home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Current Shareware 1994 January
/
SHAR194.ISO
/
textfile
/
shrv17rr.zip
/
ART02
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1993-09-07
|
2KB
|
34 lines
What is shareware? Shareware is computer software created by small
companies, often a single person operation, that is marketed on a "try
before you buy" basis. An informed decison by any consumer should be based
upon maximum knowledge. As a sales approach, which is remarkable for its
generosity to potential customers, shareware authors create and distribute
their work in a format which has at least partial or often complete
functionality. Distribution is via mail order companies which specialize in
selling shareware on disk and Bulletin Board Systems, such as SOFTWARE
CREATIONS, whose sysops are committed to the promotion of shareware. By not
investing in expensive brochures or the usual sort of advertising, shareware
authors are determined to hold down costs and thereby, the retail prices of
their products.
Successful shareware benefits everyone because the retail price is
as low as possible, placing the least stress on a user's wallet.
Hopefully, a large selling volume will increase the income for the
author/publisher. Shareware authors are unusually generous and trusting.
If their product is fully functional in the shareware version, which is
often the case, users must feel honor bound to purchase it after the fact.
Purchase is termed registration and is by mail order via forms provided
within the shareware package. We urge you to register any and all shareware
you try out, like and decide to use. If the shareware does not fulfill your
needs, pass it on to someone who might be interested, thereby giving the
shareware more exposure.
Unlike browsing in a book store where there is no possibility of
keeping the book without payment (short of theft), all of us could "steal"
our favorite shareware if so inclined. If we are not honorable, this
generous marketing approach is in danger of disappearing. Furthermore, many
authors are highly creative and innovative while exploring areas still
untouched by major corporations. Often their products are as full featured
and "deep" as any offered in the mainstream, highly advertised marketplace
and may, in fact, incorporate an approach that cannot be found anywhere else.