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From: cfw@aplpy.jhuapl.edu (Chuck Waltrip)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next
Subject: Re: Selling Usenet news
Message-ID: <1990Dec20.175743.5413@aplcen.apl.jhu.edu>
Date: 20 Dec 90 17:57:43 GMT
References: <08ld02QC04Da01@JUTS.ccc.amdahl.com> <661640384.12535@zeus.uop.edu> <1990Dec20.054557.25331@ecst.csuchico.edu>
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In article <1990Dec20.054557.25331@ecst.csuchico.edu> tempest@ecst.csuchico.edu (Kenneth K.F. Lui) writes:
>In article <661640384.12535@zeus.uop.edu> luther@uop.EDU (Pat Luther) writes:
>>So how is this not selling software? If I buy WordPerfect, I pay for the
>>media it's on, and  WP's time and effort in writing it. If you have to 
>>give them money for it, they're selling it.
>>
>You're also paying for WP's R&D, the largest portion of the
>retail price.  I do agree that Lighthouse is selling the
>software.
>
	I guess it's open to interpretation as to whether Lighthouse is
	selling information or simply recovering distribution costs.  I
	believe they have indicated that they won't redistribute anyone's
	stuff if the writer objects and they have reminded us that they
	are not the only redistributor (I believe CompuServe is a
	redistributor, for instance).

	My own view is that I'd probably be flattered if someone were to
	redistribute my Usenet musings (not likely) and wouldn't care if
	anything I freely contributed actually were re-sold as opposed to
	just redistributed at cost.  Information provided here is intended
	to be of value to someone and it is of no value to anyone who doesn't
	have access to it (for whatever reason).  Those people who sell
	public domain information or software (and I'm making no judgment as
	to whether Lighthouse belongs in that category) may be providing a
	service -- the buyer is in the best position to judge.

	When you think about it, an editor that filters out flames, 
	misinformation and irrelevant material is providing a real service
	that many with "free" Usenet access might be willing to pay
	for anyway.  Which reminds me once again to take the opportunity to
	thank any newsgroup moderators who might be reading this for the
	invaluable services they render us all (yup, for free but it's
	worth paying for).

	Since previous posters have indicated that Lighthouse people are
	cool anyway, you can put me on the list of people who might be
	interested in the information they make available.

	(I have no affiliation with Lighthouse...only know what I read in
	the newsgroup.)
>Ken
>______________________________________________________________________________
>tempest@ecst.csuchico.edu, tempest@walleye.ecst.csuchico.edu,|Kenneth K.F. Lui|
>tempest@sutro.sfsu.edu, tempest@wet.UUCP                     |________________|

c.f.waltrip <cfw@aplpy.jhuapl.edu>