Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!unisoft!gethen!farren
From: farren@gethen.UUCP (Michael J. Farren)
Newsgroups: comp.sources.d
Subject: Re: Posting shareware to the Usenet
Message-ID: <470@gethen.UUCP>
Date: 20 Dec 87 11:03:13 GMT
References: <417@ddsw1.UUCP> <262@papaya.bbn.com> <4309@bellcore.bellcore.com> <233@academ.UUCP> <3669@hoptoad.uucp>
Reply-To: farren@gethen.UUCP (Michael J. Farren)
Organization: Sci-Fido - Unix in Oakland
Lines: 30

In article <3669@hoptoad.uucp> gnu@hoptoad.uucp (John Gilmore) writes:
>
>My position is that if the actual terms under which the software is
>distributed are OK, the author is free to ask people to voluntarily do
>anything, including send them money.  

It's worth remembering, long and often, that the person who pretty much
invented the 'Shareware' concept, the late Andrew Fluegelman, called
it 'Freeware' and repeatedly emphasized the fact that the person who
used his software was under no, repeat, NO, obligation to send any
money unless they felt like it.  They were free to use it, copy it, give
it away, anything they liked, all without paying a dime.  If, however,
they used it and liked it, they were encouraged (NOT required) to contribute
money - the amount was suggested, but NOT legislated.  They could send
less, or more, as their conscience required.

Andrew's concept has always struck me as being eminently fair and
enlightened.  I only wish that all the other 'shareware enterpreneurs'
had taken his lead.  Instead, they try and demand payment, which
demeans both themselves and their customers.  It's worth noting,
also, that Andy Fluegelman made out like a bandit - he found that when
given the chance, and not pressured, people responded.  Funny thing,
that - when trust is given, trust is repaid.  What a revolutionary
concept!  

-- 
Michael J. Farren             | "INVESTIGATE your point of view, don't just 
{ucbvax, uunet, hoptoad}!     | dogmatize it!  Reflect on it and re-evaluate
        unisoft!gethen!farren | it.  You may want to change your mind someday."
gethen!farren@lll-winken.arpa |     Tom Reingold, from alt.flame