Willie Yeo writes ...
>
> Rubywand wrote:
>
> > The basic idea behind loading on restrictions is to allow the
> > copyright owner to nail anyone who tries to copy the software and sell
> > the copies or to offer the software as an attraction to some for-profit
> > site or business.
>
> What I am asking is, what implications are there if, e.g. I want to buy a
> copy of 'Space Quest' (purely an example), the publishers do not roll out an
> Apple II version no more, but there are still, PC & Mac versions, classic
> titles redistributed by another distributor. Though buying a PC / Mac version
> does not entitle you to a Apple II version, but, what I am asking is : if one
> erases the PC / Mac version and puts the Apple II version in it's place, you
> still purchase the game (by definition), using it on *ONE* computer, same
> game, different platform.
>
As you say: "buying a PC / Mac version does not, legally, entitle
you to a Apple II version".
> The question is, is it right to do so ? You want to buy a copy of it,
> there is not one for the platform but avaliable on another platform. Morally,
> you are still paying for the game, but sales number will increase for the
> platform you purchased.
>
> > My respnse to Willie boils down to the observation that buying or
> > not buying a PC version of a game simply does not matter vis-a-vis what
> > Willie may want to do with an Apple II version of the game.
>
> I am only asking an opinion, not inviting a flame, so I really don't know
> what you feel so agitiated about.
One way to invite a flame is to miss-characterize a perfectly
polite response as a "flame". (grrrr!) Well, perhaps, there is
something about a clear, direct answer which seems unsympathetic or
harsh. Let's try again.
You appear to be saying that you are prepared to ignore the
standard restrictions on copying some old, out of print game. Fine. If
the copyright owner objected, the game would not be available for
downloading on any major Apple II archive.
Indeed, there is every reason for a copyright owner which is
currently producing PC games to _want_ the A2 oldie to be downloaded and
played. It's an advertising bonanza for the copyright owner. Anyone who
plays SpaceQuest/gs and likes it is much more likely to look for new
Sierra games to play on his/her PC.
If anything, the copyright owners should be _paying_ sites like
Asimov to foist their advertising upon downloaders.
On balance, everyone involved wins; and, remember, the copyright
owner is always free to insist that a product be delisted from an Apple
II archive site. This should answer any questions about rightness or
wrongness of downloading the oldie.
To be candid, yes, you are in a bit of a bind. As the Treasure
Chest Project manager, you have defined an expectation of behavior
beyond any possible accusations of "piracy". That, in situations such as
the above, the accusation would be absurd is beside the point when the
concern is to avoid controversy. All in all, this seems an unfair and
unnecessary burden to place upon yourself.
My suggestion is that you be a smidgen less concerned with
'pleasing everyone' and focus upon what is right. If you agree that it
is okay to just download the old game, then, download it. If you
honestly believe that it is necessary to pay for a PC version in order
to download an Apple II version, then do it. (But, at least, save a copy
of the PC version you paid for!)
Good luck with your decision!
Rubywand