Re: Asimov performs a valuable service; so why fight over it?

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Steven Lichter writes ...
> 
> Rubywand (rubywand@swbell.net) wrote:
> 
> :      Asimov is a very valuable Apple II resource, a priceless archive,
> : and a preserver of an important part of our history. It is a source of
> : much enjoyment. The people who work so hard to organize and maintain
> : Asimov deserve our thanks.
> 
> : Rubywand
> 
> It is still pirating, that is fact.


     No; it is not. If a copyright holder does not object to his/her old
out-of-print program being available on Asimov for downloading and
enjoyment, then no one has incurred a loss or been damaged. Just the
opposite is true.


> I still support the programs I own,
> though I have not even sold one since I took them over. Should I catch
> someone allowing any of mine to be D/L or used I can assure you they will
> really regret doing it.
>

     Good for you. As the copyright holder you have every right to act
to prevent your programs from being made available on Asimov. Moreover,
you can, no doubt, count upon the support of most Csa2 readers.

     My situation is very similar to yours. A difference is that, should
one of my copyrighted wares appear on Asimov, the inclination would,
most likely, be to make sure that it is a current version and permit it
to remain.

     Each of us has exercised copyright owner privileges. Your program
would not be available on Asimov; mine would.

     Meanwhile, neither you nor I have any legal standing at all
regarding choices by another copyright holder.

     If Origin is sharp enough to see that having its old A2 Ultima's on
Asimov is a great way to attract players for its new PC Ultima's, then,
Origin's decision to permit the wares to remain is its right and
privilege as the copyright owner. The same is true for every other
copyright owner. 



Rubywand