Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!lll-winken!lll-lcc!lll-tis!ames!rutgers!mcnc!xanth!kent
From: kent@xanth.cs.odu.edu (Kent Paul Dolan)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga
Subject: Re: Dongle blues (software prices)
Message-ID: <3840@xanth.cs.odu.edu>
Date: 31 Jan 88 07:51:40 GMT
References: <2408@crash.cts.com> <181@atrium.UUCP>
Reply-To: kent@xanth.UUCP (Kent Paul Dolan)
Organization: Old Dominion University, Norfolk Va.
Lines: 31
Keywords: massive overhead.
Summary: I think Chuck was right.


I've been one of the ones saying that a private author could sell the
product lots cheaper than the current distribution network for
software.  After reading Chuck McMannis's article (thanks, Chuck), I
think I'd like to amend that.  I can sell software cheaper direct to
you if 1) you accept it AND PAY FOR IT via the shareware channels,
and/or 2) if you are willing to accept:  typed labels, doc on disk
only, no fancy packages, just ziplocks and mailers, NO phone support,
limited to no written support, limited updates (I can't throw "more
manpower" at a crucial bug; there's just me here), word of mouth ads
and no show appearances, and reviewers have to PAY FOR review copies.

But really, software distributed via shareware or personal publication
could be much cheaper if people were willing to accept the
concomittent inconveniences.  If you don't pay for shareware, DON'T
bitch about the high cost of software - you are paying for your
"freebies" with every overpriced commercial product that could just as
well have been distributed shareware if folks paid for what they kept.

Sadly, "the something for nothing" approach divides the software
universe into shareware stuff with no support because the author can't
earn enough to make it worth the trouble, and commercial stuff with no
support because venture capitalists don't care that your database just
lost your Aunt Trixie's address.  Reveiw the recent comments on Manx
unannounced updates if you haven't seen this.

Sigh!

Kent, the man from xanth.

Remember when Americans were known for ethics and probity?
"Every people has the government it deserves" - folk saying.