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W H A T I S S H A R E W A R E ?
---------------------------------------
W H A T I S T H E A S P ?
------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Shareware Concept ......................................... 2
The Virus Problem ............................................. 3
The Association of Shareware Professionals .................... 6
Contacting ASP Members Via CompuServe ......................... 7
Author Address Changes ........................................ 8
ASP Ombudsman Statement ....................................... 8
For More Information .......................................... 9
M. P. Data Page 1 of 11
- Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP -
======================
The Shareware Concept:
======================
If you are familiar with the idea behind Shareware, then you know
that Shareware is the ultimate in money back guarantees.
Most money back guarantees work like this: You pay for the
product and then have some period of time to try it out and see
whether or not you like it. If you don't like it or find that it
doesn't do what you need, you return it (undamaged) and at some
point - which might take months - you get your money back. Some
software companies won't even let you try their product! In order
to qualify for a refund, the diskette envelope must have an
unbroken seal. With these "licensing" agreements, you only
qualify for your money back if you haven't tried the product. How
absurd!
Shareware is very different. With Shareware you get to try it for
a limited time, without spending a penny. If you decide not to
continue using it, you throw it away and forget all about it. No
paperwork, phone calls, or correspondence to waste your valuable
time.
Software authors who use the Shareware method of distribution feel
that Shareware is the best way to try a product. You are able to
try it on your own system(s), in your own special work
environment, with no sales people looking over your shoulder.
Have you ever purchased a car and realized that if you could have
test driven it for 30 days your purchase decision might have been
different? With Shareware these problems can be avoided - you DO
have a 30 day test-drive!
After trying a Shareware product and deciding to continue to use
it, then - and only then - do you pay for it. Not only that, but
Shareware is traditionally MUCH less expensive simply because you
are paying for the software, not the advertising and marketing
that comprises the majority of the cost of most software (a one
page ad in PC Magazine, one time, can cost upwards of $20,000).
If the try-before-you-buy concept sounds like an ideal way to make
your purchase decisions, you're right!
Some companies burden their products with annoying copy protection
schemes because they don't trust their users. Shareware
developers not only don't use copy protection, they freely
distribute their products because they DO trust their users.
Someone once said that you should never trust software which
doesn't trust you. This makes a lot of sense - no wonder
Shareware is becoming so popular among users and developers.
Shareware is a distribution method, NOT a type of software.
Shareware is produced by accomplished programmers, just like
retail software. There is good and bad Shareware, just as there
M. P. Data Page 2 of 11
- Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP -
is good and bad retail software. The primary difference between
Shareware and retail software is that with Shareware you know if
it's good or bad BEFORE you pay for it. Registration of Shareware
products, in addition to being required, is also an incentive for
programmers to continue to produce quality software for the
Shareware market.
There is another significant advantage to Shareware - it allows
small companies (like M. P. Data) to make software available
without the hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses that it
takes to launch a traditional retail software product. There are
many programs on the market today which would never have become
available without the Shareware marketing method. Please show
your support for Shareware by registering those programs you
actually use and by passing them on to others. Thank you for your
support!
==================
The Virus Problem:
==================
We've all heard the horror stories about computer viruses.
Unfortunately, we have also heard lots of conflicting statistics
and opinions. When it comes to the virus problem there is a lot
of confusion among users and even developers.
The sad truth is that some unscrupulous publishers of anti-virus
products are using half-truths, overdramatizations, and outright
fabrication to promote sales of their products. They delight in
manipulating statistics to support their marketing efforts. While
not illegal, these snake-oil tactics are certainly not ethical.
To make matters worse, the media has frequently promoted the
misinformation promulgated by these unscrupulous individuals
rather than the straight facts. While the misinformation may be
more interesting than the actual facts, the media is not doing the
computer industry any favors by spreading inaccurate information.
To be fair, many newspapers, magazines, and news networks are
beginning to realize which "virus experts" are reliable and which
"experts" say whatever is in their own best interest.
One of the most interesting myths that has been promulgated by
these snake-oil salesmen is that BBSs (Bulletin Board Systems) and
Shareware programs are a major source of virus infections. This
is interesting since one of the individuals who makes this claim,
also distributes his virus detection system as Shareware. Some
corporations are now afraid of Shareware and BBS activity because
of this misinformation.
In the October 11, 1988 issue of PC Magazine, publisher Bill
Machrone's editorial was entitled "Shareware or Scareware?". In
his article, Bill Machrone points out "The truth is that all major
viruses to date were transmitted by commercial [retail] packages
M. P. Data Page 3 of 11
- Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP -
and private mail systems." That sounds a little different than the
claims being made by less knowledgeable journalists.
Let's consider for a moment, the distribution differences between
retail software and Shareware software. Company XYZ releases a
new version of its retail software product. At the same time that
company XYZ ships tens of thousands of copies to its retail
distribution channels, it also ships 30,000 updates to loyal
users. Most of those loyal users will receive the update within a
few days of each other. This can be a big problem if the update
happened to be infected with a virus.
"Not likely", you say? It has already happened! Several times!
There have been seventeen (17) major incidents of virus and trojan
horse problems in retail software. Some of these incidents
affected tens of thousands of users.
What about Shareware? To date there has been one case of a
shareware author shipping an infected product. The virus was
detected by the disk vendors and the problem was corrected
immediately. No users were infected.
"But it makes sense that programs which are passed around have a
greater chance of virus infections, doesn't it?" Think about it.
Who has the most to lose if viruses were spread by BBSs and
Shareware programs? The BBS operators, Shareware disk vendors and
the Shareware authors, of course. Because of this, reputable BBS
operators, disk vendors and Shareware authors are very careful
with the programs they handle.
Think about it. Hundreds (even thousands) of BBS operators and
disk vendors are carefully examining the programs they receive and
distribute. Their business depends on it. This means that any
given Shareware program can go through hundreds (even thousands)
of checkpoints where the program is carefully examined. If a
problem is found the word spreads incredibly fast. News travels
"on the wires" even faster than the proverbial small town gossip.
Programs have disappeared almost overnight as a result of this
highly efficient communication network.
If a Shareware program has been around for a few months, it has
been checked for viruses and trojan horses many more times than
any retail software could hope to be checked. Retail distributors
don't check the disks they sell. Even if the publisher checks
their masters for viruses (few do), that is still far less than
the scrutiny to which Shareware programs are subjected.
There's something else to consider. Most retail distributors have
a return policy. What do they do with packages that are returned?
They shrink-wrap them and resell them, of course. How can you be
sure that you are the first person to purchase the package you
just bought at your friendly neighborhood computer store? You
can't. On the other hand, most shareware authors erase, reformat,
and reduplicate the disks that are returned to them. Which do you
M. P. Data Page 4 of 11
- Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP -
think is safer?
Bill Machrone's article in PC Magazine goes on to say "It's time
to recognize that there's nothing to fear in shareware. As a
distribution medium, it saves you money and helps you try out new
genres of software with minimum risk."
Does this mean that we should all start buying Shareware instead
of retail software? Not at all (although few Shareware authors
would object). Let's face it, more data has been lost to power
failures and spilled cups of coffee than all viruses, trojan
horses, and worms combined! An even bigger threat is plain old
human error, a mistake, a wrong key press, turning off the power
while files are open, and so forth. Accurate information and
common sense (regular backups) are the best defenses against lost
data.
Sure, the virus problem is real. Viruses exist. But shunning
Shareware is not the answer. Shareware and BBSs are, quite
simply, NOT a major source of virus infections. Some corporations
have even banned Shareware entirely because of fear of infections.
This is not only unreasonable, it is also expensive. Think how
much they could save in software costs if they would only try
software before they buy it!
Is there anything you can do to help protect yourself from virus
infections? Absolutely! Fortunately, the best preventive
measures are also the least expensive!
If you need informative, accurate and practical information,
please read the treatise on "Computer Virus Myths" written by Rob
Rosenberger and Ross M. Greenberg. This treatise is available as
a text file on many BBSs and online services. It not only gives
you the facts, it also provides the best overall strategy for
protecting your computer system.
Don't let fear stop you from saving money on software. Don't let
fear prevent you from trying some of the best software available.
Shareware is an important market for software. Take advantage of
it. You'll be glad you did!
M. P. Data Page 5 of 11
- Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP -
=================================================
The Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP):
=================================================
_______
____|__ | (R)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
In the early days of Shareware there were no real standards.
Independent authors had no efficient way to learn from each other
or to work together to improve the overall image of Shareware.
There was no system in place to ensure that users were treated
fairly and professionally. There was no way for users to find an
address for an author who had moved. In short, the Shareware
community was disorganized and each author did things the way he
or she thought was best. It was clear that if Shareware was ever
to become a viable and respected marketing alternative, there had
to be some standardization. There had to be some guidelines to
best serve the users.
In 1987 a handful of Shareware authors founded the Association of
Shareware Professionals (ASP). In forming this industry
association, these Shareware authors had several primary goals in
mind, including:
o To inform users about Shareware programs and about
Shareware as a method of distributing and marketing
software.
o To foster a high degree of professionalism among Shareware
authors by setting programming, marketing, and support
standards for ASP members to follow.
o To encourage broader distribution of Shareware through user
groups and disk dealers who agree to identify and explain
the nature of Shareware.
o To assist members in marketing their software.
o To provide a forum through which ASP members may
communicate, share ideas, and learn from each other.
The newly formed Association of Shareware Professionals worked
together to draft a code of ethics for all present and future
members. This code of ethics included several requirements that
soon became very popular among users (customers), including:
o A member's program (evaluation version) could not be
limited (crippled) in any way. In the true spirit of Try-
M. P. Data Page 6 of 11
- Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP -
Before-You-Buy, users must be able to evaluate all the
features in a program before paying the registration fee.
o Members must respond to every registration. At the very
least they must send a receipt for the payment.
o Members must provide technical support for their products
for at least 90 days from the date of registration.
A new system was put in place to help ensure that users were
treated fairly and professionally. If a user was unable to
resolve a problem with a member author then the user could contact
the ASP Ombudsman with their complaint. The Ombudsman would then
try to help resolve the dispute. For more complete details
regarding the Ombudsman, please refer to the "ASP Ombudsman
Statement" below (page 8).
The ASP currently (November, 1990) has about 300 author members
and almost 200 vendor members, with new members joining every
week.
======================================
Contacting ASP Members Via CompuServe:
======================================
There is an easy and convenient way to speak directly to many ASP
Members (both authors and vendors). Visit the Shareware forum on
CompuServe. Simply type "GO SHAREWARE" - or "GO SHARE" -from any
CompuServe ! prompt.
Here you will be able to talk to the authors of your favorite
Shareware programs, learn about other programs, ask questions,
make suggestions, and much more.
M. P. Data Page 7 of 11
- Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP -
=======================
Author Address Changes:
=======================
People move. Forwarding orders expire. What can you do?
"I got a copy of a Shareware program written by an ASP Member.
I sent in the registration fee and the post office returned my
letter saying that it was undeliverable. Now what do I do?"
If the author has moved then chances are very good that you have
an old version of the program. This is another situation that the
ASP can help you to resolve. ASP Members are required to keep the
ASP informed of address changes. If you need to obtain the
current address for a member, simply write to the following
address:
ASP Executive Director
545 Grover Road
Muskegon, MI 49442
U.S.A.
or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe MAIL to ASP Executive
Director 71327,2051.
========================
ASP Ombudsman Statement:
========================
This program is produced by a member of the Association of
Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the
Shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a
Shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the
member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can
help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does
not provide technical support for members' products.
Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at:
ASP Ombudsman
545 Grover Road
Muskegon, MI 49442
U.S.A.
or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe MAIL to ASP Ombudsman
70007,3536.
M. P. Data Page 8 of 11
- Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP -
=====================
For More Information:
=====================
If you would like to learn more about the Shareware phenomenon,
there are several excellent sources of additional information.
Two of the best books ever written about Shareware are described
below.
Announcing an Outstanding Book/Disk NEW
from Dvorak*Osborne/McGraw-Hill
Dr. File Finder's Guide to Shareware
------------------------------------
by Mike Callahan and Nick Anis
Foreword by John C. Dvorak
Includes One 5 1/4" Disk with Dr. File Finder's Favorite Shareware
Programs: Qmodem 4.2, BackMail 1.10, dCOM 3.44, and many more.
For All IBM PC & Compatibles.
"[Mike's] book distills thousands of hours of his online search
for the crown jewels of Shareware into one usable guide. As
such, it may be the most valuable computer book you'll ever
buy."
--Jack Rickard, Publisher, Boardwatch Magazine
"No one combines Dr. File Finder's comprehensive knowledge of
the Shareware genre with his good taste in software. This is
sure to be the definitive place to look for insight and program
information."
--Barry Simon, Former President of the Association of
Shareware Professionals, PC Magazine Columnist, and Coauthor
of Stackey, Batutil, and Ctrlalt
"GREAT! Every PC user will find something of value within
these pages. This book will save you a bundle."
--Alfred Glossbrenner
"If I were going to buy only one computer book, this would be
it."
--Tom Scott, Publisher, Telecomputing Magazine
Nobody knows Shareware like the illustrious Dr. File Finder, known
off line as Mike Callahan. Now, in Dr. File Finder's Guide to
Shareware, you can learn about dozens of leading Shareware
programs, including where and how to get them. In the true
spirit of Shareware, this book/disk package includes a disk full
of top programs that you can try out yourself before registering.
Send in the card at the back of the book and you'll get two
additional disks with more software.
M. P. Data Page 9 of 11
- Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP -
About the Authors:
Mike Callahan, AKA Dr. File Finder, is the world's leading
authority on Shareware. He regularly accesses thousands of
bulletin board systems and has been a major force in promoting
many of the top Shareware packages. Callahan has spent
several years and thousands of hours helping people around the
world learn more about Shareware.
Nick Anis is the coauthor of several acclaimed best-sellers in
the Dvorak*Osborne imprint, including Dvorak's Guide to PC
Telecommunications, Dvorak's Guide to Desktop
Telecommunications, and Glossbrenner's Complete Hard Disk
Handbook.
$39.95, ISBN: 0-07-881646-7, 950 pp. 7 3/8 X 9 1/4
AVAILABLE NOW AT YOUR LOCAL BOOK OR COMPUTER STORE OR CALL TOLL-
FREE 1-800-227-0900 (M-F, 8:30 - 4:30 PST)
Shareware: "Try Before You Buy" Software:
------------------------------------------
Perhaps you've read Rob Rosenberger's well known and highly
acclaimed treatise on the computer virus problem. If you liked
that article then you'll love his excellent book on Shareware.
This book is a must for anyone who is interested in Shareware,
what to look for (and look out for), and where to find it. In
this book, shareware author and writer Rob Rosenberger delves into
the very heart of Shareware, telling you who developed the concept
and why.
You'll know why these programs: * undercut the price of retail
software * helped bring down the use of copy protection schemes *
receive numerous editorial and reader survey awards * generate
more sales than retail software in some cases * make retail OS/2
software developers so nervous * are falsely accused of spreading
computer "viruses".
Rob shows you where you can find good Shareware. You'll learn to
beware of companies that make money by abusing the "try before you
buy" concept. And you'll discover where Shareware is heading in
the near future.
"A lot of good books devote just one or two chapters to the
concept and history of Shareware. I'm pleased to say there is
finally a reference book on the subject."
--Jim Button, cofounder of the Shareware concept
"It's filled with accurate information for anyone who wants to
learn about one of the most significant sources of high-quality
software."
--Edward Mendelson, contributing editor, PC Magazine
M. P. Data Page 10 of 11
- Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP -
Here's all the information you need to obtain your copy of this
outstanding book:
Shareware: "Try Before You Buy" Software
by Rob Rosenberger
Third Edition
Only $6.95!
Paradise Publishing Phone: (800) 233-2451
3111 S. Valley View Blvd.
Suite B-105
Las Vegas, NV 89102
U.S.A.
(Note: I would like to thank Bob Falk of Falk Data Systems for
writing this file and allowing A.S.P. members to include it
on their disks. I have adapted portions of it for this
disk as it is an excellent description of shareware, virus,
and ASP.)
M. P. Data Page 11 of 11