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From: ayers@convex.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.followup
Subject: Re: new twist on computer "crime" and la
Message-ID: <36000019@convex.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 27-Sep-84 09:26:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: convex.36000019
Posted: Thu Sep 27 09:26:00 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 28-Sep-84 06:41:41 EDT
References: <3716@decwrl.UUCP>
Lines: 43
Nf-ID: #R:decwrl:-371600:convex:36000019:000:1720
Nf-From: convex!ayers    Sep 27 08:26:00 1984

/* Written 12:25 am  Sep 25, 1984 by decwrl!falcone in convex:net.general */
/* ---------- "new twist on computer "crime" and la" ---------- */
> ...In particular, they passed a resolution
> favoring the passage of a law regulating computer work at home similar to
> the law used against the New England knitters...

This is true, and something to watch out for.  The law governs "piece" 
work done at home for other companies.  If you watched "60 Min's" last 
week, you saw the main backer of the bill state that he wanted it to 
cover any work done at home on computers by employees of a company.  
So if you took your work home with you and worked on it at home, 
you could be in serious trouble.


> ...Of course, it is unclear 
> what the extent of such a law would be, but it would definitely effect all 
> those solitary hackers putting out nifty utilities for PC's as a profitable 
> hobby...

This is NOT true, as it is presently proposed.  The law only covers work 
done by employees (or contract labor) for other companies (see above), not
for yourself.  HOWEVER, it is important to note that the final draft could 
always change.  (It usually does.)


> ...someone could be prosecuted
> for programming at home just like the knitters in New England.


This IS true, providing that the "someone" worked either directly or on
contract with a company and did the work at home.  

This whole thing is serious business for all of us in the industry, 
and should be watched (write your congressperson, etc.).  One thing 
we don't need is to start alienating people by being caught spreading 
half-truths about the law(s).  History shows that to be a losing tactic.



				blues, II

			(IT'S NOT MY FAULT!!!)