Re: Asimov is a _PIRATE_ site. Face the Facts

[rder@pro-palmtree.cts.com (Richard Der)]

nathan@parka.winternet.com (Nathan Mates) wrote:
>2) Asimov has _lots_ of software posted for which it has _NO_ license.
>Specifically, I have seen no license from Apple (and Microsoft, which
>helped in Applesoft Basic) saying that the ROM images posted there are
>in any way allowed. Further, for most to all of the software, there is
>no similar notice from the publisher stating that the software has
>moved to the public domain or a license has been granted to asimov to
>distribute it.
 
That is a good point. Asimov IS a pirate site and that should be a
thorn in every Apple II user's eyes.
 
It has been expressed that the maintainers of Asimov think they are
doing something useful by preserving dead software. I still believe
that if their intentions are good, they should ask for permission.
The point was raised that many publishers would just respond
automatically with "no". Think of the benefits, though. Even if
Asimov lost half of its "hoard," the other half would be legitimized.
 
Their sector editing of copyright messages is deplorable no matter
which way you see it.
 
 
>   Usefulness and rarity is _NOT_ an excuse for the general public to
>be able to download pirated stuff. At best, it is a pathetic excuse to
>salve up a conscience that knows that what it's doing is wrong, but
>they have no self-control to do the right thing.
 
To be able to save out of print software that will otherwise languish
and disappear is an good thing. The way Asimov tries to do this
(pirating) is bad. They should try to contact the copyright holders.
 
 
>   I wish the legitimate stuff at asimov could be split off to another
>site so that people could be referred to those programs, then the rest
>could be nuked.
 
Me too. Hey, "where do I find an Apple emulator" is certainly a
frequently asked question. How about adding this to the FAQ, but
instead of refering to Asimov, point them to the apple2.caltech.edu
or ground.isca.uiowa.edu and their mirror ftp sites? There are
even emulators with compatible ROMs that do not violate copyright


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