From: a644690c@edinboro.edu ("Adam J. Conover")
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.8bit
Subject: A new perspective on 8bit piracy.
Date: 28 Jul 92 23:08:28 GMT

Well, with such an interesting thread going on, I can't resist throwing
in my $.02 as well.

My question is:  Why do us Atari 8-bitters really need any commercial
support?  Software is not written by companies but by people.  If people
(Atari owners) want to write quality software and give it away, what is the 
difference?  It is not hard to notice that the PD/Shareware of the past
5 years better than most of the commercial stuff produced in the first 7.
Granted, very few individuals have the time to sit and write an 'Alternate
Reality' in there spare time, but I don't think that it is fair to blame
software companies for not supporting 8bit stuff.  If a company has talented
programmers they are going to program for the platform that will produce
the greatest cash flow.  Even with the A.C. write in campaign, there were still
less than 600 replies (to my knowledge).  If you are too lazy to fill out a
card, what are the chances you will seek out software to spend money on.
An apparent user base of less than 1000 people is not very enticing to existing
software companies.

So who is left?  Us! The Users!  Some of us have more experience with our
Atari's than ANY company could possibly have with their IBM's.  I consider
myself a fair programmer and if I _need_ a nonexistent application, I'll
try my best to write it myself.  The time issue is a consideration here
again but with a twist; If you own an Atari 8bit machine you obviously
enjoy it.  Spend a little time with your machine.... Learn it!  I feel
that the Atari 8bit is a great hobbyist machine.  (Just like an old car...
A lot of work but well worth the rewards.)  

Obviously, everyone is not going to know how to write every little application
they want.  This is why we need a Forum; a means to help ourselves.  
Something like Atari Classics that would allow easy access to all the latest
info in the Atari 8bit world.  A place that people could exchange ideas
and knowledge.  Knowledge is Power.  Don't abandon your machine 'Just because
a developer did'.

This brings me to my real point (Yes there is one here somewhere!).  There
is no point in reinventing the wheel.  If a software package exists but has
been unavailable for sale, is it really piracy?  Legal aspects aside, who are
you hurting.  If the manufacturer has no copies (or is out of business), and
stores have no copies, you are really not helping the market by simply buying
an original from a friend.  I not condoning blatant copying however!  I think
It really comes down to a moral issue.  

We Atari users should almost feel proud!  Think about it.  We are the First
home computer owners in history to undergo this kind of dilemma.  (I believe
the Atari 8bit line is the largest home computer series to actually be declared
obsolete by the manufacturer).  We are treading on new ground.  Just as the 
Atari 400/800 computers were the most innovative of their time..... We, now
again, must set a standard for innovation by answering.... Is it Piracy????


-Adam Conover.			
	a644690c@edinboro.edu

 
PS.   Yes this post got a bit longer than I expected!  :)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.8bit