the one I was subjected to - not pleasant as I am an actual horror movie fan). It's pretty well agreed that the series (up until it got weird in the 4th book as I understand it) was just a big metaphor for Mormonism and chastity.
The "no fangs" bit was probably just to stop people from falling back on vampire cliches (or infringing on Universal's copyrighted works) when they realised they couldn't use movie screenshots. The apple thing was probably just to avoid getting a million riffs on the original book cover - the only thing associated with the series that doesn't feature an actor.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Apples....
/lame excuse for a restriction
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Apples....
" Also, um, can someone explain to me the prohibition on apples?"
Its a virgin vagina, and clit (red apple) thing. Look at the picture. They dont want people doing shirts showing blood covered arms holding an apple (ie loss of virginity) saying "oh my that was fun". It would ruin the franchise.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Issabout vampires, right?
To quote the internet, "lolwut?"
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
For sake of comparison...
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Durrr...
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Abuse this "Winter Event happening between the years 2009 and 2011" style
1) Rats with wings (literally)
2) All teeth elongated EXCEPT for Canines.
3) The word "Dawn" plastered everywhere.
4) Credit pages from the inside covers
5) Steaks through the heart.
6) Red jelly (or some non-blood bodily fluid that might be...appropriate)
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
most win submission
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
winning Idea
"I wanted to enter a contest, but all I was legally allowed to make was this lousy T-shirt."
Actually, Tech dirt could make that.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: winning Idea
Actually TechDirt should totally enter the contest with the DMCA T-shirt.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Spell Check in The Title
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Spell Check in The Title
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
They are forgetting a few
I wonder if there is a clause that says they own all images sent to them.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re:
I only point this out to illustrate that one persons greats are another's trash.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re:
I'll admit to having read the first two twilight books before giving up in exasperation. Yeah I'm slow like that.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Fantasy
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Fantasy
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re:
The original novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist is also excellent, but takes turns further down some very dark roads (for example, paedophilia merely hinted at in the movie is made very explicit). Inevitably, there's a Hollywood remake on its way (retitled Let Me In, and is getting some surprisingly positive buzz).
It might not change your world, but it will reaffirm that actual artists are still working in the genre.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
it's obvious!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
There are other stories. But the fact that they've since transgressed into other genres (gonna keep that quiet for those 17 and under...) they really aren't worth reading.
As I see it, this is just like the 90s when Interview with the Vampire came out. Vampires and werewolves, modern setting, all to fight over a girl or go emo over a lost love from the last century.
*shudder*
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
renaming the title .... spelling Nazi stuff
... Should read ...
"Official Twilight T-Shirt Conte"S"t Won't Let You Use Anything From Twilight"
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: renaming the title .... spelling Nazi stuff
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Am I alone...
"I've come to suck your bloood!"
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Am I alone...
Bats beget bats, in my world. I wonder how well bats would help my batting average... :)
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
another fluffy friday piece. yucky.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: FUTAM
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re:
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re:
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re:
Let's keep poking him and see if he goes through his other routines.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re:
http://techdirt.com/search.php?cx=partner-pub-4050006937094082%3Acx0qff-dnm1&cof=FORID%3A 9&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=twilight
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re:
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re:
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Noooooooooooooo
No prepubescent longing for nonexistent anti-humans.
No getting tingly for eternity.
No quasi-biting semi-people.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
and bestiality,
Twilight!
(inset picture of furry banana here)
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
No Apples?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Great Entries
some of those t-shirts are really great even without any copyrighted material. Things like "I was pale before twilight made it cool" deserve a prize.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Great Entries
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
My submission...
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: My submission...
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Legal T-Shirt for Contest
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Legal T-Shirt for Contest
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Legal T-Shirt for Contest
This shirt is a tribute to my favorite movie.
However, due to copyrights and
aggressive lawyers, I cannot say
anything about the move, its characters,
locations, props, common terms, or
even tell you what genre of movie it
is as I might get sued by somebody
for something. This shirt in no way
infringes on anyone's copyright for anything.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Capitalism
Money Money Money.
T-Shirt Entry: Real Vampires don't Shimmer!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Capitalism
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
wow just wow
I especially find this one funny
No pictures of apples
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Please note: The Eclipse design contest is open to residents of the United States and United Kingdom only.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/6900000/-Sparkly-monster-critical-analysis-of-tw ilight-6958265-999-1015.jpg
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
My design
"Pasty boys & dour girls not having sex."
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
They didn't think of the APPLE first....
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
You got it ALL WRONG...
http://blog.cafepress.com/twilight-saga-eclipse-t-shirt-design-contest-official-rules-2/
This is NOT the "official" twilight t-shirt design contest. This is a contest to design a shirt that can take advantage of the Twilight Eclipse craze without infringing on the true IP-holders' rights.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: You got it ALL WRONG...
All images created for the Official Twilight Saga: Eclipse Movie Fan Portal must comply with the following rules. Please note that the rules may be more restrictive than the CafePress Content Usage Policy, however we need to respect the creative decisions of the author and the movie studio.
Sounds official to me.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
They want something original
Creativity
Originality
Aesthetics
Concept
With a limited number of concepts they are looking for. The limitations are to get original entries instead of a bunch of the same thing over and over. Who wants to judge a bunch of t-shirts that all look the same. The rules add constraints that make entrants think outside the box.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: They want something original
They just want to see some creativity. No way did they mess up and forget to secure enough rights to make the t-shirts. And no way is copyright interfering with what people can and can not do here.
No
.
.
.
way.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: They want something original
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: They want something original
If they wanted a "Creativity contest", it wouldn't be labelled with a "Twilight" stamp, now would it?
Who knows, maybe they messed up, and it's supposed to be a "Anything-but-Twilight contest".
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: They want something original
This doesn't mean, of course, that creative works cannot be created, but you are seriously limiting the universe of possible creations with these rules (I'm thinking of set theory here. You have a set T of all twilight related themes which these rules (set R) are chopping off (final set = T - R, which is obviously smaller)).
But I still think that this was some sort of bad planning on their part and not some sort of creativity boosting move. Something they should be bashed for, and not praised.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Re: They want something original
While Mike really wants to blame copyright for the rules, copyright has nothing to do with them. This is a nice attempt to connect with fans, they are simply asking the fans to come up with their own stuff rather than rehashing what has already been done.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: They want something original
You DO realize that set T - R is contained INSIDE set T don't you? That's makes your argument kinda dumb.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: They want something original
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: They want something original
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: They want something original
As far as I can tell, any commentary, including Mike's, about why these rules exist is pure speculation.
My speculation is that the rules are there not to promote creativity, but to retain control. They don't want anybody to think they can use the Twilight logo or any other trademarks, and they want to prevent movie-related depictions they don't like. Has Twilight merchandise with fangs, blood, and stakes through the heart really been done to death (no pun intended)? I haven't seen any, then again I haven't been looking.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: They want something original
That is rich coming from people who did Romeo and Juliet again.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: They want something original
That is rich coming from people who did Romeo and Juliet again.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: They want something original
The creative people will get it and do something new (although they probably would anyway). And it's dumb to eliminate a really cool and different design that still happens to incorporate one of these banned elements. The not creative people aren't going to do anything creative no matter what you tell them. So basically IMO it's a fail no matter what their motivation was.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
no apple?
Probably talking with Steve about plans for iTwilight.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Unofficial?
That is, this is in no way an "official" contest. It's official as far as Cafe Press in concerned, but that's it.
I mean, that's the only explanation that makes sense. If it were official, then I'm guessing the Twilight copyright holders would allow a little more leeway.
I'm of course counting on copyright holders making sense...
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Unofficial?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
No Blood
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
@23
-----------------
WHAT NO APPLES
OMG HOW AWFUL AND STUPID THIS IS
haha
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Can we call it...
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
OH WAI-
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
its a DESIGN contest - - stupid..
'design contest'.
Then they ask you to actually DESIGN things, and Mike gets all upset.
It must suck when they specifically state that you (YOU) must design the things, (after all its a design contest), and that you are not allowed to USE THE DESIGN OF SOMEONE ELSE.
That would make it a "COPY CONTEST", and I dont think that is what they are after.
All those restrictions they list, well what does that make or force you to do ?
ACTUALLY THINK FOR YOURSELF,
"I cant copy that, I cant copy that, I cant use apples, I cant use blood"... DAMN,,, "IM GOING TO HAVE TO THINK FOR MYSELF".
If this was not inplace, would you award the prize to the person who did the best job and copy and paste ?
I know its terrible for people to ask you to use your own brains, your own creativity, your own talents, but dont let you steal creativity, talents or skills that other people have.
I dont know why you complain about this kind of thing Mike, I see it as perfectly normal, and acceptable.
They are asking you to design something original, original means not using something someone else has thought up.
And what is wrong with that Mike ? it's a design competition that forces you to actually DESIGN, and not copy somone elses design.
And you complain about it, because they have to design, and the rules state specifically that are not to use existing designs.
You want to you use your brain, and not your cut and copy buttons. I personally think that is totally correct, and right and how could it be any other way and remain fair, or still be an actual competition of design.?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: its a DESIGN contest - - stupid..
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: its a DESIGN contest - - stupid..
Copyright is killing the joy in the life of everyone.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
And yet people can still create, even if you cannot...
There will be alot of them, they will be original designs, and just because YOU cannot use your imagination, and come up with something original, there is no reason many other people can and DO create new and original things.
Sure, I can paint a painting, ill use paint, brushes, different colors and so on, I might even paint something that has been painted many times before, (like a tree, or a face), none of that takes away from the creative input that is required, if you go beyond just copying what someone else has created.
Its really not justifiable, that there are complaints about having to come up with something original. Based on a theme.
or are you complaining that they actually define what is cheating, and what is not?
Do you think they should have a competition with no rules, and allowing you to use anything someone else has designed as much as you like.
What humans evolved, there was no a pool of art, music, and things that people have always gone too to 'ideas'.
MonaLisa is not a great painting because of its uniqueness, its great because its very good, paintings of faces are common, and not unique, its the content that is scarce, not the media, its the content that has the value.
This competition is about you creating your own content, not just use content designed by someone else, (who has creativity). If you do not.
Its not a cut and paste or internet search competition, its a design comp, so they expect you to design something, not find someone elses design.
I dont see a problem with this and I dont see what else they could have done, or what they could have done different that would have pleased Mike. ?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: And yet people can still create, even if you cannot...
I didn't go to school for ad design, but seeing as how the logo is usually a part of the branding, you would actually want the official t-shirt branded with the logo.
That's a bit like a McDonald's ad without the golden arches. Most people would look at it and wonder what the heck it was for.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: And yet people can still create, even if you cannot...
I'm not holding my breadth because I know you can't come up with anything.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: And yet people can still create, even if you cannot...
People can't use fangs because it is owned by twilight saga?
It is not their property no idea is, what if someone was to make a vampire with glowing fangs?
"What humans evolved, there was no a pool of art, music, and things that people have always gone too to 'ideas'."
Rome had copyrights?
The Ottoman Empire had copyrights?
The Persian Empire had copyrights?
They all were well known for their love for the arts, the greeks also, the Chinese for 3 thousand years now have a rich history that includes arts, are you saying people didn't do art before? are you crazy? no not crazy you are dishonest aren't you.
"Do you think they should have a competition with no rules, and allowing you to use anything someone else has designed as much as you like."
Why not? Are you saying nobody can be inspired by others anymore? if forbidden now?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
No pictures of apples
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
http://mcxperi.wordpress.com/2010/05/13/back-in-my-day-vampires-sucked-blood-not/
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Your T-Shirt is almost perfect
"No Undergarments"
I remember the days when a t-shirt was called an "undershirt".
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
They managed to create Romeo & Juliet in a gothic set again!
and want original content?
LoL
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Picture this
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
I know that story from somewhere, I'm pretty sure I saw that a thousands times already and people call them "original creators", WTF?
The film is a rip off of the rip off of the rip off of the rip off all back to medieval times.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
How About a Black to Blue Fade and
No Wording Allowed
About A Movie
Maybe...
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Due to the usage of hands holding an apple on the cover of the novel, by extension the contest has now banned all usage of hands or forelimbs in submissions to the contest. By further extension to make absolutely sure that no arms will be included submissions cannot have arms inserted where the arms would normally go through. To make sure there are no unauthorised usage of arms all contestants must surrender their arms to the rightsholders as they own all rights to arms.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]