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From: jimb@silvlis.com (Jim Budler)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc
Subject: Re: Public Archive Format Issues
Message-ID: <1990Sep28.005410.1984@silvlis.com>
Date: 28 Sep 90 00:54:10 GMT
References: <6050@spt.entity.com> <107990003@hpcuhc.HP.COM> <1990Sep27.043830.4907@ddsw1.MCS.COM>
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Reply-To: jimb@silvlis.com (Jim Budler)
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In article <1990Sep27.043830.4907@ddsw1.MCS.COM> hammen@ddsw1.MCS.COM (Robert Hammen) writes:
>
>It is interesting to note that CompuServe is undergoing the Great Compression
>Debate as well. From what I understand, they've tentatively decided to 
>allow any format (StuffIt Deluxe, DiskDoubler, Compacter) to be used for
>uploaded files provided a) a PD decompression utility is available, and b)
>CompuServe is given either commented source or well-documented file formats,
>in case the program authors are unwilling or unable to update their 
>software for new machines and new versions of operating systems. Evidently
>Bill Goodman (Compacter author) is adamantly opposed to giving out his 
>file format (or at least this was stated in one message in the thread. I've
>not asked him personally to verify that statement). 
>
>Robert

Last I heard Bill Goodman was willing to place source code in a
trust, and was just negotiating over the trigger which would allow
the code to be released from the escrow. Even after Bill G. publically
stated this there were still people discussing his supposed
refusal. So I wouldn't be surprised at your impression. We'll
just have to wait on official announcements.

Other than that, and the fact that the great compression wars
have been a little quiet over there lately, you are substantially
correct. Maybe the final negotiations are being conducted in private.

jim
--
Jim Budler          jimb@silvlis.com       +1.408.991.6115
Silvar-Lisco, Inc. 703 E. Evelyn Ave. Sunnyvale, Ca. 94086