Avatars & TAW Shop: Why it's not in the works

Avatars, we all have one or want one. 

The guys in GFX Division do an amazing job and never cease to amaze us with their outstanding work.  I personally love mine (Snorlax is my spirit animal).

Now, as of late, there has been an influx of requests/inquiries about making Avatar available for members to put on items in the Shop.  I want to really say, we at TAW Shop would love to be able to do this, but it's not in the cards right now or in the foreseeable future.

Here's Why:

1. TAW has over 2500 members, each with a potential to have their own Avatar.  That means that each avatar would have to be converted to the appropriate format, verified, and uploaded to the TAW Shop.  Avatar are meant to be personable, not accessable for any member to select and download.  Avatars are created for you and you alone.
2. GFX Policies MUST be adhered to.  One of the key ones being "Graphics created by us are considered “fan art”.  You are responsible for any actions that may arise out of the misuse of any of these graphics.".  This is quite important because it leads to the next point.
3. Shop Clothing Designs:  This is base starting point for ALL our designs.  Main Point being the Legal Guidelines from our supplier.  When a design comes through the Shop from another person/division, it is expected that they made sure they are following the guidelines.  Shop staff double checks to make sure that the image is also adhering to those guidlines.  We do not wish to see Shop closed down.
4. Registered TradeMarks (RTM's) and CopyRight Protection (CR).  Simply put, EVERY avatar is "fan art", as GFX clearly states in point #2.  These images are graphics that have CP or RTM images in them.  If we place them on product in our Shop, TAW is held accountable for legal ramifications.  As TAW is registered as a Non Profit Organization, we can not afford to, nor do we desire to, put TAW at risk for a law suit.   END OF STORY!

While the first 3 points are important, it really comes down to Shop not being willing to risk a lawsuit against TAW.  This is the home for all of us and we wouldn't want to risk anyone's home or family.

Should it change in the future where we can use avatars on apparel, TAW Shop will notify the members of this change.  But as it stands, it's not happening anytime soon.  We do apologize for the inconvience in this, but please remember that you can still add your callsign to any apparel you buy from the Shop by "adding text" under the "edit this design" or by choosing "Create" from the main page.  

Well said, couldn't agree more with you Rekon.

I'll just add that creating those avatars is not the problem and it's our last concearn.

What Rekon pointed out in 3rd and 4th points are key elements why we are not creating stuff like that for the shop. Sadly...

Thanks for the explanation, great job as usual. 

Would it be an option where we could use the corps logos? (I don't think any of them use copyright'd material?)

SorrowSeven:

Thanks for the explanation, great job as usual. 

 

Would it be an option where we could use the corps logos? (I don't think any of them use copyright'd material?)

 

Corps Wear is something that has already been started.  Operations has 2 designs currently and Vanguard has "I survived Vanguard, bring on the Corps".  Shop is currently working on the design for Corps and will be working with Graphics Division on it.  We are looking to have the TAW Seal incorperated with this design.