Re: Regarding Asmiov (was: GS Icon file Verifier released)

[rder@pro-palmtree.cts.com (Richard Der)]

jefbla@bconnex.net (Jeff Blakeney) wrote:
>rder@pro-palmtree.cts.com (Richard Der) wrote:
>>There is one little problem with this: they have AppleWorks. It
>>wouldn't be so bad if they only had out of print software. Then, at
>>least, you could make an argument of intent/spirit of the law vs.
>>the letter of the law.
>
>Others have already pointed out that it is version 2 and is of limited
>use so I won't comment further.
 
Well, it is AppleWorks 2.x modified with QuickSpell. As far as the
word processor module goes, this combination is equivalent in
functionality to version 3. Version 2 recognizes the Apple II Memory
Expansion card, which the IIGS slot 5 RAMdisk emulates, so you can
actually get a large desktop. It may very wells stunt the sales
of current versions.
 
Jeffrey Robertson's proposal (see the thread about A Modest Proposal)
says it well. If the software is still being sold OR a derivative
of that software (example, AWGS is a derivative of MultiScribe GS),
then it should not be made available no matter what because its
availability can directly harm the sales of the current version.
 
Further, several of the games on Asimov are still being sold by
by Joe Kohn.
 
I agree with what you said later in your post about how it would
take a lot of effort to contact some of the publishers/authors.
It is true that an ftp site does not have the same resources as
an online service. They should at least try, however. There is
a big difference between not being able to contact the copyright
holder and not bother asking.
 
I also agree that Asimov is in a position to do a useful service
for those who have copy protected or dead disks. Consider this,
however. If Asimov follows either of the suggestions already
proposed: (1) require proof of ownership before giving the user
a copy or (2) try their best to contact the author/publisher,
they would be legitimized. They would no longer have to hide and
their service and could be publicized here in csa2, in magazines,
etc. They could thus help more people.


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