Re: Cracks/De-protects-- Computist stuff

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Richard Bennett writes ...
> 
> > > Hey, you should still have the original text for Computist, why not make
> > > it freely available on the Internet?
> >

Rubywand answered ...

> >      It would be a _very_ nice resource! The only Computist on-file
> > originals in my possession are the reviews, columns, other articles, and
> > programs I did for the magazine.
> 
> So let's see them uploaded somewhere!


Greg Buchner writes ...
> 
> In article <1998060905490800.BAA11362@ladder03.news.aol.com>,
> cturley2@aol.com (Cturley2) wrote:
> 
> >I think Rubywand has address this matter very clearly.
 ....
> 
> Why does Rubywand need to reach this Chuck Haight?  Why doesn't he just
> start making the stuff available.  After all, if it's "OK" to do that to
> software that's no longer available, it should be "OK" to do it to
> copyrighted material out of a magazine.
> 
> Rubywand does seem to have two different views on violating the copyright
> law here.  It's OK for software he wants available, but it's not OK for
> magazine articles he already has.
> 
> Greg B.


     These comments show what happens when one is slow responding to fan
postings!

     For starters, some of my Computist stuff has already been released.
The "Computer Wars Chronicles" included in the Apple II Csa2 FAQs
(History) is one example. The little BATRAMMER program for
saving/restoring GS BatRAM settings when replacing the battery is
another. The SpeedGS Startup program-- a ProDOS-8 program selector which
displays time and current speed-- is an enhancement of the program
published in the "Tic-Toc" article in CALL A.P.P.L.E .

     The above stuff is available on Ground. So are programs for getting
MockingBoard sound (with a MockingBoard) when playing Ultima IV and
Ultima V, and a few other wares. It may still be available on Dr. Tom's
site and some other places. No site is "resticted" from maintaining it.

     Last year, a collection of Apple II/IIgs game hints, strategy tips,
and mods from several Computist columns Plus a pile of oldie 85/86 game
reviews including game screen shots were sent to Dr. Tom for inclusion
in A2-2000. I'm pretty sure a few programs for mapping and character
editing for some popular A2 adventures were included, too.

     Unfortunately, recent attacks on Dr. Tom's sites seem to have
resulted in the temporary loss of some A2-2000 archives. If necessary,
the material can be uploaded again as the sites are restored. Also, it
will be uploaded to other popular sites.

     Even so, there are several assorted games and utilities (including
a few commercial releases) which have yet to be released as either
shareware or freeware. (There are many II/IIgs product reviews from
other magazines, too.) Given the very flattering interest expressed, I
shall be sure to put the project of checking out and releasing these
materials on 'the front burner'!



Rubywand