Re: Why the heck is Apple2 and GS software not freely distributable??!

[mikew50@aol.com (MikeW50)]

> Why the heck is Apple2 and GS software not freely distributable??!

The real answer, of course, is that it isn't your decision whether someone else
is still trying to make some money--or just cover expenses--selling software
for the Apple IIGS. That's not intended to be harsh or condescending, just a
plain, blunt statement of an often overlooked fact.

I'm one of the people still doing so. It's certainly not a major part of my
income, but I'm still around offering a wide selection of good programs. I
still support them as best I can--tech support is freely given, and bug fixes
are still made as I have time. I even plan to introduce a new product at some
point. No, I don't exepect to make a lot of money from it, but I do expect to
charge for it. I also plan to provide a large, well written manual, lots of
samples, and customer support.

Is this a bisuness venture that will attract much attention? Hardly. At this
point, the Apple IIGS is more of a hobby. But if I'm going to offer a 40,000
line program, plus samples, plus a manual, I'll have to charge for it.

So why don't I make all of my old programs free? Well, to put it bluntly, why
should I? If it has value to you, it's worth you're money. If it doesn't, then
don't use it. But if you do buy one of my programs, I'm still here to help,
you'll still get a professional product with professional packaging, and you
might even see upgrades or new products--if I have the time, and people
continue to show they are interested by buying, rather than stealing, the
programs.

Mike Westerfield