Re: Announcement: STM 0.85r available

[jimn8@netcom.com (Jim Nitchals)]

sheldon@netcom.com (Sheldon Simms) writes:

>Although I, and I think every other person who makes a living writing
>software, agree with Jawaid 100%, I think we could be somewhat realistic
>and face up the fact that Atari is not going to give a damn about
>some cracked Apple II version of Robotron being on an ftp site. I do
>not say this to encourage or argue for the posting of copyrighted software
>without permission, I am just stating a fact.

It's not just that Atari won't care.  Those programs are on cassandra's
incoming area to test programs, most of which will likely be available
in commercial form and make the authors one last round of royalties and/or
recognition.

The /incoming area is being restructured to make it clear that those
programs are for testing purposes only, which given the nonviable
commercial nature of the programs probably falls under fair use rules.
I can state with certainty that some of those programs *do* have
permission granted to be placed there, and that'll be true of them
all if everything goes well.

If someone uploads an Apple IIgs version of anything or starts using
the incoming directory as a pirate warez site, Kevin will probably
be forced to shut it down.  This would make testing more difficult,
and possibly jeapordize the viability of the project.

There's a golden egg here for everyone, provided nobody goes and
kills the goose first.

> W. Sheldon Simms        | Newt's Friend / Jack Kemp for President
> sheldon@netcom.com      | Freedom implies responsibility 

- Jim (comparing .signatures...)

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