SHAREWARE SHAME

by Bob Nunn, for MCUC Magazine
  
Several concepts have been around a while for distributing software .   I personally think Shareware is a good way to go, but only if we all play along .     

A simple definition of shareware is software that the author has made free to distribute, you only pay if you like and use it .   This keeps BBS's going and makes it easy for you to try a program before you buy it .   It also provides you as club members many of the great programs you use regularly . 

The problem is nobody ever sends in their share .   The authors get frustrated and quit producing the software .    Many authors offer upgrades, improved documentation and other types of support for those people who do contribute . 

We have two people in our club who have produced quality programs and released them shareware .   Kevin Dunn  ( Disk Handler )  has released Disk Controler v3 . 0 and Read All v8 . 7 and up, in fact all of you received copies with your Members Packet .   He has also released Phone Book V1 . 0 on a disk of the month selection and a few other programs .   If you are using these programs, then you owe Kevin a contribution .   Kevin asks for  $ 5 or  $ 10 or whatever you feel the program is worth to you .   Why not stop him some time and give him a few dollars if you find the program useful .   Perhaps we can get him to write a few more programs and continue to update these very useful utilities .   ( Who knows maybe Disk Controler v4 . 0 !)  To Date, Kevin has only received 2 donations . 

Donald Buchanan  ( D . B .  Inc .)  has released a version of 80 Graf via MCUC.   His high resolution operating system for the 128 works best with computers equipped with the 64VDC .   

 He has been reluctant to offer the club any additional releases since he received only 2 donations, one of which was a member in an IOWA club .
   
 Donald has been working on this program for several years !   For the  $10 shareware contribution he will send you his latest version with many more utilities and demos than the early release version .   He also is donating games and other utilities to be included on the clubs 128 releases, but you will need the 80 Graf System Disk to use these Hi Res Programs .   If you bought the disk and have used it,  you realize the true potential of what this system offers .   

I hope that we will continue to support the fine effort of shareware authors, not only our local ones but people like Mark Desmond  ( Desterm )  and Mark Dickerson  ( Stereo Sidplayer, Digi Player )  and legions more .   

The next time you are loading up your favorite program take a minute and read that title screen and send these guys a few bucks, even if you can5t afford to send the full requested share .   Shareware is a great concept, but only if you and I make it work .   It would be a shame if any of these people stopped their efforts to provide quality programs for the best home computers in the world .