Ownership/Risk/Reward of research discoveries/IP

[DorianSkyphire]

has there been any thought, or discussion I missed in a thread, as to how TEST will handle research discoveries?

As an example, I have an Endeavor, and am out with a super collider and make some discovery on exotic energy that can be used for shields or energy weapons (or whatever, this is an example). The ship is mine,a nd I'm using NPC's to crew the ship, but I'm receiving money from TEST to help fund the venture. Obviously some of the 'ownership' for that IP/discovery would be mine, but some would also belong to TEST.

Any thoughts on how that will work? I'm also trying to figure out how it will work if there are player's involved in the research, how they would be fairly cut in for their time and efforts. It's quite fascinating, to me.

IP is obviously going to be a big thing in research.. the fact the Herald exists speaks volumes.

 

[DorianSkyphire]

I can see where it's easy to agree on a flat fee to pay players, but I feel like they'd work harder if they were in for a cut. if you have a fighter pilot/ship protecting you, they aren't doing research but they are making sure you can do it unmolested, so I'd think they deserve a cut.

When we go to sell/license IP, it would be nice if we could provide a list of player names and % they get for those profits, and then it's all open and they don't have to question if you will be honorable, or what happens if you don't log for a month and they don't get their money in a timely manner.

 

[Printimus]

has there been any thought, or discussion I missed in a thread, as to how TEST will handle research discoveries?

As an example, I have an Endeavor, and am out with a super collider and make some discovery on exotic energy that can be used for shields or energy weapons (or whatever, this is an example). The ship is mine,a nd I'm using NPC's to crew the ship, but I'm receiving money from TEST to help fund the venture. Obviously some of the 'ownership' for that IP/discovery would be mine, but some would also belong to TEST.

Any thoughts on how that will work? I'm also trying to figure out how it will work if there are player's involved in the research, how they would be fairly cut in for their time and efforts. It's quite fascinating, to me.

IP is obviously going to be a big thing in research.. the fact the Herald exists speaks volumes.

HA test give YOU money? no, more like YOU give TEST money..... :P

 

[Printimus]

I can see where it's easy to agree on a flat fee to pay players, but I feel like they'd work harder if they were in for a cut. if you have a fighter pilot/ship protecting you, they aren't doing research but they are making sure you can do it unmolested, so I'd think they deserve a cut.

When we go to sell/license IP, it would be nice if we could provide a list of player names and % they get for those profits, and then it's all open and they don't have to question if you will be honorable, or what happens if you don't log for a month and they don't get their money in a timely manner.

on a serious note, i think it would be good to wait and see what game mechanics are implemented into the game before I can speculate on what is fair payment and how it should be handled.

 

[Thalstan]

Honestly, I think it will be more like what I've seen for exploration.

You go out and find stuff like the location of an asteroid field. You then have a choice. You can sell it to the market, or you can sell it to Test. I am hoping Test will offer the most in terms of money and intangibles/other rewards. Sometimes it might not be. At that point, you have a choice to make.

While I don't speak for the org, I can guess that no one will be receiving funds until they have something to sell or use.

 

[DorianSkyphire]

it was a theoretical question with a fabricated scenario.

 

[Bruce]

it was a theoretical question with a fabricated scenario.

too late man, now we all know that you made this discovery, plus you owe some green to test, and it better be delivered on time ( note - we also accept beer)

jokes aside - any research expedition is a poker game, and most probably there will be a way to hide findings from the in-game "investors", so it will be all about honour and reputation

 

[Doc Shaftoe]

Like Printimus said, it's a little too early to hash most of this out. Once we know more about how the research mechanics are going to work we'll be able to start drafting business plans. Maybe something as simple as a "sponsored by TEST Squadron" bit in the tagline? The more mad scientists we recruit the fewer enemy doomsday weapons we have to worry about. I mean we'll have to worry about ours more, but that's the trade-off I guess.

 

[maynard]

already there are 1.8 million Citizens

don't count on your discovery staying secret for long

IMO the best strategy will be a quick sale to an org or the UEE