Re: ANN: Retiring from A2 world - Good Bye All!

[Ronin Hyde <roninhyde@mac.com>]

Exegete wrote:
> Let's face facts people, the Apple II world can't afford to drive away
> anyone.

  I'd tend to agree with you on that aspect. Perhaps instead of talking
about how one side behaved it would be worth examining both. I left
because of the ridiculous crap being spewed between Turley and Nathan
Mates. The best response to someone who is being arrogant (either side)
is to drive them into hemorrages by simply acting with some tact and
grace. Everytime I read one of Nathan's articles with the tag that it
wasn't to be used by pirates or Turley.. really, does it help? Or
would it show an immature nature of the people who are "leading" the
community to a newbie who stumbles upon it?

> How are Apple II fans enriched by not getting new software? How is our
> use of our machines enhanced by not being able to buy software that we
> want because no one has stocks to sell to use anymore?

   The problem with most viewpoints is that you are supposed to choose
between two sides. If piracy can keep a title around and interest in it
enough to be released freeware (like abandoned software, not current
distribution) then I can't see a problem with it. If it dies completely
because people want only others to by original boxed copies, how
does it help?
   Likewise how does spreading a piece of software around to deprive
someone of currency they need for R&D help the community. If hardware
could be copied as easily, I might be swayed by the dark side.. =)
   If people could be fostered to write their own software, wouldn't
that benefit all? Instead of griping about a few software developers
going down the tubes because of piracy.. how about trying to foster
more grass roots development? What about an online programming course
specficially geared towards the II or IIgs? Maybe have a dedicated
somewhat official IRC channel as well? Open source will prevail only
because so many people benefit *and participate* in it. Saying to
buy software or a book only goes so far. Show how to use what they
have so they don't have to buy but can create their own.