Re: Asimov Site

[pausch@saafNOSPAM.se (Paul Schlyter)]

In article <39ade7c4.93586708@24.9.0.17>,
Jeff Blakeney <CUTblakeney@home.com> wrote:
 
> Sure, I can agree that the system has flaws.  However, I'm not too
> sure I want to see the length of copyrights change as I am a creative
> person and I would like to own the stuff that I create.  If I make it
> available to the public, then that is a bonus to the public, but if I
> don't, well, that's my business and I'm sorry if my not sharing my
> creation bothers someone.  Besides, if it is a truly good creation
> someone else will probably create something similar and share it with
> the public.
 
If you create something similar, you may violate the copyright of the
design of that software....  There have been several lawsuits about
"look-and-feel" issues already.
 
> Do you agree that by copying old, commercial, Apple II software is a
> copyright violation according to todays laws and is therefore illegal
> and can be termed piracy?
 
Do you agree that crossing the street against a red light is illegal
and can be termed a crime?
 
> That's good to hear but doesn't disrespect for the rights of the owner
> of a creation as well as the time and effort he put into creating it
> get you just as upset?
 
> Especially when doing so is still against the law?
 
What do you think we should get most upset about?  The moral issues or the
legal issues?
 
> See my comments above about looking the other way.  As to a creator
> not being harmed by having a 20 year old product pirated, how do you
> KNOW that creator isn't being harmed?
 
If he would be harmed by it, why isn't he still selling his software?
If normal commercial routes are too expensive and he wants to cut down
those costs, he can choose to release it as shareware or crippleware.
 
> You won't know unless you ask them and if you are going to ask them
> that, then why not ask them about making their creation available
> again either commercially or by reclassifying it.
 
Try that with Apple Computer and old Apple II sw....  good luck!
 
> That way everyone benefits and can be comfortable
> in the knowledge that they can get that creation again legally.
> 
> The law is there to protect them and I don't see any reason why they
> shouldn't be allowed to expect the full term of protection the law
> gives them.
 
If they consider that piece of software as worthless nowadays, what is
there to protect?
 
-- 
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