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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.