Cent.Mbeck%MIT-OZ@MIT-MC.ARPA (08/04/84)
From: Mark Becker <Cent.Mbeck%MIT-OZ@MIT-MC.ARPA>
Hello Keith -
I've got a couple of questions regarding copyrights and such on
software released to the SIMTEL20 CP/M archives.
A local firm has asked me for some help with their office problems
and they are willing to lay out some bucks for my efforts. For me, as
I'm currently unemployed, this could be a lot of fun as well as maybe
profitable.
Some of the stuff they want done I'll have to write myself. But a
good chunk of other things they want live in the 'public-domain' -
LU.COM, SQ.COM, USQ.COM, etc., etc..
Keith, I was thinking of sending them utilities and only charging
them for my efforts in transmission and maybe some customizing efforts.
Should I contact all the authors of the above mentioned packages and
set up some agreement with them? This stuff is *NOT* for re-sale, just for
in-house use. Heck, I don't know if I'm even allowed to charge for
transmission of these and other utilities.
Your help is appreciated.. (I'm just flat out confused by all these
conflicting rules on 'copyrights' after seeing all the stuff fly by
regarding Irv Hoff and MDM7xx).
Mark BeckerW8SDZ@Simtel20.ARPA (08/04/84)
From: Keith Petersen <W8SDZ@Simtel20.ARPA> You may give away any of the public-domain programs without contacting the authors. It doesn't matter that these programs will be used for commercial applications UNLESS the program documentation specifically prohibits commercial use. Even then, unless it's copyrighted that doesn't mean anything. Public-Domain is Public-Domain - for ALL to use in any manner they deem fit. Public-Domain programs should not be sold for profit, but a "reasonable" charge can be made for copying and/or customization as required. The definition of "reasonable" is vague, but I'd say you should let your conscience be your guide. Charge only a small fee for copying and make your money on a per-hour labor charge for customization. Typical free-lance computer consultant fees are $25 to $50 per hour or "by the piece" if it will take too many hours to make using the "per-hour" charge practical. What you charge for an hourly fee will be decided by what the traffic will bear and by what value you place on your time. Don't under-sell yourself and don't forget your overhead costs, such as disks, computer time, travel, phone calls, overtime, etc. --Keith