Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!mnetor!seismo!uwvax!uwmacc!oyster From: oyster@uwmacc.UUCP (Vicarious Oyster) Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st Subject: Re: Magazine programs Message-ID: <855@uwmacc.UUCP> Date: Wed, 7-Jan-87 18:14:28 EST Article-I.D.: uwmacc.855 Posted: Wed Jan 7 18:14:28 1987 Date-Received: Thu, 8-Jan-87 21:45:07 EST References: <8211@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU> <811@uwmacc.UUCP> <923@marlin.UUCP> Reply-To: oyster@unix.macc.wisc.edu.UUCP (Vicarious Oyster) Organization: UW-Madison Academic Computer Center Lines: 60 Summary: Read the fine print In article <923@marlin.UUCP> dobbs@marlin.UUCP (Lynn B. Dobbs) writes: >In article <811@uwmacc.UUCP> I wrote: >>In article <8211@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU> appelbau@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU writes: >>>Both START and Compute ST have copyrights on thier magazines and >>>software. They are not public domain programs. >> >> So in the strictest sense, one cannot copy the programs onto magnetic >>(or any other) media, even if one purchases the magazine? > ... >The reality of the situation is, unless the material has copy protection, >an individual can copy a disk as many times as he wants. Who is going to >know or even care. The publishers don't want their business diluted by >DISTRIBUTED FREE COPIES. They really don't give a rats if you make 200 >backup copies for PERSONAL USE. That's what I fdigure. I was just being difficult. Anyway, I looked a bit more into the question, and found that ST-Log (from Analog?) has a somewhat representative policy, so I'll violate their copyright by including most of it here: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Many of the programs printed herein are copyrighted and not public domain. Due, however, to numerous requests from Atari clubs and bulletin board systems, our policy does allow club libraries or individually-run BBSs to make certain programs from ST-Log available during the month printed on that issue's cover... This does not apply to programs which specifically state that they are *not* [their emphasis] public domain and, thus, are not for public distribution. In addition, any programs used must state that they are taken from ST-Log magazine. For further information... ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- So, that says that at least some of the stuff is allowed to be owned and executed by people who never previously heard of the magazines, as long as they know where it came from. This is perfectly reasonable. I do agree somewhat with Moshe Braner's observation about the intended purpose of the magazines. I take a somewhat more optimistic view than he seems to; however, some magazines I've read (and subscribed to-- most notably certain 8-bit Atari mags) are primarily game-of-the-week, praise all software reviewed, advertising vehicles. Of the ST mags, Compute ST seems less technically oriented than STart, while the Atari Explorer is strictly expensive PR. Unfortunately, those ST magazines seem to have held over a good portion of their writers and reviewers from the 8-bit parents, and the results are fairly obvious-- reviews of games come out in favor of simplistic shoot-em-ups, while more intelligent fair (Sundog, Mindwheel) are just made fun of. And these people are expected to review *serious* software? Gak! -- - Joel ({allegra,ihnp4,seismo}!uwvax!uwmacc!oyster) Disclaimer: The above, unless otherwise labeled, constitutes personal opinion.