Re: Regarding Asmiov (was: GS Icon file Verifier released)

[jefbla@bconnex.net (Jeff Blakeney)]

rder@pro-palmtree.cts.com (Richard Der) wrote:

>Jeffrey Robertson's proposal (see the thread about A Modest Proposal)
>says it well. If the software is still being sold OR a derivative
>of that software (example, AWGS is a derivative of MultiScribe GS),
>then it should not be made available no matter what because its
>availability can directly harm the sales of the current version.

Yes, you are probably right about this.  If there is a newer version
of the title still available, an older version shouldn't really be
made available.  It may be more limited than the newer version but at
least it can be downloaded for free and is therefore an attractive
alternative to actually buying the new version.

>Further, several of the games on Asimov are still being sold by
>by Joe Kohn.

Something struck me when I read a similar statement in another message
a few minutes ago.  We seem to be drifting from asimov's original
purpose.  It is to provide disk images of Apple II software for use
with emulators.  Many people who are using emulators may have
purchased the software then had their hardware or software die,
disappear or get thrown out.  These people have absolutely no way of
using a brand new shrink wrapped version of any Apple II software
unless they get hold of working Apple II hardware.  And then, again,
the copy protection on new disks gets in the way again.

Downloading disk images is far more convenient and doable for someone
who is only emulating a II and doesn't actually own one.  This should
only be done if the person actually owned a II and the software they
are downloading.

However, anyone with a real II should be buying the titles from people
like Joe Kohn and all those people on comp.sys.apple2.marketplace that
I see selling shrink wrapped versions of software.  I know that once I
get a steady job and get some money ahead, I'll be doing just that.

I just thought of something else.  Another benefit to tracking down
the copyright holders is that, even if they don't agree to releasing
their work as public domain or freeware, they might be convinced to
allow their work to be added to a compilation CD for a nominal fee or
royalties.  Now this would be nice.

>I agree with what you said later in your post about how it would
>take a lot of effort to contact some of the publishers/authors.
>It is true that an ftp site does not have the same resources as
>an online service. They should at least try, however. There is
>a big difference between not being able to contact the copyright
>holder and not bother asking.

Agreed, the effort should be made but it will definitely take
volunteers.  The asimov site is run by one person at present and I'm
pretty sure he has a full time job that has nothing to do with asimov.

>I also agree that Asimov is in a position to do a useful service
>for those who have copy protected or dead disks. Consider this,
>however. If Asimov follows either of the suggestions already
>proposed: (1) require proof of ownership before giving the user
>a copy or (2) try their best to contact the author/publisher,
>they would be legitimized. They would no longer have to hide and
>their service and could be publicized here in csa2, in magazines,
>etc. They could thus help more people.

Okay, I hate to do this but the point has to be raised.  How would you
go about checking proof of ownership?   Someone mentioned sending in
your original disk but, and here is the nasty bit, what is to stop
people from sending in other peoples disks?  I just glanced through
some of my disks and very few looked like they had anything resembling
a serial number on it.  What is to stop someone from sending it in and
upon getting it back giving it to his friend to send in?  The pirating
would still be occurring, it would just be slower.

A possibility would be to physically mark the disk but that wouldn't
sit well with a lot of people because it sort of destroys the copy.  I
have originals of Apple's Apple Bowl and Apple Stellar Invaders and I
certainly wouldn't want anyone marking up those disks.  Keep in mind
this is only an example.  I chose those titles only because to me they
are collectable type material.

Just another something to think about.

BTW, if we do come up with a set of workable guidelines, maybe they
should be posted to comp.emulators.apple2.  They are the ones being
most affected after all.  And being the most affected, they might also
jump at the chance to help track down copyright holders.