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From: mpd@anomaly.sbs.com (Michael P. Deignan)
Newsgroups: comp.binaries.ibm.pc.d
Subject: Re: Shareware Poll: The Results
Message-ID: <3653@anomaly.sbs.com>
Date: 4 Oct 90 23:12:14 GMT
References: <6208@uceng.UC.EDU> <27380004@hpcvra.CV.HP.COM>
Organization: Small Business Systems, Inc., Esmond, RI 02917
Lines: 47

everett@hpcvra.CV.HP.COM (Everett Kaser) writes:

>  1) if it's commercial software they've pirated, they "would have bought
>       my own copy if the price wasn't highway robbery!"
>  2) if it's freely distributed, but asks for donations, "It's BEGGARWARE!"
>  3) if it's freely distributed, but requires donations, "It's EXTORTIONWARE!"
>       or "It's BUGGY! (but I limp along with it anyway, unregistered)"
>       or "It's FREE! (because I didn't ask for it, it just showed up on my
>                   system!!)"
>  4) or, if there's locks on the software (to encourage registrations),
>      "It's CRIPPLEWARE!!!"

I disagree that everyone tries to find an excuse for not registering 
shareware.

I recently found my "perfect" piece of shareware. It is a package called
the "Soft C Library", which is a library of functions written in 'C' to
access dBase DBF files.

Why is it the "perfect" shareware (to me)? Because:

	1. This software comes with an extensive manual (250+ pages)
	   that is not "edited", leaving crucial information out,   
	   promising enlightenment for "those who register"...

	2. It is not "BeggarWare", as no "registration reminders" are
	   displayed when you utilize the software...

	3. It is not "ExtortionWare", as it is completely functional,
	   no special functions or "unlocks" are "available for registered
	   users only..."

	4. It is reasonably priced, and includes SOURCE for all of the
	   functions, at only $100...

I believe that I will, more than likely (translate: unless I find something
dramatically wrong with it in the next few weeks) register the software and
pay the $100 for the source code.

Now THIS is the type of software I like, and I support.

MD
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