Re: software license reclassification

[mjmahon@aol.com (Michael J. Mahon)]

Kim Howe replied:

>In article <20011226192942.01522.00001662@mb-ch.aol.com>, Michael J.
>Mahon <mjmahon@aol.com> wrote:
>
>> Dan Bethe wrote:
>> 
>> >Hi all.  Please tell me if this is documented somewhere like in a FAQ.
>> > I'd like to know what Apple // software (mainly //gs) has been
>> >reclassified as freely publicly redistributable, with undisputed proof
>> >as to the reclassification.  I know that's happened a lot because the
>> >software can't be sold profitably anymore.
>> >
>> >Back then, software was usually handled by a few people, almost always
>> >inside the same company, so hopefully the code for any given
>> >individual application won't be encumbered by multiple parties.  :)
>> 
>> Unfortunately, neither of your assumptions is correct.
>> 
>
>You should check out http://lostclassics.a2central.com/

Actually, Kim, I have checked it out--even before it's current "broken
links" incarnation.  It is certainly a very worthy effort, and it should
have come to mind along with Willie's project.  I applaud the efforts
of those who aim to track down rights holders and try to persuade
them to release historic works.

The fact remains that the sum total of all reclassified Apple titles
is a tiny fraction of all the Apple II software and, for various reasons,
it is likely to remain so (e.g. untraceable authors, encumbered IP
content, uninterested corporate rights holders, etc.).

I consider this situation unfortunate, not only for Apple II enthusiasts,
but for future historians who will attempt to make sense of the PC
revolution.  With each passing day, more owners of Apple II software
collections cease their earthly existence, and most of their treasures
become land fill.  I imagine that this pleases collectors, but it is a
loss to us all.

-michael

 Email:  mjmahon@aol.com
 Home page:  http://members.aol.com/MJMahon/