SEWALL@UCONNVM.BITNET (03/22/88)
The Computer Consultant <SCHENKMAN@HARTFORD.BITNET> writes: >In fact, the British need a license to operate a TV (even though there are >only 3 stations. I suppose because there are problems with PIRATE TV stations >that this is why). Actually, the British have to license TV sets so the government can send owners tax bills (most British TV is noncommercial and is supported by the license fees). Whether or not it ever would have been a good idea to license modems, there are far too many in use for that to be a practical idea now. At least two local phone companies have sought to impose a "data line" charge on the phone bills of modem owners. The logic is that studies show that data calls last, on average 3 times longer than voice calls. Any of you with teenagers in the house may find that hard to believe, but consider that a modem almost never tells you that the individual you wish to speak to isn't at home right now (there are a LOT of 10 sec voice calls). In short, if modems ever are licensed it won't be in the interest of protecting copyrights; rather the object will be to collect a fee. In response to assorted other messages on the subject, anyone who's spent any time attending user group meetings KNOWS that "pirates" (at least sources and requesters of software of dubious pedigree) come in all ages, sizes, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, etc. One certainly doesn't need a modem to have all manner of software coming "over (or under) the transom" (often entirely unsolicited). I don't use AppleWorks, nevertheless in the last month I've politely declined at least 4 offers (from varying ages and sexes) of the TimeOut software. Apparently it's so good that well-meaning friends want me to have a copy (in which case Beagle Brothers certainly DOES deserve to be paid for it). For my part, I definately don't want to trust anything important to unsupported, undocumented software. If I'm going to use it, it going to be a registered copy. The argument that "I'm too poor to afford my software" clearly is self-serving and wrong (where'd the money to buy the computer in the first place come from? Apple II systems today cost about 1/4th the price of first system I purchased 5 years ago; it is more for the IIgs, but still much less). I've noticed that I only really use about 4 pieces of software anyway (word processor, commware, spreadsheet, data base). At today's prices one can cover those applications (by mail order anyway) pretty well for less than $300. If you can afford the computer, you surely can afford that. If you can't afford Zaxxon (and other games), do without (there is a public domain game called "Defender" that's about as good anyway). 'Tis true of course that VCR's are used to copy movies and recoders are used make "personal" tapes of music. However, the fact that "fair use" is routinely stretched beyond all reason hardly justifies software piracy. --------------------- Disclaimer: I like my opinions better than my employer's anyway... (subject to change without notice; void where prohibited) ARPA: sewall%uconnvm.bitnet@mitvma.mit.edu Murphy A. Sewall BITNET: SEWALL@UCONNVM School of Business Admin. UUCP: ...ihnp4!psuvax1!UCONNVM.BITNET!SEWALL University of Connecticut