Re: Asimov performs a valuable service; so why fight over it

[cturley2@aol.com (Cturley2)]

Henrick,
I rarely post in this newsgroup now and even less rarely do I relate directly
to you on any issue.  However, I've got to point out to you and everybody else
in all honesty, I've discussed in detail by telcon on many occasions over the
past two years with Roger Wagner,  his staff and Glen - the author of Merlin
about the program, it's classification, sales availability and it's presents as
a public archive from the Asimov and other such sites.

All are aware of the presents of the Merlin archives on Asimov, have been for
ages - as I advised them all about its presents in early 1996.  All of this can
be easily varified with an email, telephone call or a letter to them. 

If you don't have their current contact information, I'll be happy to provide
you with it promptly upon your request.

They have on many occasions expressed that they have no problems or objections
to it's being available from Asimov and it's Tiawan mirror also or from the new
GS only Asimov ftp site.  I can assure you if they objected they would contact
the ftp sites host and administrator and request it's prompt removal.

They are the only people with the actual rights and legal authority to request
the Merlin archives removal from any ftp or web site. After knowing about it
for the past two years now - no such request for its removal has been made. 
Knowing the Asimov administrator and his concern over such matters, If they had
requested such archive removal the archives would not be there.

If people are outraged about Merlin being on Asimov and other such sites, they
should take the time and effort to contact the author and distributor to
express their thoughts and desires with respect to the program archives being
available from such sites for public downloads and use.