PlaymoFriends
General => News => Topic started by: Customizer on May 27, 2009, 19:38:11
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Hi Pf,
after the war with Mr. Bomhard about playmobibel -> klickybibel.de.
Playmobl make the rules for Playmobil customizing !!
READ HERE:
CUSTOMIZING RULES (http://de.babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.playmobil.de%2Fon%2Fdemandware.store%2FSites-DE-Site%2Fde_DE%2FLink-Page%3Fcid%3DCUSTOMIZING&lp=de_en&btnTrUrl=%C3%9Cbersetzen)
Theres no more Handkiss in the Future !! :'(
world greets
Andi
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Thanks for the link, Andi.
The Babel Fish translation into English is a bit awkward, but here is how I interpret it:
The first three paragraphs don't address customization directly but are more general guidelines restating their overall philisophy.
Starting with paragraph four, geobra differentiates between customization for private vs. public use.
For private use, geobra is tolerant of customizations by its largely adult collectors as long as such customization does not threaten geobra's economic interests.
For public use, geobra makes a differentiation based on whether the target group is adults or children. If the target group is adults, geobra has no problem with customization. They cite as an example some late night television show which presumably uses customized Playmobil figures (late night being legally defined as after 20:00 or 8:00pm).
If, however, the target group might include children, then any customizations which involve techniques which could cause physical harm to children will not be tolerated. Some examples they cite include: heating the Playmobil figures whether by use of fire or electrical devices; customizing using sharp or pointed parts; using hammers or nails to do the customizing; and using unsafe lacquers or paints. The examples they mention are just examples and is not to be construed as an all-inclusive list.
Does anyone have a different interpretation? I had to read through this a few times, and there are some sentences which still confuse me. I'm sure it lost a lot in the Babel Fish translation.
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Hi Pf,
after the war with Mr. Bomhard about playmobibel -> klickybibel.de.
Playmobl make the rules for Playmobil customizing !!
READ HERE:
CUSTOMIZING RULES (http://de.babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.playmobil.de%2Fon%2Fdemandware.store%2FSites-DE-Site%2Fde_DE%2FLink-Page%3Fcid%3DCUSTOMIZING&lp=de_en&btnTrUrl=%C3%9Cbersetzen)
Theres no more Handkiss in the Future !! :'(
world greets
Andi
Geobra's Customizing rules?
Excuse me! Did I read correctly that Geobra is suggesting that they are going to dictate what we can, or cannot do, with our Klickys that we have have bought and paid for?
Hmmm ... Wait a minute, this might not be so bad after all.
Let's say that we all agree to follow Geobra's customizing rules.
In exchange, what is Geobra offering to do for us?
Perhaps they are going to give us special discounted prices on the parts that we would like to have to customize our figures and follow their guidelines?
Perhaps they are actually going to stock and have ALL the parts available at a special discounted price that we would like to have to customize our figures and follow their guidelines?
Perhaps they might even create some new parts at a special discounted price that we would like to have to customize our figures and follow their guidelines?
That seems like a fair trade to me.
What do the rest of you think?
All the best,
Richard
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I have a similar opinion on this matter, Richard. I don't like Playmobil dictating what I do with the collection I have spent my hard earned money on! However, Playmobil stands on the right to protect their world known figures, with their addictive smiles from being associated with discriminatory agendas, & causing unsavory views with their toys attached to the middle of a controversy. They still believe in protecting children which is a novel act in itself, & telling collectors they respect them, but to protect the interests of children's innocence in their customs contributions. It's a 2 edge sword that cuts both ways. Playmobil will never offer collectors consessions for complying to their "CUSTOMIZING RULES", but if we color outside of the lines they are certain to use the platform we are violating children's innocence as a guilt tactic to make us conform! It is a difficult topic to find a fair side to give loyalty to. I like to do small custom procedures to my collection, & will continue to do them, but none that are considered offensive. I do not support people who do severe radically offensive figure changes to the figures themselves that may make parents uneasy to show their children.
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I have a similar opinion on this matter, Richard. I don't like Playmobil dictating what I do with the collection I have spent my hard earned money on!
Hear, hear !!!
However, Playmobil stands on the right to protect their world known figures, with their addictive smiles from being associated with discriminatory agendas, & causing unsavory views with their toys attached to the middle of a controversy.
Bill, whenever any manufacturer, artist, educator, lecturer, etc. makes a presentation of an historical nature to any audience, there is almost always the danger of stirring controversy.
Brian (from Malta) posted photos, here at Playmofriends, of a controversial diorama that he had created.
All he did was illustrate an historical event using Playmobil figures.
With little effort (and using uncustomized Playmobil figures), I'm sure that both of us can think of several historical events that might cause discomfort for some people.
They (Geobra) still believe in protecting children which is a novel act in itself, & telling collectors they respect them, but to protect the interests of children's innocence in their customs contributions. It's a 2 edge sword that cuts both ways.
It is indeed, Bill. And, also a bit naive of Geobra to think that they can "protect" children if that is actually their real intent. Children are bombarded every day with unfiltered information. Perhaps, Geobra's real intent is to protect their image for parents and grandparents, so that they'll buy more Playmobil for their children. (I'm such a cynic.)
Playmobil will never offer collectors consessions for complying to their "CUSTOMIZING RULES" ...
Never say never, Bill ... ;)
It is a difficult topic to find a fair side to give loyalty to.
All we need to be is loyal to ourselves, our family and our friends!
I like to do small custom procedures to my collection, & will continue to do them, but none that are considered offensive. I do not support people who do severe radically offensive figure changes to the figures themselves that may make parents uneasy to show their children.
Amen.
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Richard, in regards to "NEVER", the day that Playmobil will come to me, & say, Mr. Blackhurst for making such awesome unobjectionable custom renderings for people to enjoy, & for your untiring efforts, we will permanently extend to you a 20% discount with free shipping on any DS part straight from our German main factory in any quantity you wish, or any Playmobil blue box item for future photo stories, & custom projects, will be the day that either I die, or the ground will definitely be much colder under my feet, & the devil may need a jacket >:D :lol:!
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... a bit naive of Geobra to think that they can "protect" children if that is actually their real intent. Children are bombarded every day with unfiltered information. Perhaps, Geobra's real intent is to protect their image for parents and grandparents, so that they'll buy more Playmobil for their children. (I'm such a cynic.)
Cynical indeed. Of course Geobra can't protect children from everything, because not everything is under their control. They can try to protect children from misuse of their product, by threatening action where such misuse comes to their attention.
In many ways this is a shame, as it may put an end to some adults using Playmobil as a modelling medium - those who need to melt, burn, hammer, nail or otherwise damage their Klickies to achieve their artistic goals. No more kneeling or arm-bending klickies, for example, because heat would have to be applied, and children might hurt themselves trying to copy the effect (if done without adult supervision).
It does however acknowledge the fact that customisation occurs, and it's perfectly OK to disassemble klickies and rearrange parts, and also as far as I can understand, adding modelling clay, fabrics, or some types of paint to enhance a klicky would still be permissable. Removal of existing printing is presumably also OK. More vague is how it relates to sawing or cutting large parts such as vehicles - our fire theme customisers may be treading on thin ice.
I don't think Geobra takes this step lightly, and I think it's entirely legally motivated, just like their closure of Playmofan.nl, but if a child maims itself attempting to do to a klicky what it has seen somewhere on the internet or at a convention, then Geobra might find itself targeted by an angry parent, and this statement presumably absolves them of blame.
I'd like to see it on ALL countrys' Playmobil websites, not just the German site, because we can't all be expected to find and understand the German version. That should have been done simultaneously, and a splash page come up whenever anyone logs into the website for a couple of months at least.
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I don't think Geobra takes this step lightly, and I think it's entirely legally motivated, just like their closure of Playmofan.nl, but if a child maims itself attempting to do to a klicky what it has seen somewhere on the internet or at a convention, then Geobra might find itself targeted by an angry parent, and this statement presumably absolves them of blame.
Martin, if Geobra is concerned about being sued by the parents of some child suffering an injury imitating the customizing method used by a Playmobil fan, collector or customizer, then they better look under their beds at night to be sure that there are no goblins, trolls or ogres that will attack them in their sleep.
This whole issue is absolute rubbish.
A child goes to the cinema to see a Spiderman movie/film, and is given a Spiderman costume as a present (or to wear on Halloween), the child jumps off the roof expecting to be able to "fly" with the help of Spidey's web shooting powers. The child is injured. The parents win a large settlement from the moviemakers, the theatre and the popcorn concession. Sorry, my friend. It ain't gonna happen!
Whoever is in charge of this harassment needs to lighten up and find something useful and productive to do. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have a manual digital expression that I would be happy to raise on high and share with Geobra's overpaid legal counsel.
In the past, I have removed things from Garden Wargaming at Zirndorf's polite request (and received a polite thank you). However, if they continue this new heavy handed approach, they may not find me (or other webmasters) quite so accommodating!
All the best,
Richard
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erm ... I don't want be a spoilsport; but when I read the original German text; I come to a different interpretation ...
I read this, not as somesort of lawmaking by Geobra; but more like making a statement what they consider to be safe use of Playmobil-figures. That's what stated in the first paragraph, which unfortunately gets somewhat foggy after the babblefish translation. Apparently, by German law at least, a toy-company can be made laible if a child gets hurt when playing with a toy in a way that's condoned by the company:
"we are legally obligated to prevent such changes since we could be made liable for damages otherwise." or as stated in the original text:
"Wenn wir dabei feststellen, dass im Zusammenhang mit Veränderungen von PLAYMOBIL-Figuren und -Teilen eine Gefährdung für die Kinder ausgehen könnte, sind wir gesetzlich verpflichtet, derartige Veränderungen zu unterbinden, da wir ansonsten für Folgeschäden haftbar gemacht werden könnten. "
This whole text is meant to give Geobra the option to say "we never intended the toy to be used like this and we can't condone it too."
Actually, IMHO they tried to do us a favor by taking a fifferent stand on those "customs" meant for child-viewing and those that are meant for adults/ late night shows. They actually mention us as "highly regarded fans".
In other words - if someone is playing with Playmobil outside these guidelines and get's hurt, then in Geobra's opinion it isn't their fault.
And if they get noticed of someone doing so in the Public Domain, then - by law - they are forced to act; although they have different guidelines for adults and for kids.
But that's my own 0.02 ...
Bogro
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So Bogro, in other words Playmobil is restricting usage of their sold products to consumers/collectors/customizers/ due to being liable if "we" want to customize our own collection, & show it on the internet, because they are afraid of a child trying to copy a process, receives an injury due to parental neglect*, & is sued in a German court of law to pay damages, but are exempt from blame if they show an on going effort of publically denouncing, forbidding, & removing any attempts of customization that are publically displayed, but will allow this taboo desire only in the confines of the violators own privacy, because they can say they didn't know about it!? THAT'S SCREWED UP :hmm:! Here we go, let the games begin >:(!
*= Parental neglect would in my "opinion" be a situation where a child is not being properly supervised, & uses a cigarette lighter, 2500 watt heat gun, soldering iron, razor blade, modeling knife, saw, super glue, toxic paint, etc., to do modifications resulting in injury to said child.
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firstly, not world wide; this message is only on the German site. I haven't found them on the other sites.
Secondly, it appears that they have to do so by law (and everyone knows how screwed up those can be). In that case there isn't much they can do, can they.
Perhaps they could start making it along the principles of Playmobil 123 - with no articulation at all and no accessories as well ...
Or should they just go out and publicly announce "damn the law; we do what we want." ???
Like it or not; this is the world we live in. Take it; or leave it >:D
Bogro
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Martin, if Geobra is concerned about being sued by the parents of some child suffering an injury imitating the customizing method used by a Playmobil fan, collector or customizer, then they better look under their beds at night to be sure that there are no goblins, trolls or ogres that will attack them in their sleep.
This whole issue is absolute rubbish.
A child goes to the cinema to see a Spiderman movie/film, and is given a Spiderman costume as a present (or to wear on Halloween), the child jumps off the roof expecting to be able to "fly" with the help of Spidey's web shooting powers. The child is injured. The parents win a large settlement from the moviemakers, the theatre and the popcorn concession. Sorry, my friend. It ain't gonna happen!
Sounds like thousands of cases in the ligitation-happy US. Did you get that one off Judge Judy? 8}
Like you, I'm of the opinion that parents and guardians are supposed to supervise their children, and everybody has a duty to show common sense in their daily passage through the dangerous planet we live on, but...
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erm ... I don't want be a spoilsport; but when I read the original German text; I come to a different interpretation ...
I read this, not as somesort of lawmaking by Geobra; but more like making a statement what they consider to be safe use of Playmobil-figures. That's what stated in the first paragraph, which unfortunately gets somewhat foggy after the babblefish translation. Apparently, by German law at least, a toy-company can be made laible if a child gets hurt when playing with a toy in a way that's condoned by the company:
"we are legally obligated to prevent such changes since we could be made liable for damages otherwise." or as stated in the original text:
"Wenn wir dabei feststellen, dass im Zusammenhang mit Veränderungen von PLAYMOBIL-Figuren und -Teilen eine Gefährdung für die Kinder ausgehen könnte, sind wir gesetzlich verpflichtet, derartige Veränderungen zu unterbinden, da wir ansonsten für Folgeschäden haftbar gemacht werden könnten. "
This whole text is meant to give Geobra the option to say "we never intended the toy to be used like this and we can't condone it too."
Actually, IMHO they tried to do us a favor by taking a fifferent stand on those "customs" meant for child-viewing and those that are meant for adults/ late night shows. They actually mention us as "highly regarded fans".
In other words - if someone is playing with Playmobil outside these guidelines and get's hurt, then in Geobra's opinion it isn't their fault.
And if they get noticed of someone doing so in the Public Domain, then - by law - they are forced to act; although they have different guidelines for adults and for kids.
But that's my own 0.02 ...
Bogro
That is how I interpreted the Babel Fish translation. I'm glad you are able to read the original German. (If I continue down this rabbit hole called Playmobil, I may have to learn German!)
firstly, not world wide; this message is only on the German site. I haven't found them on the other sites.
Secondly, it appears that they have to do so by law (and everyone knows how screwed up those can be). In that case there isn't much they can do, can they.
I concur with your opinion. To the extent that geobra is complying with German law, I don't believe it extends beyond the borders of Germany as further evidenced by your observation that this notice only appears on the German site.
What geobra is doing is protecting itself from German litigation from any possible injuries to children resulting from risky customization techniques.
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erm ... I don't want be a spoilsport; but when I read the original German text; I come to a different interpretation ...
I read this, not as some sort of lawmaking by Geobra; but more like making a statement what they consider to be safe use of Playmobil-figures.
Apparently, by German law at least, a toy-company can be made laible if a child gets hurt when playing with a toy in a way that's condoned by the company:
This whole text is meant to give Geobra the option to say "we never intended the toy to be used like this and we can't condone it ..."
In other words - if someone is playing with Playmobil outside these guidelines and gets hurt, then in Geobra's opinion it isn't their fault.
Thank you for your interpretation, Mark ... :)9
Based upon your translation, it appears that Geobra is only making a statement which clearly expresses their position, so that if anyone chooses to go outside the suggested recommended guidelines and hurts themselves or anyone else Geobra is not legally responsible.
I think that most of us can understand and accept that kind of thinking from Zirndorf.
What geobra is doing is protecting itself from German litigation from any possible injuries to children resulting from risky customization techniques.
Great summation, KM! ... :wow:
It would seem that there's no "battle'" to be fought here today, my dear Playmofriends.
However, it never hurts to always be alert ... ;)
All the best,
Richard
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The whole issue is a bit ridiculous, in my opinion. If it is intended to protect them from lawsuits, then I believe that Geobra has every right to state that they don't condone certain uses of their products, but my tolerance ends there. I know nothing of German law and very little about U.S. law, but I think it must be commonly accepted throughout the "democratic" world that any consumer has the right to do whatever he or she wants to any legal product that he or she owns. I may not choose to put a handful of naked klickies into a fire pit and melt them on camera, but I will defend to the death the right to do it! >:(
Also, how can Geobra begin to enforce such rules? The most they can do, I would think, is to ask people to remove "objectionable" material from websites or TV shows. But what will they do to people who defy them? Refuse to sell them any more Playmobil products?
And speaking of playmofan.nl, does anyone know what actually happened to them? Did they shut down voluntarily? Was it under threat of a lawsuit? How can a company in Germany force a Netherlands website to comply with its demands? Is it a European Union issue? I agree that Geobra has a right to protect their images under copyright laws (even though it makes them look ridiculous) but what's the worst that would happen to someone who defied their wishes?
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Martin, if Geobra is concerned about being sued by the parents of some child suffering an injury imitating the customizing method used by a Playmobil fan, collector or customizer, then they better look under their beds at night to be sure that there are no goblins, trolls or ogres that will attack them in their sleep.
This whole issue is absolute rubbish.
A child goes to the cinema to see a Spiderman movie/film, and is given a Spiderman costume as a present (or to wear on Halloween), the child jumps off the roof expecting to be able to "fly" with the help of Spidey's web shooting powers. The child is injured. The parents win a large settlement from the moviemakers, the theatre and the popcorn concession. Sorry, my friend. It ain't gonna happen!
Whoever is in charge of this harassment needs to lighten up and find something useful and productive to do. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have a manual digital expression that I would be happy to raise on high and share with Geobra's overpaid legal counsel.
In the past, I have removed things from Garden Wargaming at Zirndorf's polite request (and received a polite thank you). However, if they continue this new heavy handed approach, they may not find me (or other webmasters) quite so accommodating!
All the best,
Richard
Thank You Richard! I could not have said that any better. After being harassed about my customizing of Mansions on my website and other ridiculous objections I totally gave up on Playmobil. My only reason for posting was because I appreciated what you had to say.
It was once a fun hobby.
Rob
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I will customize my collection the way I have recently started , & continue to do so! I don't do any offensive modifications, & it's my business if I should start doing so or not! No company that has produced products which I have purchased with my money has the right to challenge me regarding my creations, & uses! Once I purchase the items they are my property, & if they don't want their name noticed, don't put it where it can be seen! If they don't like photo stories don't look! It would be like Toyota telling me to remove a 4 wheeling video on you-tube showing a 4WD truck that I purchased, & paid to be modified to go mud bogging, because it showed improper, even dangerous use of their product with the emblems not being blurred out so people couldn't see the brand of vehicle I was using! Please! That is not going to happen! Playmobil is only a toy, & people know that it is a safe one that some people will take to extremes in modifications, & customizations! Come on now, this is getting ridiculous! Playmobil is getting too paranoid about their toys! I didn't sign any legal papers regarding how I'd play with any of the hundreds of Playmobil toys that I have purchased from appreciative vender's, so I'll do whatever I want! I didn't have a lawyer involved to protect the rights of my thousands of Klicky's because I didn't adopt them, they're toy figures, I bought them, so bug off!
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... but what's the worst that would happen to someone who defied their wishes?
Hello, Anne ...
Over the years I've collected a number of "taboo" Playmobil images. These pictures range from mildly objectionable to extremely objectionable.
If you have a website and would like to thumb your nose at Zirndorf, I would be only too happy to email you a set of images guaranteed to get you in trouble with the Playmobil censors ... ;D
All the best,
Richard
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I will customize my collection the way I have recently started , & continue to do so! I don't do any offensive modifications, & it's my business if I should start doing so or not! No company that has produced products which I have purchased with my money has the right to challenge me regarding my creations, & uses! Once I purchase the items they are my property, & if they don't want their name noticed, don't put it where it can be seen! If they don't like photo stories don't look! It would be like Toyota telling me to remove a 4 wheeling video on you-tube showing a 4WD truck that I purchased, & paid to be modified to go mud bogging, because it showed improper, even dangerous use of their product with the emblems not being blurred out so people couldn't see the brand of vehicle I was using! Please! That is not going to happen! Playmobil is only a toy, & people know that it is a safe one that some people will take to extremes in modifications, & customizations! Come on now, this is getting ridiculous! Playmobil is getting too paranoid about their toys! I didn't sign any legal papers regarding how I'd play with any of the hundreds of Playmobil toys that I have purchased from appreciative vender's, so I'll do whatever I want! I didn't have a lawyer involved to protect the rights of my thousands of Klicky's because I didn't adopt them, they're toy figures, I bought them, so bug off!
You go, Bill! :cheerlead: I'm with you!
I haven't started customizing yet, so I'm actually more of a dispassionate observer of this issue, but your argument is compelling.
I seriously doubt that if push comes to shove, geobra can touch us here in the U.S. Risky techniques or not, we here in the U.S. have something called the First Amendment right to freedom of speech. It can be argued that customizations fall under that right. At least I would make such an argument. There are limitations to freedom of speech (e.g. obscenities in a broadcast medium, shouting fire in a crowded theater, etc.), but geobra's sole rationale seems to be to protect children from possible injury caused by their copying certain customization techniques deemed risky. Well, okay, are there indeed examples of this happening? If not, then the entire basis of their desire to abridge our freedom of speech is based on mere apprehension of the possibility of such an event. If they have not suffered any damage, they have no legal standing to take any action. If there are examples of injuries to children, then the burden should fall on them to put a warning on the packages (not just on their German website) advising against certain customization techniques.
The above is just my thought using a First Amendment defense if geobra ever decides to take action against one of us here in the U.S. As I stated before, I agree with Count Bogro's assessment that their statement is applicable only to a narrow population (i.e. those customizers in Germany who use certain risky customization techniques the end products of which are accessible to children).
And no, I am not a lawyer. I do read a lot, though.
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It seems to me that this whole issue is a German one. Under German law Playmobil has responsibilities and liabilities and they have set out to fulfil them by this statement. German law will apply in Germany and so its application to the USA or elsewhere is I would have thought highly unlikely. What Playmobil can do against customisers in Germany is unclear. It may be that the law says they must use their "best efforts" against these customisers, and that may be interpreted as no more than asking them to desist. What Playmobil have done so far may be seen as enough by any judges. Certainly, I don't see the problem as oen which will threaten many customisers overall, let alone those whose customs we see on PF.
Taking a wider view, the "threat" by Playmobil doesn't seem too draconic when compared with some other laws. For example, the US embargo laws applied against Cuba meant that, for example, the owner of a British firm who dealt quite legally under British law with Cuba could be arrested if he or she later visited the USA and be charged and prosecuted.
Edit: it would be interesting to have some information from anyone of klickywelt as to the response there.
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Taking a wider view, the "threat" by Playmobil doesn't seem too draconic when compared with some other laws. For example, the US embargo laws applied against Cuba meant that, for example, the owner of a British firm who dealt quite legally under British law with Cuba could be arrested if he or she later visited the USA and be charged and prosecuted.
Which was probably somewhat similar, Gordon, to the British embargo laws applied against the Axis Powers (Germany, Occupied France and Austria, Italy, etc.) during WWII which meant that the owner of an Irish firm who dealt quite legally under Irish law (Ireland being neutral during WWII) with Germany could be arrested if he or she later visited the UK and be charged and prosecuted ... ;)
Edit: Added a missing word ... ;D
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Which was probably somewhat similar, Gordon, to the British embargo laws applied against the Axis Powers (Germany, Occupied France and Austria, Italy, etc.) during WWII which meant that the owner of an Irish firm who dealt quite legally under Irish law (Ireland being neutral during WWII) with Germany could be arrested if he or she later visited the UK and be charged and prosecuted ... ;)
Edit: Added a missing word ... ;D
To attempt to choke an entire country from receiving a product can't be done in today's global shipping trade if a person wants buy a harmless product bad enough, especially a toy! It's like Cuban cigars here, they're forbidden, but you can get 'em ;)! The costs, & efforts of intercepting a Playmobil fire engine from an outside source because of a boycott would be stupid! It's difficult enough to try to stop intercontinental drug smuggling into countries P), let alone trying to intercept a plane dropped waterproof package of Playmobil blue boxes :P! BTW, do they even have dogs that can sniff out blue boxes in customs? Brings to mind the 80's song smugglers blues 8-)! Besides, I think that even Playmobil wouldn't be stupid enough to sever another profit generating source of income, even if it did come down to the nitty gritty of customization, & modifications :no:!
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To attempt to choke an entire country from receiving a product can't be done in today's global shipping trade ...
Unless you happen to be the country of Canada!
Canadian customs made us pay $11,000. to bring our Playmobil into Canada!
We appealed all the way to the Canadian Prime Minister. The reply, "Too bad, your shipper entered the country, and once they're here, you pay the customs duty. And, no you can't take your Playmobil back to the USA, without first paying the $11,000. duty. And, we don't care what any Canadian customs official told you about a one-time free move of goods into Canada."
"And, no ... you can't toss them all in the trash without first paying the $11,000 duty!"
And, yes ... we wasted another $1,000. on a Canadian attorney who got the same answer from Revenue Canada!
So, what's fair? There is nothing fair about any government. All you can ever do is try to protect yourself, your family and your friends!
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Hello, Anne ...
Over the years I've collected a number of "taboo" Playmobil images. These pictures range from mildly objectionable to extremely objectionable.
If you have a website and would like to thumb your nose at Zirndorf, I would be only too happy to email you a set of images guaranteed to get you in trouble with the Playmobil censors ... ;D
All the best,
Richard
:lol: Thanks for the offer, Richard, but I don't think I'll take you up on that. 0)
Seriously, though, what sort of "trouble" might that be? What actions has Geobra actually taken against "offenders?" In your case, Richard, we know you have a long-standing relationship with Geobra as a Playmobil fan and webmaster and you are also a nice person who probably wishes, very sensibly, to please the company that produces the beloved object, but what would have happened to you if you had defied their wishes? Do you know or can you take a guess? Has anyone else had this type of experience with Geobra?
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Unless you happen to be the country of Canada!
Canadian customs made us pay $11,000. to bring our Playmobil into Canada!
We appealed all the way to the Canadian Prime Minister. The reply, "Too bad, your shipper entered the country, and once they're here, you pay the customs duty. And, no you can't take your Playmobil back to the USA, without first paying the $11,000. duty. And, we don't care what any Canadian customs official told you about a one-time free move of goods into Canada."
"And, no ... you can't toss them all in the trash without first paying the $11,000 duty!"
And, yes ... we wasted another $1,000. on a Canadian attorney who got the same answer from Revenue Canada!
So, what's fair? There is nothing fair about any government. All you can ever do is try to protect yourself, your family and your friends!
Richard, Just how much Playmobil were you trying to move into Canada, a whole shipping container full 8}? Maybe they thought you were trying to corner the second hand market :lol:! It sounds a slight bit extreme :hmm:! The authorities there must not have had a happy child hood with Playmobil in it :'(! BTW, you did pay the duties didn't you ???!
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. . . Maybe they thought you were trying to corner the second hand market . . . .
Bill, have you seen the photos of Richard's secret storage facilities? (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=1428.msg16548#msg16548) I think it was the quantity of MISB stuff that caused the problem. ;)
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Bill, have you seen the photos of Richard's secret storage facilities? (http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=1428.msg16548#msg16548) I think it was the quantity of MISB stuff that caused the problem. ;)
OMG :o! NO WONDER! It looks like he's a PM dealer! But, I don't have room to talk! (no pun intended,.....don't have room.....I did a funny! :lol:)
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Although it does seem that we in the U.S. are beyond Playmobil's grasp in this matter, to give it a context we can relate to we need only change 'Playmobil' to 'Disney' to appreciate the legal and financial quagmire that could ensue if they chose to enforce their vision of what is acceptable or not. I think it just boils down to those qualities that seem to be in such short supply anymore ; personal responsibility.
Gepetto
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Hello, Anne ...
Over the years I've collected a number of "taboo" Playmobil images. These pictures range from mildly objectionable to extremely objectionable.
If you have a website and would like to thumb your nose at Zirndorf, I would be only too happy to email you a set of images then all images you have please guaranteed to get you in trouble with the Playmobil censors ... ;D
All the best,
Richard
Hmm
Tempting ;)
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... but what would have happened to you if you had defied their wishes? Do you know or can you take a guess?
I'm quite sure that nothing serious would have happened, Anne.
They would have probably asked a few more times and some newly graduated young attorney might have written a "firm" (and somewhat demanding) email. Which I would have ignored. (Unless I was having a really bad day and feeling a bit hostile. I would have then blistered his reading glasses with my reply.) And, that would have been the end of it.
However, my name would have no doubt been deleted from Geobra's Christmas card list ... ;)
All the best,
Richard
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Hi Friends,
ok here you can read the official Playmobil Rules in ENGLISH !!!
Excuse for the translation problems at my first post................
Read or download here:
CUSTOMIZING RULES ENGLISH (http://www.klickyworld.com/customizing/Customizing_2009-04-08_englisch.doc)
world greets
Andi
geobra Guidelines for the modification of PLAYMOBIL figures and PLAYMOBIL accessories
Below we as the company geobra Brandstätter GmbH & Co. KG and manufacturer of PLAYMOBIL, have defined our guidelines with regard to the modification of PLAYMOBIL figures and PLAYMOBIL accessories to fulfill our responsible commitment to Mr. Hans Beck’s heritage (copyright) as well as to the safety of kids (product liability).
We will proceed against any modification – provided that it is publicized, is of relevance and we come to know this:
Any discriminating contents
Contents used for political statements
Contents not suited for kids
Extremist contents of any kind
Aggressive contents resp. contents dealing with war and violence
Contents and Formates harming kids
geobra will dismiss/refuses any material demands made by people who have modified PLAYMOBIL figures.
With regard to the modification of figures and accessories, in the following referred to as customizing, we differentiate between usage in private and usage in public.
Customizing in private is seen very tolerant especially taking into consideration the activities of our highly esteemed PLAYMOBIL-fans - mostly adults with considerable collections provided that our economic interests remain un-affected.
When it comes to customizing in public, we differentiate between adult and child target audiences.
We accept the use of modified PLAYMOBIL figures to impart a certain contents towards adults. This includes TV late night formates such as the German show with Harald Schmidt. With regard to the late broadcasting time we can assume that these activities address towards adults and not kids, which is confirmed by German media law not allowing contents unsuitable for kids only after 8 p.m.
When Customizing PLAYMOBIL figures and accessories for children, we have to ensure the safety of children in general and secondly to fulfill our product liability. Within an economically reasonable budget geobra Brandstätter is obliged to observe the market with respect to our products. As manufacturer of toys we comply with this requirement very carefully. In case we find that certain modified and manipulated PLAYMOBIL figures and parts might imply danger for children, we are legally obliged to stop those modifications also to disclaim liability for any subsequent damage occurring.
From today’s perspective the following modifications to PLAYMOBIL figures will in any case put children at risk:
Bending by heating with electrical devices or unshielded flame
decoration with pointed parts, like for example sharp metal wires
manipulation of the figures with hammer and nails
Painting of figures with paint and varnish not suitable for toys
Zirndorf, den 8 April 2009
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Thanks, Andi ...
As several people have already stated, this appears to be simply a CYA by Geobra to outline their responsibilities, clarify their legal obligations, and to limit their liability to their customers (or, something like that) ... ;D
In other words, "You adults please go do what you want to do with your Playmobil. But, if some kid gets hurt trying to do the same thing to their Playmobil that you adults did, then it isn't Geobra's fault." ... :no:
However, Geobra does say that they do have some responsibility to their young customers to "police" any unacceptable use of their product where it can be viewed by children ... P)
:hmm: ... Based upon Geobra's concerns, Playmofriends and Garden Wargaming might want to think seriously about restricting their viewing audience to only those people who have acquired a sufficient number of years to be classified as an adult. (Probably none of us would ever be considered to be adults for any other reason.) ... :lol:
Thanks again, Andi.
All the best,
Richard