Re: Softdisk status?

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Tom Zuchowski writes ...
> 
> I am in the final stages of assembling a comprehensive CD-ROM collection of
> pretty much every Eamon file that I have: DOS 3.3, ProDOS, DSK, SHK,
> utilities, newsletters and original authors' maps.
> 
> The only items that the disk lacks are the three Eamon games that Sam Rudy
> did for Softdisk. These were AWESOME plays and I would like to include them
> on the CD-ROM. The CD-ROM is going right into the public domain as I intend
> to give quite a few away and then sell them for a couple of bucks to cover
> my costs.
> 
> Does anyone know the status of the old Softdisk Apple II (=not= GS)
> software? If it's not in the PD, does anyone know who I can contact to try
> to get permission to include those three games on this project?
> 
> I don't know if it would make a difference, but I have the original
> Eamon-style development copies of these games, as I was Sam's beta-tester.
> But I also have the Softdisk versions. I could use whatever version was
> appropriate.
 ....

     When contacted a couple months ago Softdisk was fixing to dump or scrap
all of their disk 'zine interests. (All Apple II stuff was already gone from
their back issues listings.)

     Softdisk may come up with some kind of official position about their old
II/IIgs wares; or, they may not.  Part of the problem is ambiguity of ownership
once SD no longer offers any of the software (for any platform).  As usual in
such cases, saying anything official about software status is more bother than
saying nothing.

     My suggestion is that you regard your sale of any software to Softdisk as
'sale for publication'. Softdisk had an opportunity to publish the software and
to sell it in back issues. If Softdisk is no longer offering A2 disk 'zine
software and can not find a buyer, then, you should feel free to assume full
ownership rights just as you would had your software been published by SoftSide
or Computist or inCider.




Rubywand