Frequently Asked Questions: Store

Welcome.  Since the Store is new, we've made our best guess at the questions you have. If your questions aren't answered, please let us know.
 

We created the Store based on feedback from our fans.  Almost every day, people ask for permission to use our videos in workplace situations. The Store provides these people a worry-free way to download and use improved versions of the videos at work. 

Please note that the store is very young but learning fast. Please forgive the basic nature of the design and any issues you may encounter.  The Store will grow up soon. Until then, please let us know what you think.

Why do you have free and paid versions of the videos?

We believe that our videos should be open to the public web, especially for use by individuals, schools and non-profits. That's why we offer them with a Creative Commons 3.0 non-commercial license. We will continue to make all our videos available for free and have paid versions.

What is a Site license? How do I know if I need one?

A site license is for organizations who would like to provide the purchased video to multiple people in a single location - a "site".  With a site license, the video may be placed on Intranets, used in training and duplicated for internal use. It is the best option for unlimited use across an organization.

We trust your good judgment in deciding which license is most appropriate of you.  Only you know how it will be used.

What is an Individual license? How do I know if I need one?

An Individual license is provided for use by a single individual.  With an individual license, an individual is free to use the video in professional/workplace situations like training, presentations, meetings, etc. If you need the video for your personal use, this license is for you.

Do you offer any other licensing options? Educational discounts?

Yes. We are especially interested in working with school system/districts on Site license discounts. 

If you have a circumstance that does not fit into the two licensing options, we're happy to talk about other options. who have Just contact us.

What are the rules for using licensed videos?

Please read the Licensing Agreement for all the details.  Here is a quick run down:
Individual and Site licenses have very similar restrictions. Any License holder CANNOT:

• Upload or otherwise share the video on the public web. This includes video hosts like You Tube or Peer-to-peer services like BitTorrent. We make free versions available for sharing in this way.
• Sell or resell the video in any way.
• Use the video in advertising.
• Alter the video's appearance.

ONE EXCEPTION: Holders of the Site license are permitted to share the video with others within the organization (site).

Are the licensed versions different from the free versions?  How?

The licensed versions are slightly different. Here are three ways:

1. The licensed videos are offered at higher resolution. This means that they look better on non-computer screens, like projector screens. The free versions are 320 X 240 and the licensed versions are 640 X 480.  Twice as big!
2. The licensed videos are less promotional. They do not contain references to "The Common Craft Show." We have also removed references to most 3rd party sites.  We want the licensed versions to work for the customer, not us.
   
3. In some videos, we have made small changes to improve the video's technical quality.  For example, we have recorded new voice overs and re-edited our early videos like RSS and Wikis in Plain English. We've updated the Lightbulb video to reference proper disposal and made small technical adjustments across the library. We've been focused on increasing quality while maintaining the same messaging and script as the free versions.
   

What if I'm already using a free version in my work?  Do I still need a license?

Yes, we encourage you to buy a licensed versions of the videos if you're using them professionally.

Do bloggers need to buy a license to share the videos on the web?

No, we make free versions of all the videos available on a selection of video hosts like You Tube, Blip.tv, Teacher Tube and dotSUB. These are provided under a Creative Commons 3.0 (non-commerical) license.  You are welcome to use these versions for blog posts and display on the public web. Additionally, being non-commerical, we welcome educators and non-profits to use these videos.

I am a teacher, do I need to purchase a license?

Not usually. Because schools and non-profits are not commercial, you are welcome to use the free versions.  However, if you would like versions of the videos with higher resolution, etc. you are welcome to purchase the licensed versions.

Why have you created the Store? I thought your business was making videos for companies?

We often hear from individuals who know that we offer free, non-commercial versions, but would like to use our videos professionally and/or in the workplace.  They are often concerned about permission and proper usage.  By opening the Store, we are providing these people a clear and worry-free path to using the videos for professional purposes.

Further, the store enables us to focus more on our own productions.  We love working with clients, but the store will enable us to produce more videos that reflect the needs and interests of our community.

Do you offer licensed versions of the videos in other languages?

No, at the moment we do not. However, we hope to offer this in the future. You can find free versions with subtitles in multiple languages at dotSUB.com.

What videos are you planning to create next?

We don't share upcoming episodes. However, we are highly influenced by our customers and fans. If you have an idea, please contact us.

Do the licensed videos come with any Digital Right Management (DRM)?

No, we believe that DRM is evil.  We prefer to rely on the good judgment of our customers.