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From: ABN.ISCAMS@Usc-Isid.ARPA
Newsgroups: net.micro
Subject: Re: new topic -- software distribution
Message-ID: <12358@sri-arpa.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 17-Apr-84 11:27:00 EST
Article-I.D.: sri-arpa.12358
Posted: Tue Apr 17 11:27:00 1984
Date-Received: Mon, 23-Apr-84 01:45:27 EST
Lines: 47

Lauren (et al),

I don't buy software from computer stores since (1) I don't believe their
descriptions of product capabilities, (2) The demonstrations are specifically
tailored to show the STRONG points and NEVER the weaknesses, (3) the salesmen
usually know less about the software and my system/applications than I do.

I do buy software from wholesale houses because (1) I assume (perhaps most
stupidly) that they're more likely to have stacks of the product and manuals
on their shelves than a cottage-industry programmer, (2) they're more likely
to have someone "on duty" at a telephone when I call.

I don't quite understand the definition of a "software source" -- would that
be the programmer/author himself, or a software development firm like Borlund
with their Turbo Pascal?  I wouldn't mind buying from an individual, but would
kind of anticipate him (1) being a little slower to respond to queries and
orders IF he were doing well, (2) knowing his product very well, (3) being
somewhat sensitive and defensive about complaints/criticisms, and (4) being
much more likely to "disappear" if he didn't do well.  I would also expect
the individual to be somewhat unsupportive (read bored) with his older
products.

Of course all these cynical/pessimistic expectations about the individual
would depend an awful lot on his actual performance/actions.

Receiving updates (and even the original software code itself) via telephone:
HECK, YES!  I don't need a lousy floppy.  I DO need the documentation or manual
but via phone is fine for software, and might save us all costs (eliminating
production and storage costs for dozens of different disk media).  Would be
most convenient two-way to correspond with the author with suggested patches
a la our public domain world.

How to pay?  That question recently came up on the net when a fellow wanted
to sell hardware and asked for arrangements.  He didn't want to send hardware
without money, and a buyer wouldn't want to send money without hardware!
Donno - darned sure ain't gonna send MY credit card number over the net!
I guess - send a check; when validated, the author/company calls you up and
coordinates the download (or provides an RBBS for that).  You coordinate
download, and do it!  Don't like it, rippedoff, buggy product, etc.:  call
the local Better Business Bureau, FBI (interstate, don't you know).  Don't
have Post Office support "interstate use of the mails" to help with cheats.

Hope this gives you input to what you were asing...

Regards,
David Kirschbaum
Toad Hall