From: tld@moon.base.bellcore.com (Terry Davidson)
Subject:  shareware vs. crippleware
Followup-To: shareware vs. crippleware
Keywords: modedit shareware crippleware 
Reply-To: tld@cosmos.bellcore.com
Organization: Bellcore
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 92 14:34:45 GMT

Scott Perry writes (in response to posts re Modedit 3.1):

>       I define crippleware as software that has functions disabled
> (or not provided) as an incentive to register. This definition
> excludes all comercial programs. However, it does not exclude Modedit.
> How do you define crippleware? A major feature has to be missing? If
> so define major.

Scott hit the nail on the head:  A major feature has to be missing.

The main functions of modedit are:

   compose *new* mods by selecting and using sound samples
   edit and modify existing mods
   extract and save samples from existing mods 
   modify samples
   sequence composition 
   preview samples
   load specific samples for inclusion in a mod
   replace samples in a mod with other samples

Norman Lin's Modedit 3.1 does *ALL* of the above *as it is*.

   Features provided in registered version not in unregistered version:

       realtime recording from *computer* keyboard; i.e. play notes from
       the keyboard *as the mod is playing* and record them into the mod

       cursor movement along the track as the mod plays.

NEITHER of the registered version features are needed to achieve the
design purpose of modedit; therefore it IS shareware.  

Figure this:  how many of us can *type music* fast enough to be effective
  at keeping time with *live* music?

  Yet, based on this, another netter has defamed modedit 3.1 as crippleware.

  NO WAY.  Using the unregistered version, one can compose/modify mods
           and their samples to their heart's content!

  PlUS - just in case you were wondering:  Norm's documentation describes
         EXACTLY what the .sam (sample) format is; and ANYONE with a
         recording-capable soundcard and sox (another shareware product)
         can record and create samples for use with mods.

IMO:  Modedit is great; is true shareware; and is *WELL* worth the level 1 
      registration fee of $15.  Level 2 (keeps you posted of updates) is
      $25 - and an extra $10 for Norm's work at sending out notices, etc.
      is well worth it (figure this:  how much $$ is your time worth/hour
      for wading through a mailing database, printing out info, stuffing
      envelopes, pasting stamps, and getting it out in the mail, hmmm?)
      Don't begrudge the fine job Norm has done!
-- 
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* My wife let's me think my opinions are my own.  Bellcore doesn't care
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* Terry Davidson - tld@cosmos.bellcore.com / tld@cosmos.bae.bellcore.com      *
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-- 
*-----------------------------------------------------------------------------*
* # include disclaimer.lib   //* All standard disclaimers apply *//
* My wife let's me think my opinions are my own.  Bellcore doesn't care
* either way, and doesn't claim them anyway...
*-----------------------------------------------------------------------------*
* Terry Davidson - tld@cosmos.bellcore.com / tld@cosmos.bae.bellcore.com      *
*-----------------------------------------------------------------------------*