Re: Rules on game manuals, search function and mor

Also I would imagine Vimm might have an ethical objection to releasing archived copies while the originals are still in print, which is understandable. There are plenty of other sites out there for regular piracy.

Try Archive.org, they're usually open to people uploading whatever. Although the issue you're facing here is copyright law. All games and game manuals are considered intellectual property and belong to their respective rights holders. The more recently published they are, the more likely the rights holders are to take notice and potentially file DMCA claims against the uploader. This is why Vimm's Lair restricts uploads of more recently published material, since after a certain amount of time the rights holders will be less attentive. It's still illegal to upload any of this, but when games are out of print there's much less of a financial incentive to go after uploaders.

Vimm's Lair does not accept donations.