RBBS in a Box Volume 1 #2/RBBS_vol1_no2.iso/090z/piracy.msg

Text File | 1985-03-28 | 24KB | 497 lines

Msg #  470  Dated 03-13-84 17:58:45
From: DAN MOORE
  To: ALL
  Re: THEFT

Well, I work for a Fortune 500 Co. and I'm responsible for PCs around
here.  Piracy is a real nice name for outright thft. Of course, most
pirates do not think of themselves as thieves, but if they were caught
and convicted they would undoubtedly be treated as such.  The
unfortunate result of piracy, which affects us honest people is that
software prices keep going up due to loss of income.  The reason people
pirate software is simple: chances of being caught are slim to none,
pretty much like taping records and breaking the speed limit.  Some
pirates enjoy bragging about their accomplishments at the User's Group
meetings.
Last, but not least, accepting pirated software is pretty much the same
as pirating the software in the first place.  Micropro, incidentally,
estimates that one-third of all the copies of WordStar are illegal...  I
know many pirates who go to church.


Msg #  475  Dated 03-15-84 12:07:34
From: RICHARD RAWLINS
  To: ALL
  Re: PACY AGAIN

SURE WE ALL AGREE THAT PIRACY IS ILLEGAL AND A BAD WOUND IN THE SIDE OF
THE PROGRAMMING BUSINESS AND OF COURSE ALL OF YOU WHO DUMP ON THE
PIRATES ARE UPSTANDING CITIZENS WHO HAVE (AND NEVER WOULD) TAPE MUSIC
FROM THE RADIO, TAPE A TV PROGRAM, OR HEAVEN FORBID XEROX AN ARTICLE
FROM A MAGAZINEI'M NOT A PIRATE, I WORK FOR A LARGE INSURANCE COMPANY
AND ITS THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY HERE AT WORK.  I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING
SURE THERE IS NO INADVERTANT PIRACY HERE.  BUT COME ON FELLAS, LOOK AT
THE REAL WORLD.  LOOK AT THE POOR SCHMUCK WHO BUYS A $3000 COMPUTER AND
AFTER HE GETS HOME FINDS OUT THAT HE HAS TO SPEND $10,000 OR MORE TO GET
ALL OF THE SOFTWARE TO MAKE IT INTO A USEFUL (AND ENTERTAINING) MACHINE.
HOW MANY GAMES ARE YOU GOING TO BUY AT $39.95 A SHOT.  YOU CAN BUY A
GOOD TYPEWRITER FOR THE COST OF A MEDIOCRE WORD PROCESSOR.  WHAT REALLY
CAME FIRST PIRACY OR RIDICULOUS SOFTWARE PRICES.  SURE STOP THE PIRACAND
PRICES WILL COME DOWN THE SOFTWARE HOUSES SAY.  IF YOU BELIEVE THAT, I'V
GOT A BRIDGE IN BROOKLYN I'L SELL YOU REAL CHEAP.
        MAKE A CASE AGAINSSOFTWARE PIRACY FOR THE PROPER REASONS, BUT
PLEASE, DON'T KEEP REPEATING ALL THE SAME OLD HACKNEYED PHRASES THAT THE
SOFTWARE HOUSESPOUT.


Msg #  481  Dated 03-16-84 15:17:23
From: HENRY YEH
  To: ALL
  Re: THEFT?

Hello, i just want to respond to the debate about the piracy issue. if i
had not copied one program since the purchase of my apple about 4-5
years ago, guess how many programs i would have? good guess! just the
ones on the system master..(wow.)
 public domain is the answer you say?  well, maybe for the ibm, but the
only quality game i know
         =======
that is public domain is a defender imitation by some guy in san
francisco...i do not know anyone in the tri-state area that has this
program or any other quality software that is public domain.


Msg #  482  Dated 03-16-84 21:39:07
From: TIM MCCLARREN
  To: ALL
  Re: ABOUT PIRACY

Hello all, and before I say what I have to say, let me tell you who I
am.  My name is Tim McClarren, and I am calling from Wheaton, IL.  Now,
about the Piracy.  Someone above commented about Lotus being $495 and we
shouldn't complain about that.  They also pointed out that the machine
costs $3000.  Well, in comparison, how much work do you think went into
Lotus? how about the computer?  Yes, you guessed it, it is possible that
one person could write such an extensive program, but do you think the
PC was designed and manufactured all by the same person?  No, I think
not.  The $3000 you spend on a computer is rightfully spent, not the
$495 you spend on Lotus.  I'm sick of hearing that prices wouldn't be so
high if there wasn't as much pirating.  This is a crock if I've ever
heard one.  Those lousy software companies are gonna' suck up as much
cash as they can!  Especially something no one else has, such as Lotus
or dBase II.  Anyhow, I can't see someone agreeing with a giant
corporation such as these, and being prejudiced towards the pirateers.
I think I could see it from there side, even though it's illegal.  Tim
McClarren


Msg #  483  Dated 03-16-84 23:06:09
From: SYSOP
  To: ALL
  Re: PIRACY, AGAIN

TO: MR. YEH AND MR. MCLARREN:
I just have to throw a few more cents worth in.  Henry, when you bought
your computer, didn't you look at the cost of software as well as
hardware?  Didn't you know that the two went hand-in-hand and that the
software was going to cost something?  Feeling that you are somehow
justified in stealing software just because you have purchased a
computer is no different than feeling justified in stealing gasoline
because you bought a car!!  So, what?!  You buy a car knowing that gas
is going to cost you a fortune in order to make any use of it.  As for
Mr. McLarren, I am personally sick of hearing complaints about "big
corporations" and how that they are somehow morally obligated to give
things away because they are so big!  By that theory, IBM should be
giving us these PC's.  It's their product.  Let them charge what they
want..that is the whole basis for free enterprise.  If they overcharge,
don't buy their product....but don't you use it either!  If it is not
worth paying for, then it is not worth using, right?  Use something that
is worth the price.  I cannot believe all the ways intelligent people
who use computers can contrive to justify stealing!  It is amazing.  If
you can't afford the software, maybe you shouldn't have the
computer....or at least stick to the stuff you can afford.
Comments?
Loren D. Jones, SYSOP


Msg #  484  Dated 03-17-84 14:29:20
From: TIM MCCLARREN
  To: SYSOP, ALL
  Re: PIRACY

You have gotten me wrong.  I didn't say I condone piracy nor do I
pirate, I meant to say, I am not going to be the upright citizen type
fellow and knock those who do.  It is there business, and I also said I
could see there side, which I can I also think I could see it from a
business point of view (I wouldn't want anybody to pirate a program I
wrote.) So, in effect, it is a no win situation.  I just don't like to
see the software so expensive.  I don't mind the hardware as much,
because it is more universal than the software.
  Tim McClarren


Msg #  492  Dated 03-18-84 10:00:56
From: SYSOP
  To: ALL
  Re: A STORY

The argument that piracy will not be resolved until software developers
become more reasonable in their prices is a crock.  I believe the only
thing that will change it, short of distasteful hardware protection
schemes...which are not far off, is a fundamental change in peoples'
attitudes.  Many of those doing it will continue, no matter how cheap it
gets.
  It reminds me of a story I once heard.  This guy asks this girl, "Will
you go to bed with me if I give you $100,000?"  Her eyes popped open and
her mouth dropped.  After a moments thought she replied, "Sure.  Why
not."  He then said, "Would you go to bed with me for $1?"  She turned
red, slapped him and yelled "What kind of a girl do you think I am?!!"
he calmly replied, "We have already established that.....all we are
doing now is haggling over the price."
  In other words, is a thief any less of a thief because he steals
expensive things that he thinks are over priced?????

           LDJ


Msg #  496  Dated 03-19-84 16:31:44
From: HENRY YEH
  To: ALL
  Re: OPINION ON PIRACY-AGAIN

hello, just saying what i think again..(oh no, right?) first of all, i
didn't buy the computer, my dad did.... he has bought software for the
computer, but do you think he will buy software to support my arcade
fever?? no way, i have to earn it...and boy do i have to earn it. i
would much rather buy accessories for the computer such as a fan, or
another disk drive but with the software prices so high, i could buy (at
the extreme) 2 games for the price of one disk drive as a result i
turned to pirating... it may raise the cost of software but then again,
the people who cheat on taxes (i am not saying you do) can afford the
cost...  also, to anybody who wants to answer... can you tell me why the
supreme court ruled that people could copy movies or videotapes?? does
that mean the owners of those machines can copy but not us?


Msg #  500  Dated 03-19-84 17:46:03
From: SYSOP
  To: ALL
  Re: OPINION ON PIRACY-AGAIN

With respect to Henry Yeh's question on copying: The Supreme Court did
not say that anyone can freely copy video tapes or records.  They said
that the taping of programs broadcast over the airwaves was a "fair use"
within the meaning set forth by congress, since in effect it was a way
of time-shifting.  In other words, I can tape a show that I would have
been able to watch at home had I been there.  But are you copying a
program that you otherwise would have had a right to have?  I don't
think so.  The legal area is still a mess and will probably remain so
for a period of time.  But I have no doubt that congress or the courts
(preferably congress) will come to some kind of conclusion and it will
be to the effect that any owner of a program can have as many copies of
it as he likes, but he cannot sell it or give it away....which is only
reasonable.  No one has yet given me one good reason why they should be
able to copy and use software which they have not purchased.

          LDJ


Msg #  510  Dated 03-22-84 16:06:02
From: TIM MCCLARREN
  To: SYSOP, ALL
  Re: ABOUT THIS PIRACY BIT

Hi all.  Yes, I have to talk again.  O.K.  Well, Loren, I envy your
ability to be honest and yet still maintain a good outlook on your
computer environment.  I only wish I could be the same, but, when I
think of myself paying $50 for a game that I find is easily pirated by
all, I get steamed.  I know, you probably can't see any reasoning in
that, but you are also a different generation than I.  I don't know if
that's the best answer, but it's the only one I've got.
 Tim McClarren


Msg #  523  Dated 03-27-84 09:00:41
From: RICHARD RAWLINS
  To: ALL
  Re: PRICES

LOREN, I UNDERSTAND YOUR POINT, BUT LOOK FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE.
I AM A PROGRAMMER AS WELL AS AN AUTHOR.  IT HAS ALWAYS STRUCK ME AS
SOMEWHAT LOPSIDED THAT IF I SPEND SIX MONTHS WRITING A BOOKTHE BOOK WILL
SELL FOR A FEW DOLLARS.  IF I SPEND THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME (AND
CREATIVE NIUS!) WRITING A PIECE OF SOFTWARE, IT WILL SELL FOR SEVERAL
HUNED DOLLARS.  NONE OF MY PROGRAMS WILL GO TO SOFTWARE HOUSES ON
GENERAL PRINCIPAL.  THE SOFTWARE I WRITE IS GIVEN AW.  WHAT IS SO
SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT ABOUT THE TALENTS OF A WRITOF LITERATURE OR FOR
THAT MATTER, THE COMPILER OF A DICTIONARY THAT MAKES PEOPLE THINK
PROGRAMMERS ARE SO SPECIAL?.  COMPARE THE COST OF A DICTIONARY WITH
200,000 WORDS AND THE COST OF AN ONLINE DICTIONY CONTAINING ONLY
20,000-80,000.  I JUST THINKTS TIME FOR THE DP PEOPLE AND PROGRAMMERS TO
GET DOWN OFF OF THEIR HIGH HORSES AND JOIN E REST OF THE COMMON FOLK.
THE COMPUTER REVOLUTION MAY BE HERE, BUUNTIL THE ARTIFICIALLY
CONSTRUCTED PRICE STRUCTURES CHANGE, IT WILL STRICTLY BE A GAME FOR THE
RICH.  THE GREAT PLETHORA OF PUBLIC DOMAIN SOFTWARE ISHE ONLY BRIGHT
LIGHT THAT I SEE IN THIS MESS.  I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH THESE MACHINES
FOR A LONG TIME, AND IT'S ONLY RECENTLY THAT PEOPLE HAVE BOTHERED TO
THROW OUT SOME DECENT PUBLIC STUFF.  HOORAY FOR FREEWARE.


Msg #  525  Dated 03-27-84 10:00:47
From: RICHARD RAWLINS
  To: ALL
  Re: PIRACY

LOREN, I DON'T THINK WE HAVE ANY BASIC PHILOSOPHICAL DISAGREEMENT.  WE
BOTH SEEM TO THINK ALONG THE SAME LINES.  I JUST WISH THAT THINKING AND
WANTING WOULD ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING.  THE INDUSTRY SEEMS TO HAVE IT

OWN INERTIA WHICH IS HARD TO COUNTERACT.  UNFORTUNATELY, IT MAY TAKE
SOME BIG BLOWUP WITHIN THE INDUSTRY AND USER COMMUNITY TO GET SOMETING
CHANGED.  WHEN THINGS LIKE THAT HAPPEN THOUGH, IT USUALLY BRINGS IN ALL
SORTS OF THIRD PARTIES AND ENDS IN A COMPROMISE WHICH MAKES NO ONE
HAPPY.  OH WELL,......


Msg #  584  Dated 04-10-84 10:06:02
From: DAN MOORE
  To: ALL
  Re: CREATIVE BORROWING

Haha, gotcha.  This is really going to be on piracy but I didn't want to
use that tired word.  The problem, really, is quite simple, and has been
around for a long time.  First, the large majority of people who copy
books, records, software, movies, etc... really don't think that what
they are doing is wrong.  In most cases, it isn't.  What is wrong is to
give it away to someone else who you know didn't and won't pay for it.
Of course, accepting such gifts is just as wrong.  What seems to be
quite common is that possession of anything means ownership to almost
everyone.  There is no such thing as a license agreement, no matter what
the book says.  Thus, if I paid anywhere from $20 to $1000 for a
program, I feel I have a God-given right to give it to anyone else.
This, of course, makes me a law-breaker.  I have been a law-breaker for
a long time, exchanging cassette copies of records with friends and
making Xerox copies of books and articles without asking the publisher
for permis- sion.And you know why people do it?  Because chances of ever
getting caught, much less punished, are one in hundreds of millions.
Because odds are about the same, people cheat on taxes, pilfer office
supplies, and mess around at the office.  I'm afraid only God could fix
it.....




Msg #  815  Dated 06-27-84 07:13:18
From: SYSOP
  To: All
  Re: TALK WITH JIM BUTTON

ALL PCers: I had a nice chat with Jim Button last night, author of
PC-File, following a letter I received from him on the matter of
distribution restrictions placed on his new PC-Calc.  He explained that
there have been a number of people, claiming to be "users groups"
selling his software for up to $50 to unsuspecting users who believe
they have paid him for it.  He is placing the restrictions on
distrubtion to assist him in pursuing these types legally.  He does not
intend to restrict legitimate users groups and appreciates the services
we provide.  As far as the restriction on BBSs, he has found that many
people who spend an hour downloading the large programs often feel they
have paid enough through phone usage to justify not paying him.
Obviously, this is wrong.  Further, he has found problems in
transmission errors which result in calls to him for help from people
who have never registered with him.  In some cases, they simply forgot
to download one additional module, but call him to try and resolve their
problem.  I can understand his points on this one.
   Anyway, Jim Button is NOT trying to destroy user supported software,
as my message on the download section may have suggested.  He is simply
trying to protect his product, just as any of us would.  So DON'T
bombard Jim with letters!  He is o.k. and is working with us on this
one.
  Loren D. Jones, SYSOP


Msg #  818  Dated 06-28-84 14:23:21
From: BRUCE BARTHOLOMEW
  To: LOREN JONES
  Re: BBS PROSECUTION

LOREN, I JUST DOWNLOADED THE FILE ON THE PROSECUTION OF THE BBS SYSOP
AND HOW HE HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE POSTING OF MESSAGES ON HIS BOARD.  I
WAS WONDERING WHAT YOUR REACTIONS ON THIS ARE, ESPECIALLY WITH YOU BEING
A LAWYER.  I FEEL THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY SHOULD NOT REST ON THE SYSTEM
OPERATOR BUT ON THE PERSON WHO POSTED SUCH MESSAGES.  IF THIS ATTITUDE
OF PROSECUTING THE SYSOP, THEN THERE COULD BE THE DEVIANT TYPES WHO
COULD POST AND ATTEMPT TO GET THOSE SYSTEM OPERATORS IN TROUBLE.  THERE
IS ALSO THE POSSIBILITY OF ENTRAPMENT, WHICH SEEMS TO BE THE PROBLEM
WITH THE PERSON WHO WROTE THE FILE.  WHAT ARE THE LEGAL ASPECTS ADN YOUR
OWN PERSONAL OPINIONS??
  BRUCE BARTHOLOMEW


Msg #  825  Dated 06-30-84 10:20:49
From: DOUG GRIFFIN
  To: All
  Re: PIRACY(DEAD HORSE)

I'M VERY PLEASED READING THE DISCUSSION ON PIRACY, AND AM GLAD THERE
IS SO MUCH PARTICIPION.   SO I'M READY TO DIVE IN.
1. IF A PERSON CREATES SOMETHING I BELIEVE THEY HAVE A MORAL
   RIGHT TO RESTRICT AND MARKET IT AS THEY SEE FIT.
2. IF A PERSON USES A CREATION OF SOMEONES IN ANY OTHER MANNER
   THAN THE CREATOR AGREED TO, THEY ARE MORALLY IN THE WRONG.
TO ME THESE POINTS ARE THE CRUXF THE ENTIRE ISSUE.  ANY OTHER
CONSIDERATIONS SUCH AS PRICE, AVAILABILITY, CHANCES OF GETTING CAUGHT,
EASE OF PIRACY, AD IFINITUM, ARE SECONDARY, AND PROPABLY JUST TO SOOTHE
GUILTY FEELINGS.  PIRATES MAY NOT GET CAUGHT MUCH, BUT THEY SHOULD
REALIZE IT IS WRONG.  THANKS LOREN FOR THE SOAPBOX.  MAYBE SOMEONE WILL
THINK TWICE AND CEASE.
                                      DOUG GRIFFIN


Msg #  904  Dated 07-21-84 22:15:50
From: DAVID STONE
  To: SYSOP
  Re: (R)OPINION ON PIRACY-AGAI

At the risk of reopening a discussion that seems to have cooleddown
somewhat, here is an argument for being able to copy and use software
which one has not purchased:
        If I am going to use any one kind of program extensively in my
business (in my case it would be a word processor mostly), and if I am
going to spend $400$600 to buy that program, I want to make very sure
that the program I am buying will be the best for mpurposes.  As such, I
have no compunction about borrowing a copyof various programs from
others to test them out on my own system.  These are not progrs I would
have otherwise paid for, and if I do like them and paln to use them, I
will buymy own copy -- after which I will expect and demand full
support.
     Having said that, I also have to say that I don't have to borrow
other peoples copi of software.  I am fortunate in that I make my living
from writing -- including software reviews, and that means I cget more
free software than I have use for.  (At this instand I have threeword
processors sitting on my shelf that I haven't gotten around to looking
at yet).  Still, I' be dammned if I'll spend $500 just to test something
out.


Msg #  907  Dated 07-21-84 23:40:42
From: SYSOP
  To: DAVID STONE
  Re: PIRACY...AGAIN!

Dave:
Thanks for you input.  I will agree completely.  And I don't think that
the borrowing of software for evaluation is the problem.  I do the same
for the same reasons you stated.  It is at the point that you are beyond
the evaluation stage that the issue of piracy comes into play.  I used
Lotus (I already owned VisiCalc) for several months.  I reached the
point where I knew I was beyond going back to VC...but didn't have the
$$$ to pony up for Lotus.  I was saved by a client who did and needed
some Lotus work done!  She bought the package, and I continued to use
it.  Once my work for her was done, however, D-Day came and I had to
purchase Lotus...which I did.
  I also had a copy of Microsoft Word.  While I liked many of the
features, I didn't feel a break from WordStar was justified.  I am glad
I didn't lay down the $400 for it.
  So, I guess the bottom line is that I agree.  But at the point of no
return on a particular software package, pay the price.
            Loren D. Jones, SYSOP


Msg #  1001 Dated 08-10-84 01:38:12
From: JACK NORDBY
  To: SYSOP
  Re: (R)PIRACY...AGAIN!

I REALIZE THE LEGAL ARGUMENTS ARE COMPLEX, BUT I WONDER THIS: IF I
BORROW A BOOK FROM A LIBRARY AND READ IT (AT NO COST TO ME) AM I
COMMITTING AN ACT OF PIRACY?  AFTER ALL, THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK DID NOT
WRITE THE BOOK SOLELY MOTIVATED BY GOOD WILL.  ALONG THAT LINE, IS IT
NOT POSSIBLE THAT SOFTWARE LIBRARIES MIGHT BE SET UP ALONG THAT SAME
LINE (I.E., FREE USE) - AND WHEN PEOPLE BUY BOOKS AND THEN SHARE THEM
WITH OTHERS, ARE THEY ALSO ENGAGED IN PIRACY?


Msg #  1003 Dated 08-10-84 07:18:00
From: SYSOP
  To: JACK NORDBY
  Re: (R)PIRACY...AGAIN!

That may be ok....but who wants to borrow Lotus 1-2-3 for a night, set
everything up on it, then return it to the library where it will be
checked out so much he won't get to use it for another 3 weeks???!  You
also have the question of licensing agreements that restrict the use to
one machine.  (Which I am not sure are all that enforceable) But as far
as looking at an using a purchased copy of a program goes, that isn't
the piracy problem.  The problem is the copying.  If everyone you knew
wanted a copy of that book you checked out, and you let everyone
photocopy it, that would be illegal.  Luckily for authors, that would
take more time a more money than it is worth!  Maybe someday software
copying will be the same.
                          Loren


Msg #  1593 Dated 01-15-85 13:49:35
From: RICK VIZACHERO
  To: ALL
  Re: THE REAL PIRATES

THE REAL PIRATES ARE MITCH KAPOR AND BILL GATES.  WHEN THEY CHARGE A
REASONABLE.
PRICE FOR THE PRODUCT THEY WON'T HAVE SO MUCH COPYING.  WHEN WAS THE
LAST TIME YOU WENT TO THE LIBRARY AND PHOTOCOPIED A 300 PAGE NOVEL?  IT
COSTS $3.95 SO YOU DON'T SPEND MORE THAN THAT TO COPY IT OBVIOUSLY.  THE
DISCUSSIONS OF RIGHT AND WRONG SHOULD START WITH BLIND CORPORATE GREED.
IF THEY WERE USING RATIONAL GREED THEY'D REALIZE THAT WITH LOWER PRICES
THEY SELL MORE DOLLARS'S WORTH OF PROGRAMS, MAKE MORE MONEY AND SAVE A
BUNDLE ON COPY PROTECTION AND LAWSUITS.  THE PROBLEM WILL SOLVE ITSELF
WHEN THE MARKET FORCES THE PRICES DOWN.  SIMON AND SCHUSTER DOESN'T
PRINT ITS BOOKS ON PAPER THAT'S HARD TO COPY.  MR. LOTUS ET AL SHOULD
TAKE NOTE AND DEAL WITH THE REALITY OF THE HUMAN CONDITION.



Msg #  1594 Dated 01-15-85 17:56:54
From: SYSOP
  To: RICK VIZACHERO
  Re: (R)THE REAL PIRATES

 I agree with your position to a point.  But I have had people ask if I
knew where they could get a copy of Tubo PASCAL...which sells for $49!
You CAN'T get any cheaper than that and still hire qualified
programmers.  Thus, the price/piracy connection is not that strong.  You
also have to look at the market.  How many books do you have that allow
you to create entirely new "titles" and "plots" every day, the way you
create new spreadsheet applications with Lotus?  I don't think the
comparison is fair.  Ever seen books published by venture capital
experts?  You pay several thousand bucks for a memeographed prospectus.
  For what Lotus offers, the price is cheap.
                                       Loren D. Jones, Sysop


Msg #  1647 Dated 01-28-85 16:46:16
From: RICK VIZACHERO
  To: SYSOP
  Re: RE TO RE REAL PIRATES

YOU OFFER AN INTERESTING IDEA THAT 123 IS MORE USEFUL THAN A BOOK.  IN A
BUSINESS SETTING A NOVEL YOU MIGHT READ 1-3 TIMES IS USELESS.  THERE ARE
REFERENCE BOOKS THOUGH THAT OFFER MORE HELP TO MORE DIFFERENT KINDS OF
WORKERS THAN 123 EVER WILL.  THE BEST DICTIONARY TAKES A BIGGER TEAM
LONGER TO CREATE THAN 123 TOOK ITS CREATORS, AND IT'S MORE USEFUL TO
MORE PEOPLE.  IT MIGHT ONLY COST $25, AT MOST $75.  A REFER- ENCE SUCH
AS STRUNK AND WHITE'S ELEMEMENTS OF STYLE WILL SURELY OUTLAST WORDSTAR
IN ITS USEFULNESS TO ITS USERS, BUT IT COSTS ABOUT $4.  THE EXAMPLE OF
BORLAND SOFTWARE PROVES MY POINT.  THEY'RE WILDLY SUCCESSFUL AT UNDER
$50.  THEY FOUND, THOUGH THAT EVEN AT $49 PEOPLE DIDN'T WANT COPY
PROTECTION. i BELIEVE IT IS NOT GENERALLY FOR THE PIRACY FACTOR BUT
RATHER THE INCONVENIENCE FACTOR.  WHAT GOOD IS SIDEKICK LOADED FROM
FLOPPY ON AN XT?
MOST PIRACY PROMOTES THE SOFTWARE.  MANY BELIEVE THE LACK OF PROTECTION
HELPED MAKE WORDSTAR AND DBASE II PREEMINENT.  PIRACY AS IT'S CALLED
TAKES MANY FORMS.  ONE WHO KEEPS A COPY AT HOME AND WORK IS ONLY USING
ONE AT A TIME FOR CONVENIENCE.  THIS PERSON WOULD NOT BUY ANOTHER COPY
ANYWAY.  COPY PROTECTION MAKES THE MACHINES HARD TO USE, WHICH DEFEATS
THE PURPOSE OF PC'S.  IT ALSO PROBABLY DOESN'T SELL MORE COPIES.