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From: towson%amsaa@sri-unix.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.micro
Subject: Re:  Software Piracy and Coupons
Message-ID: <13349@sri-arpa.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 4-Nov-83 09:36:05 EST
Article-I.D.: sri-arpa.13349
Posted: Fri Nov  4 09:36:05 1983
Date-Received: Tue, 8-Nov-83 02:38:00 EST
Lines: 16

From:      David Towson (CSD) <towson@amsaa>

Chuck - I think you misunderstood the concept:  As I read it, it's the drive
used for RECORDING the disks that is special, not the one used for playback.
I have not seen anything specific about how the "mushy bits" are made mushy.
If it is being done by reducing the write current, then it seems possible for
gradual degradation of the playback level due to disk wear, misalignment, or
whatever to cause some of the mushy bits to become hard zeros.  If this
happens, legitimate buyers will find their programs bombing, and this will
lead to much antagonism.  On the other hand, if the mushy bits are being
made by playing with the timing, then individual drive speed variations will
probably cause troubles for legitimate owners.  Does anyone know the details
of the "mushy bit" recording process?

                                                         Dave Towson
                                                         towson@amsaa