Re: A2 Trade/Swap ... site ...

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Henrik Gudat writes ...
> 
> In article <8kid6h$3t8$1@server05.icaen.uiowa.edu> ,
> apple2pd@garp3.icaen.uiowa.edu (ground.ecn AppleII Librarian) wrote:
> 
> > I know that KEGS includes instructions on how to make ROM image files
> > from an actual IIGS.  I understand the others include instructions on how
> > to download ROM image files from the internet.  KEGS is a great emulator,
> > but usually an emulator like Bernie is recommended by many of the more
> > vocal copyright defenders.
> 
> It's a platform thing and has less to do with copyrights.
> 
> > Is there a dual-standard for legal use of ROM
> > code?
> 
> Possibly. We have asked Apple, and they know what Bernie is, where the
> ROM dumps may come from and where to reach us. They, that is the chef
> of European Licensing and his counterpart in Cupertino, have also told
> us that it's ok with them and they do not object. For me that means:
> case closed.
 ....

     Not quite.

     The private okay from Apple merely supports something everyone already
took for granted-- i.e. Apple does not mind having its old ROM code copied,
downloaded, etc. and used with emulators. It does not equate to either a
license for distribution or to a public announcement from Apple declaring that
the ROM code is public domain.

     Technically, all you have is a private okay to promote the violation of
Apple's ROM code copyright. The copyright-- i.e. the property-- is still being
violated. That you are aware of this fact is demonstrated by your reluctance
to link to Asimov directly from your manual page or to just cut the nonsense
and offer the ROM code for download on your own site.

     Do you still maintain that Apple II users are engaged in "piracy" when
they download old out-of-print games and other software from Asimov?



Rubywand