**************************************************************************** >C O M P U T E R U N D E R G R O U N D< >D I G E S T< *** Volume 1, Issue #1.09 (May 16, 1990) ** **************************************************************************** MODERATORS: Jim Thomas / Gordon Meyer REPLY TO: TK0JUT2@NIU.bitnet COMPUTER UNDERGROUND DIGEST is an open forum dedicated to sharing information among computerists and to the presentation and debate of diverse views. -------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: The views represented herein do not necessarily represent the views of the moderators. Contributors assume all responsibility for assuring that articles submitted do not violate copyright protections. -------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************** *** Computer Underground Digest Issue #1.09 / File 6 of 6 *** *************************************************************** In CuD 1.05 I discussed the Software Publisher's Association (SPA) toll-free piracy hot line and the less than informative response my call recieved. As an addendum here is some information culled from "PC Computing" March 1990, Page 80. Software Manufacturers Tempt Illegal Users to Change Their Evil Ways This brief article, written by Christine Triano, discusses "amnesty" programs offered by XTree, XyQuest, and Unison World where users could "register" pirated copies of XTree Pro, Xywrite, and Printmaster Plus (respectively) and recieve legitimate versions at a reduced cost. XTree reports that 5000 people took them up on their SAFE (Software Amnesty Fore Everyone) offer, but the other companies have so far declined to comment on the success of thier programs. Also discussed is the SPA's auditing process where the SPA asks companies that are suspected of being users of pirated warez to let the Association examine hard drives and software purchase records, in return for strict confidentiality of the outcome. The corporation then purchases legitimate copies of all the pirated programs found, and "contributes" an equal amount to the SPA's Copyright Protection Fund. Thus the software gets purchased, the SPA's coffers are lined, and the corporation stays out of court. To date "more than half a dozen" audits have been conducted. The article concludes with a short paragraph concerning the toll-free piracy hotline: "The SPA has also set up a toll-free piracy hot line (800-388-PIR8). According to SPA director Ken Wasch, the hot line receives 15 serious calls a week. Who finks? The majority of callers are unhappy or former employees serving up their own version of just desserts." Final Note: Perhaps the "Ken" I spoke to at the SPA is Ken Wasch, the director of the organization. If so, I wonder if he considered my call about a pirate BBS to be "serious"? GRM Internet: 72307.1502@Compuserve.com =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ + END THIS FILE + +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+===+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=  Downloaded From P-80 International Information Systems 304-744-2253 12yrs+