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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 ?
------------------------------------
Copyright (c) 1990 by Falk Data Systems.
All rights reserved.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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
SHR-WARE.DOC Page 1
------ 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.
SHR-WARE.DOC Page 2
------ Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP ------
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 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 Bristol Computing Systems, Inc.) 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.
==================
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.
SHR-WARE.DOC Page 3
------ Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP ------
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 that "The truth is that all major
viruses to date were transmitted by commercial [retail] packages 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.
SHR-WARE.DOC Page 4
------ Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP ------
If a Shareware program has been around for a few months, it has been
checked for virii 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
virii (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 think is safer?
Bill Machrone's article in PC Magazine goes on to say that "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 virii, 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) is the
best defense against lost data.
Sure, the virus problem is real. Virii 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.
SHR-WARE.DOC Page 5
------ Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP ------
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!
=================================================
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.
SHR-WARE.DOC Page 6
------ Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP ------
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-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.
The ASP currently has about 200 author members and over 100 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. We'd love to meet you online, please come
visit us today!
SHR-WARE.DOC Page 7
------ 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
P.O. Box 5786
Bellevue, WA 98006
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
P.O. Box 5786
Bellevue, WA 98006
U.S.A.
or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe MAIL to ASP Ombudsman
70007,3536.
SHR-WARE.DOC Page 8
------ 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.
Dr. File Finder's Guide to Shareware:
-------------------------------------
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
SHR-WARE.DOC Page 9
------ Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP ------
"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.
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:
o undercut the price of retail software
SHR-WARE.DOC Page 10
------ Definition and Description of Shareware and the ASP ------
o helped bring down the use of copy protection schemes
o receive numerous editorial and reader survey awards
o generate more sales than retail software in some cases
o make retail OS/2 software developers so nervous
o 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
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.
SHR-WARE.DOC Page 11