Path: utzoo!mnetor!tmsoft!torsqnt!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!bonnie.concordia.ca!uunet!mcsun!ukc!mucs!logitek!grep!frank From: frank@grep.co.uk (Frank Wales) Newsgroups: comp.sys.handhelds Subject: Re: Copying ROM cards Message-ID: <1991Feb18.141125.22434@grep.co.uk> Date: 18 Feb 91 14:11:25 GMT References: Reply-To: frank@grep.co.uk (Frank Wales) Organization: Grep Limited, LEEDS, UK Lines: 35 [The original posting contains a number of "Therefore..."s and "So..."s, implying that the legal system is based upon logic. Interesting idea, that; maybe someone should try it some day. Until then...] In article TNAN0@CCVAX.IASTATE.EDU writes: >Look, it's simple. If I buy a $500 piece of software, I buy the software >(or perhaps the right to use it under a licensing agreement). Not unless you explicitly negotiate that in advance, or the U.S. has recently enacted some pretty funky consumer rights legislation. >I am NOT paying $500 for a stupid little piece of metal and silicon that can >be broken by normal use (yes, this includes the occasionally dropping, >jarring, and possible stepping-on that calculators typically endure). If you pay $500 for a ROM card with some software on it, and you step on it, and then call the vendor and say: "I stepped on my ROM card, please send another for much less than $500," do not be surprised if they say: "No." >It is not my responsibility to protect the frail storage techniques >of these card vendors, so... The vendor will either replace my cards for free >or I shall copy them myself for personal protection. Do not be surprised if the supplier disagrees with you in both cases. Do not be surprised if a judge and jury agrees with the vendor. >Thank goodness you don't lose ownership of your car if your title gets burned >in a fire, aye??? Does not compute. "Software is to title as ROM card is to car" makes sense. Burn your car, and you still own what's left of it, but you don't get another car for free. Hence car insurance. See also ROM card insurance. -- Frank Wales, Grep Limited, [frank@grep.co.uk<->uunet!grep!frank] Kirkfields Business Centre, Kirk Lane, LEEDS, UK, LS19 7LX. (+44) 532 500303