C70:info-cpm (08/04/82)
>From KLUDGE@Mit-Mc Wed Aug 4 12:59:06 1982
As one who has been hacking Ron Cain's C compiler, with intentions of
selling the end result, I feel the need to respond to Roger's comments.
I agree that it is basically immoral to sell something that is available
for free. However, if there is value added to the item, additional value
for which people are willing to pay, things begin to get fuzzy.
When does a program cease being a "modified" version, and become a "new"
program. I don't know how other folks operate, but I borrow from my
old programs as much as possible when I write a new one. Makes little sense
to rewrite a function when it's already written. If the function borrowed
comes from a public domain program, and I sell my program, I don't feel
like I'm ripping anyone off; on the contrary, I'm saving the customer money
because I can sell the program cheaper, having taken less time to write it.
Things are even fuzzier when dealing with a programming tool. I am forever
indebted to Ron Cain for his generosity, as much of what I now know about
compilers came from seeing his code. I could not have even attempted the
hacking I have done without it. Nevertheless, I am not under any obligation
to be as generous. My compiler is radically different, even though some
functions appear in their original form. Finally, I plan to offer extensive
support, which Ron Cain chose not to do.
The Good Book says "give, and you shall receive". Ron cain's generosity has
sparked a C language frenzy in the micro world, from which everyone,
including Ron, has benefitted. There is a wide choice of compilers, C
programs and packages out there now that weren't there before. The lasting
benefit which I appreciate most is the generation of compiler hackers
that will be ready to tackle the next language challenge.
<end flame> Thanks for your forbearance...JimC70:info-cpm (08/11/82)
>From ucivax!csuf!bytebug@Ucb-C70 Tue Aug 10 20:25:11 1982
Yes, things do get fuzzy! Let me expand my earlier comments.
I agree with you that Ron Cain's generosity has benefited the mi-
cro community greatly. By putting software of that magnitude
into the public domain, he got the ball rolling. We all came out
ahead because he was willing to share. Dialogue continues in DR
DOBBS JOURNAL, where Small-C was published, as to improvements
that can be made. People are working with Ron's software, and in
dblished, as to improvements
that can be made. People are working with Ron's software, and in
doing so, are learning, and are willing to share with others the
things that they learn. And one person's contribution may
motivate someone else. I think that's the idea behind putting
something into the public domain. If that's not what happens -
if the software is ripped off and sold - how likely is it that
that programmer is ever going to put anything else into the pub-
lic domain?
I guess the best way to tell if you're ripping someone off is put
yourself into the other guy's shoes, and see what you would think
if someone was making money off of your software. In your case,
where you say your compiler is radically different, I wouldn't
think you were ripping anyone off. (I would, however, give Ron
credit in your User's Manual a