Xref: utzoo rec.music.synth:17030 comp.sys.apple2:8331 comp.sys.amiga:71447 comp.sys.mac.misc:5602 comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc:3551 misc.legal:22528
Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!cs.utexas.edu!sdd.hp.com!samsung!olivea!mintaka!mit-eddie!uw-beaver!sumax!polari!dlh
From: dlh@polari.UUCP (d h)
Newsgroups: rec.music.synth,comp.sys.apple2,comp.sys.amiga,comp.sys.mac.misc,comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc,misc.legal
Subject: Re: Do *NOT* reveal or mention "hacking" information (was Re: paper clip trick)
Message-ID: <2716@polari.UUCP>
Date: 12 Nov 90 08:17:09 GMT
Organization: Seattle Online Public Unix (206) 328-4944
Lines: 37

>>system owners will pull the plugs on the NET.

I really doubt that, since most of the major links in the NET are either
supported by companies which have already realized what a pain in the ass
copy protection is to the LEGITIMATE PURCHASERS of their product, or by
major educational institutions which have always been the bastions of
free speech.
>>
>>Do *NOT* encourage code breaking, hacking, or other such activity on the
>>NET.  Again, it tends to give the NET a bad image.
>>
This might be true to some degree, but the net is generally such a valuable
tool that major companies would never drop the net just because there are a
few mavericks who have access.  Besides, hacking (I am not a hacker, I use
CopyII PC for my own purposes ... I only own 2 protected programs, they are
both old and I didn't find them worth upgrading) is an exercise in intellectual
pursuit and independence .... terrible attributes for a person living in today's
world .... with freedom bustin' out all over .... right? ;-)

>>>Remember, however, you also owe it to yourself
>>>and to the manufacturers to abide by their copyrights.  The stuff ain't yours
>>>to give away.  
>>
>>This is the *ONLY* thing in your article you said that I can condon being
>>said on the NET.  It is something that cannot be said enough.
>>
True, true, true.  I buy all the software I run, I copy it all for my own
use, and NO ONE gets copies.  If that were a universal attitude .... maybe
even just prevalent would be enough .... copy protection would just plain
go away, and software would probably get cheaper, because companies would
get paid by all the users of their product.

Just one more point, before I step down off the soap box.  SOFTWARE PIRACY
is just a romantic, euphemism for STEALING.  Face it .... you use it, you
didn't pay for it .... you STOLE it.  So, go ahead and hack away. It's good
for your mind, but don't be freeloading off the efforts of others who are
trying to make an honest living from their talents.