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

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

rubywand@aol.com (RUBYWAND) wrote:
>>.... they have AppleWorks. It wouldn't
>>be so bad if they only had out of print software. Then, at least, you
>>could make an argument of intent/spirit of the law vs. the letter of
>>the law.
>>
>
>     If it's classic Appleworks 5.x, Asimov is asking for trouble. It
>would be best to place such wares in a "Conserve, not for download"
>folder.
 
Well, it is AppleWorks 2.x modified with QuickSpell. I suppose it
could be argued that Asimov gives you a taste of the program then
if you like it, you will want to get AppleWorks 5.x. In this respect,
it would be doing something good. In reality, there may be another
reason they have 2.x instead of 5.x: emulators are limited to 128K
and some can't go beyond an emulated 5.25" drive.
 
 
>     Ideally, as you suggest, Asimov would attempt to contact each
>copyright holder to obtain permission to maintain a downloadable
>image. The holder would, then, evaluate the situation and make a
>decision based upon impact on a ware's real market value and impact
>on enjoyment of computing by Asimov users.
>
>     Unfortunately, once contacted, a publisher representative is not
>likely to go to the bother of considering any of the above...
>
>     Asimov is a classic 'don't ask; don't tell' situation. So long
>as it has the appearance of a bunch of users taking liberties with
>old software copyrights; there is little danger that anyone will claim
>imaged wares have been released to the public domain. So long as Asimov
>does not ask; copyright holders need not say "No".
 
That is a good point. Actually, I agree with you that old software
should have an outlet. Let it be used and enjoyed rather than languish
and disappear. Comp.sys.apple2 users should take a consistent stand,
however. If we condone Asimov, should we turn around and chastise


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