hzink@pro-nucleus.UUCP (Harry Zink) (05/20/89)
Network Comment: to #771 by pnet01!crash!apple.com!mattd
Well, I do tend to disagree with some points made on this topic of piracy.
The situation of scarce software support for the consumer is obviously a
reality the software distributor has to deal with. It exists. There are
places on this planet where software is hard or impossible to get, and the
desperate computer user WILL accept a piece of copied software. (especially
fearing to buy a 'dud' from a mail order house). What this desperate (but
responsible) individual SHOULD do afterwards though would be to evaluate the
piece of software, decide whether it is what he wants or not, and once he has
decided that this is what will save him from the obvious chaos of being
non-computerized, ORDER it from a mail-order place.
The excuse of not trusting mail-order and not having local distributors only
holds as long as you don't actually have the program to play with it. Once
you have established it's usefulness, you SHOULD go out and purchase it to
support the author and the software company. Any further rationalization for
not paying your dues only results in your conscience nagging you.
On the other hand, there are quite a few programs for the apple that I have
seen (yes, I have received these in pirated form) that wouldn't have been
worth any amount of money, and of which I am GLAD that people are not shelling
out money for them. Some offerings in the software market are insults, to be
blunt. Specifically two examples I would like to point out are the apple IIgs
versions of the games 'Gauntlet' and 'Paperboy'. I could also name
'Ghostbusters' for the apple II. These are adaptations were the versions for
other computers (screen shots of which are used on the package) are decent,
but where the actual apple implementation is an insult to anyone using
software. In such instance, I believe that Piracy actually serves a purpose
in not having the consumer be ripped off.
What it boils down to, I believe, is quality. Users will be willing to pay
for quality software - but should never pay for trash (for all I care,
companies continously creating trash SHOULD go out of business). Look at the
success of some of the better pieces of software for the apple IIgs lately.
Alien Mind, which has done rather well and has been bought by a great majority
of these people you label as pirates; and Tomahawk, an excellent chopper
simulation, also worth every penny. On the other hand I see quite a few
'duds' hitting the stores soon, slightly reminescent of the recent flops of
underwater movies...
So, what I am saying here is that I do not condone 'blind' piracy for the sake
of ripping off companies, selling the copies, or other such illegal
activities. But I would like to point out that a side-effect of piracy is
also a the kind of consumer protection I outlined above. IMHO it is okay to
accept a piece of software from a friedn for evaluation purposes, if you are
going to actually buy the product after you have deemed it worthwhile for your
useage. I do this with most of my acuqisiitions, and extend it to books and
records.
These opinions are, of course, my own, and in no way advocate or condone
illegal activities (though I'm sure someone will be able to read these intents
into any message)....
+
UUCP: ...!crash!pnet01!pro-sol!pro-nucleus!hzink
Proline: hzink@pro-nucleus
+nazgul@obsolete.UUCP (Kee Hinckley) (05/20/89)
Hzink@pro-nucleus.cts.com has said:
...
fearing to buy a 'dud' from a mail order house). What this desperate (but
responsible) individual SHOULD do afterwards though would be to evaluate the
piece of software, decide whether it is what he wants or not, and once he has
decided that this is what will save him from the obvious chaos of being
non-computerized, ORDER it from a mail-order place.
...
[ More, equally well put, things...]
Eloquently spoken. Thank you for avoiding the flame wars and
getting the point across well.
Home: obsolete!nazgul@bloom-beacon.mit.edu
Work: nazgul@apollo.com
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or
nazgul@pro-angmar.cts.com (somewhat slower though)
617/641-3722 (300/1200/2400)
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