The good old days of tape players

From: Derek Peschel <dpeschel_at_u.washington.edu>
Date: Thu Dec 2 01:48:49 1999

> sites for the small computers I collect. Unfortunately there are groups in
> the US which oppose this activity -- not because any of the program authors
> are objecting at this late date -- but because these groups propose that
> *any* form of emulation, or use of *alien* hardware, to run, store, or
> transfer these programs is illegal and should be stopped.

That's a broad claim. Do you have any details about who those groups are?

I can see that whoever owns the rights to a program could object to the
distribution of that program. Most don't (because the owner was a company
that's out of business, or because the owner is a programmer that has given
his consent, or because the owner doesn't know or care). But a few do. I
may find it harsh but I basically respect it. The same goes for firmware
which is required to run applications but is not an application.

But to lay a blanket claim to large classes of old hardware and software?
That's in the same league as manipulating the copyright laws to give
oneself an advantage. So evidence (to back up this serious claim) would be
very helpful.

> Their reasoning is: if I never bought a ZX81, but I use a ZX81 emulator on my
> PC to run ZX81 programs, then what is to stop me from using a Sony
> Playstation emulator on my PC to avoid buying a Playstation?

But they have to consider the specific hardware involved. See below.

> My opinion is: the major game producers are afraid that if the public finds
> out that for well under US$100 anyone with a PC and a modem can pick up an
> "obsolete" computer and get 10,000 games, free, the new hot-rod game machines
> might lose a few sales.

And after you played a few of those games, you might go back to the
Playstation! Or you might not.

Suppose you are a game machine producer:

I would think there's a certain group of people that would enjoy emulation.
But they are probably not a strong market for your SuperDuperGamePlatform
(tm) anyway. They would be inclined to do other things that erode your
market anyway, like download freeware or program their own games.

And I also would think there's a certain group of people that would reject
emulation completely ("These games suck!") They would be a strong market
base for you, and you don't have to worry about them.

As you move away from this view, you start to manipulate your customers and
take away their ability to choose rationally (OK, it happens, but I try to
resist it and I think all knowledgeable people should do the same).

I also have no sympathy for companies that adopt "security through
obscurity". If they run into reverse engineering, that's fine with me.

The rest of my position can wait for the next message.

-- Derek

P.S. Isn't economics fun? I can write phrases like "take away their
ability to choose rationally" and get away with it.
Received on Thu Dec 02 1999 - 01:48:49 GMT