Re: FAQ Solution - to Tom

[jkeim@unlinfo.unl.edu (james keim)]

LJSILICON (ljsilicon@aol.com) wrote:
> As for the piracy issue; hell, this machine is beyond that. No one is 
> going to get rich on an Apple these days!

I am continually amazed at the persistence of this poor logic.  That 
nobody gets rich makes it acceptable to pirate software is really a 
strange leap to make.  Wouldn't this argue all the more against 
piracy.  i.e. "Nobody is getting rich so we shouldn't take away any 
more from their meager income."

What this really demonstrates is the attitude toward the Apple II.  
It's okay for people to pirate software because the Apple II isn't 
important enough to invest in.

> Show me one person who is making a living of the Apple II besides 
> Steve Wozniak.

Even if we give you your premise that nobody is making a living (a 
point that is arguable--i.e. Joe Kohn) you are still arguing by way of
a fallacy.  What you have created is a false dilemma (sometimes known 
as the Either/Or Fallacy).  Your "logic" of your fallacy seems to 
suggest that either a person makes their entire living from supporting
the Apple II or it is not worth being mentioned.  This "logic," of 
course, leaves out any Apple II supporter that does it for 
supplemental income.

>Have you developed anything of note or are you just 
> another weenie cry baby? Maybe it's time you get a real job...

Beautiful.  Here we have another false dilemma, a question begging 
epithet, and an ad hominem fallacy.  "Let's see... No, I guess I 
haven't developed anything of note so, yes, I guess I am another 
weenie cry baby."  Who decides what is note worthy anyway?  And, I 
find it interesting to think about what people are really saying when 
they suggest that others "get a real job."  Why do I seldom hear this 
said of Dr. Tom, Deth Healey and the other people who pirate software?

Please don't tell me not to take my Apple II seriously.  I do.  It 
helps me in my work and it is my hobby, as well.  In both cases I want
to see people continue to support the Apple II.  And, no, I don't 
think that a Pirate software site or a Pirate diskzine is support.

> The Apple II will not pay your bills...

I assume you mean all of them?  Nobody has to make that argument to 
invalidate your position.  All they have to say is that the Apple II 
helps them pay some of their bills.  You obviously don't understand 
the value of supplemental income.

--James K.