Main > Main Forum
Another Printing Service (Coming very soon)
<< < (4/5) > >>
Brad Lee:
^^^ ditto on the good timing, Im right at finalizing my images
Plus by the time Im done with my CPOverlay, sounds liek that may be a go as well :)

Out of curiosity, for sandwiching the printed marqee between 2 plexi's, should the "behind" piece be white to diffuse the light some, or is 2 clear pieces sufficient?
RandyT:

--- Quote from: Sephroth57 on January 26, 2004, 12:59:55 pm ---im not sure on copyright stuff, say like fanart of a known character, say Megaman. would that be allowed if one of my friends could draw it for me?

--- End quote ---

First, let me state that I am not a lawyer, so don't take this as legal advice!

When it comes to this kind of thing, erring on the side of caution is usually the smartest path.  In other words, if it clearly had the word "Megaman" on it, or had the same features as the original, I'd say no.  That character is a trademark that belongs to someone, just as the white swash on a red background belongs to and is trademarked by Coca-Cola.

On the other hand, if it was an original character inspired by that character it's quite a different story.  In other words, if you draw an Ape of your own creation, holding a damsel of your own creation, staring at a short guy with a bushy moustache of your own creation, I believe most would consider this an inspired but original work, so long as you don't put a big "DK" or "M" on there.  After all, the giant ape/damsel in distress concept was inspired by King Kong and possibly Mighty Joe Young originally, so.....

Another example:  If you had an a mountainous landscape with a ship flying over and people being abducted by alien craft, all of your original work, this would perhaps be inspired by Defender (or a myriad of other similar titles).  Unless you put a big "Defender" on the side of the craft or used specific imagery from that game, you probably won't be stepping on the toes of others.

Is it a rabbit or is it Bugs Bunny?  Rabbits are ok, Bugs Bunny is not (at least in this sense...otherwise Bugs Bunny is a riot  :D.)


--- Quote from: shmokes on January 26, 2004, 06:41:42 pm ---Is this backlit film that you are printing on or is it a paper product, and which is more desireable, purely on quality, price not being a factor?

--- End quote ---

It is considered a film in the traditional sense of the word.

Paper is undesireable for backlit applications due to the density and orientation of the fibers passing the light unevenly through the material.  This will cause odd shadows and muddling of colors.  Paper, if not properly laminated, will also absorb moisture and  tend to buckle in humid environments.

Backlit "films" come in many different formulations, none of which have the problems associated with paper.  Some are formulated for high light output, but do so at the expense of contrast or black levels.  Some are designed for reverse-printing, or "view-through" while others are meant to be encapsulated.  Some are even clear and meant to be used with an external diffuser panel!  

As with everything, the application and desired result is what dictates the proper selection of materials.



--- Quote from: Sasquatch! on January 26, 2004, 09:22:03 pm ---Pardon the potentially dumb question, but what do you mean by "simply taped to a single piece facing outward"?  You mean tape the marquee BEHIND a single sheet of plexi, right?

--- End quote ---

That is correct.  If your marquee is going into a frame or the edges are covered, you can cut it about 3/8" shorter than the plastic on each side and use a black vinyl tape to adhere it.  Just make sure that you take it all the way to the edges and that it is applied in a nice straight line.  The important thing is to keep stray light light from getting past the image, which is why black tape is preferred.



--- Quote from: Brad Lee on January 26, 2004, 09:22:03 pm ---Out of curiosity, for sandwiching the printed marqee between 2 plexi's, should the "behind" piece be white to diffuse the light some, or is 2 clear pieces sufficient?

--- End quote ---

You can use a white diffuser if you'd like, but it is not necessary for this material.  In fact, no backer is necessary if the above method of mounting is used.


RandyT
shmokes:
Sold!  You will have my order within the next couple weeks.
Sephroth57:

--- Quote from: RandyT on January 26, 2004, 11:24:42 am ---
--- Quote from: allroy1975 on January 26, 2004, 10:54:05 am ---
--- Quote from: Karman on January 26, 2004, 10:22:51 am ---
Umm.. you might as well not even set up shop then.   I'm not trying to be a smart --I'm attempting to get by the auto-censor and should be beaten after I re-read the rules-- or anything, its just that 99% of the artwork that mame cabinet builders produce has copyrighted material in it.

--- End quote ---

can't say I totally disagree with this.  I have TONS of things on my marquee...  Just screen shots out of MAME, but still..not original artwork.  I took it up to Kinko's at Midnight on a Saturday and got to talking to the guy and going over my options he showed me that backlit paper..I told him I didn't want to spend THAT much on it and he gave me the "saturday night discount" because they're so slow at that time.  I think I got my marquee printed for like $17.

--- End quote ---

That may be, but obviously neither of you would be included in the group of customers we are targeting.  And I think the 99% figure might be a little high ;).

As for "setting up shop", it's not like I just went out dropped 12 large so I could print MAME marquees ;).  I have enough experience with these things, including sources for some really nice media, that I thought I would offer another service to the community that won't disappear one day.  Some of these other services operate outside the US where their laws and/or enforcement methods may differ.

BTW, it's doubtful that what you got at Kinko's compares to this.  There are many different brands and varieties of this material.  If it was done in reverse and/or it's a paper material, it's not the same.

We have some VERY artistic folks in this group who have made some incredible original art for their cabinets.  They aren't satisfied with a collage of videogame clip art and view their machines as showpieces. Often times they also don't mind sharing what they create with others.  These are the types of folks we wish to cater to and will give them a very good deal on getting their work printed if they are willing to allow us to share it with the rest who might not be as talented.

How can that be a bad thing?

RandyT

--- End quote ---

ahhh ok, well ill look into finding some fanart pics and contact their artists or maybe one of my more talents friends could do one for me  ;)
Tiger-Heli:
I'm not a lawyer either, just playing devil's advocate (stirring the pot).  (And I realize this reply is on both sides of the issue.)


--- Quote from: RandyT on January 26, 2004, 11:52:44 pm ---That character is a trademark that belongs to someone, just as the white swash on a red background belongs to and is trademarked by Coca-Cola.

--- End quote ---
Remember those can covers that said Caca-Cola (note spelling) with the red background and the white swash that would allow you to drink an alternative beerverage in public without getting hassled . . .

--- Quote ---On the other hand, if it was an original character inspired by that character it's quite a different story.  In other words, if you draw an Ape of your own creation, holding a damsel of your own creation, staring at a short guy with a bushy moustache of your own creation, I believe most would consider this an inspired but original work, so long as you don't put a big "DK" or "M" on there.  After all, the giant ape/damsel in distress concept was inspired by King Kong and possibly Mighty Joe Young originally, so.....

--- End quote ---
Tell that to the guy that wrote "The Wind Dun Gone" (parody of Gone With the Wind) now being sued by Margaret Mitchell's estate.

Navigation
Message Index
Next page
Previous page

Go to full version