Re: Building An Apple ][ Software Archive

[lowlife2270@my-deja.com]

I think some clarifications are in order, so that we don't turn this
into a piracy discussion.

* Disk images will be saved, but only the uploader (initially) will be
able to download them.

This is a simple way for the archive to discourage piracy, while giving
the uploader the benefit of having a remote backup of their software
which they can access at a later date as desired. I say 'initially'
because I have some ideas regarding the handling of the images in a way
which circumvents the piracy issue, but they need more consideration.

* Multiple copies of a single piece of software will be stored.

Software was cracked. This is a basic fact of the Apple ][ and it's
culture. Even if the only difference is an altered start page which
attributes the cracked version to a particular cracker, it will be
saved. Yes, this means that 15 different versions of a program could be
stored. Regardless of your views on piracy, there is a basis for saving
these things for posterity.

* Checks and Balances on the access of software will be in place.

You will have to register yourself to access the archive in any way.
Details of the other requirements involved in registering will be
figured out in due course, but clearly it will be free for everyone,
and personal details will *never* be given out to a third party.

* There will be a decent amount of metadata associated with the images

Amongst other things, I'm looking at having: title, author, publisher,
platforms, short description, long description, release status, and a
couple of other useful details. Clearly, the accuracy of this
informaton will depend on the person uploading the images.

* I *am* open to ideas.

I'm actually getting on with writing the system that will make this
work. That doesn't mean that I'm fixed on a direction to achieve the
goal. If you have any ideas regarding how I can make this a more useful
site for Apple fans, please let me know.

Paul


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