Re: Copyright

[Nick <spam@ix.netcom.com>]

Awww...  I just love hearing the circular debates...  please don't take the fun
away from the group!  ;-)

All I have to say on the subject is that the ability to download the old software
titles is probably the only thing keeping the platform alive today.  I had a huge
box of II/IIgs software originals which were worthless because the vast majority
had failed over time.  Without the archives available to rebuild my collection, I
would have just said, screw it... it isn't worth it anymore. If someone was
interested in the platform, and they had nothing from back then, and all they could
get was the smattering of applications produced in the last couple years, they
would probably lose interest in the platform quickly as there would be nothing to
do.  Only through the public availability of the wealth of software produced for
the platform, will it survive.

This opinion doesn't make it any more right or wrong to copy the software.
However, I think that there is a symbiosis between the "pirates" of yesterday's
wares and the developers of today's.  Without the "pirates", the developers
wouldn't have enough people  interested in the platform to make their efforts
worthwhile.  Reminiscent value only goes so far, so if it is too troublesome or
costly to obtain quality software for a long obsolete platform, all interest will
fade.

Everyone is free to their opinions, so if some want to "pirate", go ahead and
"pirate", if you don't want people to "pirate", get the sites shut down, if you
can.  If you succeed, be prepared for the consequences.

Most importantly, let people make their own moral and ethical judgements.

LJSILICON wrote:

> Come on guys... Enough is enough. Take this to e-mail. I'm tired of the same
> crap being respewed over and over again. As stated, no software author in their
> right mind will pursue a copyright violation for Apple II software. It is a
> mute point. Those who are pirates will remain pirates, those who aren't; won't.
> Either hoist your flag mateys, or say a prayer for the sinners. Move this
> thread to private emails. My 2 cents...