Classic Mac Network Games

From: Marion Bates <Marion.Bates_at_dartmouth.edu>
Date: Mon Apr 2 10:17:46 2001

--- Mike Ford wrote:
I also strongly recommend doing what I do, BUY old software and use legal
copies. What you "do" teaches kids more than what you" say", and running a
lot of bootleg software (except for MS products) gives the wrong message.

Showing that a bunch of old computers can still be a LOT of fun is the
RIGHT message.
--- end of quote ---

Thank you for the morality lesson. However, when games are defunct and the software companies no longer exist, I don't see a piracy issue with using those programs freely. Or perhaps I should tear down my Lisa software FTP server? I was not advocating ripping off commercial software, and I rather resent that implication.

If the makers of Spectre VR are still around and still selling/supporting their older stuff, I'll happily send in my payment. I doubt that they are, but it would be easy to find out and act accordingly. If they're NOT around or are no longer supporting their program, then they have nothing to lose by your using it freely. They've already made their money and moved on.

As a semi-parallel, Penguin Classics are re-releases of classic literature sold for about $2 each because the copyrights and/or royalty requirements have expired over time. I view ancient software similarly (and yes, I would pay a token fee like $2 for an old game, if there were anyone left to take the money). Your classic Mac might as well be a boat anchor if you can't run something on it.

-- MB
Received on Mon Apr 02 2001 - 10:17:46 BST

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