Re: vogons vs Users

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Kelli Halliburton writes ...
> 
> Beverly, I don't think any of the more rational people on either
> side of this issue really thinks it's appropriate to release
> *current* software. The great gnashing of teeth that is taking
> place in this newsgroup seems to be over the less clear-cut
> issues, i.e., abandonware. The stuff nobody knows where the
> authors went, nor where the copyright has passed to.
> 
 ....

     Pretty much; although there is plenty of software and firmware being
gnashed about which is not really abandon ware with unknown owners. A good
example is the IIgs ROM code.

Note: By the way, the term "vogon" comes from Hitchhiker's Guide to the
Galaxy-- i.e. someone with the outlook of a dull-minded bureaucrat inclined
to destruction.


   According to vogons:

1- Distributing any old commercial software without public verifiable
   permission of the rights owner is a copyright violation.
2- ANY copyright violation is "illegal" and "breaks the law".
3- ALL copyright violations are Evil because they break the law.

However(!); if a vogon type engages in copyright violations, encourages
others to violate Apple's ROM copyrights, and/or sends users to a so-called
"Pirate Site" for software or firmware, that's okay. At worst, a fellow vogon
may post a message aimed at excusing the whole mess (after it has been
exposed by a user) and be "disappointed".


     Of course, what most users object to in such cases is not the
distribution of old software or firmware with no real commercial value. What
most users object to is the obvious hypocrisy of those who attack others for
acts they are willing to commit when it suits their purposes.

     Clearly, the vogons speak with a forked tongue. Indeed, it is fair to
question their devotion to laws they, according to their own standards, are
so willing to break. It is reasonable to suspect that these persons are less
concerned with "legality" than with closing down and controlling access to
old software.


     As to whether or not such gnashing means a great deal, that probably
depends upon whether one is among the 99.99% of sane Apple II users or is a
vogon. Most users long ago decided that ...

1- Distributing any old commercial software without public verifiable
   permission of the rights owner is-- technically, objectively-- probably
   a copyright violation.

2- A copyright violation is just that: a violation of the copy right, not
   the Law. It is a case of taking liberties with private property to which
   the owner may or may not object.

   It should, for example, be obvious that, if a copyright violation were,
   per se, illegal, then the vogon who promotes violations of Apple's ROM
   copyrights would have been tossed into the clink years ago on multiple
   counts of conspiracy.

3- Free distribution (with or without official public permission) of old 
   out-of-print software benefits everyone involved. Users get to enjoy
   the software. Rights owners, such as Origin, gain promotion of their
   brand name and promotion of current game products such as the Ultima
   adventures. Programmers, artists, and others mentioned in credits have
   their skills advertised.


     Since practically all users believe that free distribution of ancient
software is a good idea, most users like things as they are. About the only
down side is the ranting of vogon types and even that can be a source of
entertainment. True, there is a chance that some new user might actually be
tempted to swallow the pseudo moral nonsense spouted by the vogies. So, from
time to time, someone must expose their hypocrisy and misinformation.

     As for the perspective of this dwindling clique, the harassment of
users, attacks upon archives, and other assorted gnashing very likely seems
quite important. It must, since they have abused, discouraged, banned, and
excluded so many users from their forums and gatherings that hardly anyone
feels like messing with them.

     Even so, things seem to lightening up a bit. Debates are generally more
civil than used to be the case; and, thanks to a few of the less rabid
vogies, there is a least a beginning toward ending divisions which never
should have existed in the first place. After all, no one has to be a vogon
forever.



Rubywand