Re: Drive to get AppleWorks GS released as freeware?

[supertimer@aol.com (Supertimer)]

spec@vax2.concordia.ca (Mitchell Spector) wrote:

>In article supertimer@aol.com (Supertimer) writes...
>
>>Several years ago, Apple was kind enough
>>to release HyperCard for the Apple IIGS as
>>System Software.  What about AWGS now
>>that it has returned to the Apple label?
>> 
>>How about it, Apple users?  Anyone know
>>the contact information to Apple's software
>>division esp. former Claris?  Let's try to get
>>AWGS to become the same status as
>>HyperCard.
>
>    You would also have to contact Scantron Quality Computers,
>they bought the publishing (and ownership?) rights to AppleWorks
>and AppleWorks GS. They've ceased publishing and selling AWGS,
>but I believe still hold the rights over it (just as they do
>for Platinum Paint which I believe they refused to reclassify).

It is not the same for AWGS, see below.

>    Then there is the issue of Alltech Electronics who still
>sells AppleWorks GS (sans box or manuals) for US$15 per copy,
>though I'm not sure if they have any ownership or licensing
>rights on the program.

They do not.  They just have a stock of disks.

>>Think how much good this will do the IIGS!
>
>    It would be nice, but I'd not hold my breath where Apple
>Computer and SQC are concerned (especially where the program
>carries the name "AppleWorks" which is a current Mac product
>now). Good luck though to anyone who tries though (it'd be 
>nice to see it reclassified on its 10th year anniversary). :)

AWGS is not like Platinum Paint.  Quality does not own
the rights.  They merely have distribution rights plus a
contract to upgrade, one that they broke and had to pay
a penalty for.

The full rights remained with Claris.  They could at any
time sell, upgrade, or transfer ownership to another
company.

Those rights have now reverted to Apple.

Thus, Apple is the one to ask.

The "AppleWorks" name is not a problem either if AWGS
is released as System Software.  There is also a Mac
version of HyperCard, yet HyperCard for the IIGS has
System Software status.