Re: Subscription to NASD CD-ROM (was: embedded ...)

["D.F.S." <dfs@xmission.com>]

> 
> 
> On Wed, 9 Feb 2000, John C. Peterson wrote:
> > On Wed, Feb 09, 2000 at 10:29:18PM -0600, Keith Brown wrote:
> > > "John C. Peterson" wrote:
> > > > On Wed, Feb 09, 2000 at 03:33:59PM -0700, D.F.S. wrote:
> > > > I know Jim does have a list of host names that have ftp-ed the data
> > > > which could be matched with list subscribers. We could send out an
> > > > e-mail to those that have downloaded the data, and lay "a guilt trip"
> > > > on them. But, you people know who you are, so this shouldn't be
> > > > neccessary :^)
> > > >
> > > Now, I have no problem with an honest solicitation of contributions to keep
> > > the data current, and if these contributions are not forthcoming, and the data
> > > goes stale or disappears, well then so be it. But when people on this list
> > > start talking about revealing the identities of downloaders to extort them, or
> > > e-mailing guilt trips for downloading what was supposedly freely given, then
> > > maybe they need to step back and take a look at what their motivations really
> > > are.
> > > 
> > Whoa whoa.... Does a smiley face mean anything at all to you?
> 
> Sorry John, but I agree with Keith.  Yes, there was a smiley face, but the
> overall tone of that note negated any attempt at humor in my mind.  For
> the record, I have NOT downloaded any of the information at this point,
> although I would like to in order to examine the format and information in
> them.  I was also one of the folks who offered FTP space if needed.  
> 
> However, with the manner in which that note came across, I've given
> serious consideration to saying goodbye to getting further involved in
> this project since I have no intention of coming under any further such
> "fire" from folks here.

First off, give John a break, "I" was the one that set the tone for this
little trist.

John bought the CD, for his own purposes, and offered to give it out.

He didn't want to sign up for this on an ongoing basis.

I offered to do so.
 
I will not agree to spend $250.00 bucks in cash, and an order of magnitude
more than that in time to put this stuff out on the net if there is no
real interest.
Real interest, by my definition would include some sort of contribution.
Writing free software using the data, and distributing it, and providing
the site to distribute it, are 2 kinds of contribution. 
Another one is cash.

In the end if people are unasked, prompted, nagged or billed, in the 
cost ends up being in the $5.00 range, I couldn't care less if 
everyone on the planet gets a copy. 
If on the other hand only 5 people are interested enough, and we end up
spending $50.00/Yr Each, Why should we give it away to people who have
every bit as much or as little money, free time, and resources, as us,
but not enough real interest or gratitude to kick in a few bucks.

I obviously over-estimated how far this data had spread so far.

As soon as word of it hits the other ralated aviation lists, and news 
groups, including the gamer and simulator guys, it will spread like crazy.

The second issue, is most people are not able to take advantage of the 
data without applications, most of the applications can't be written, or
even envisioned without access to the data. It's a chicken & egg situation.

There is a liability issue, that is a as big an issue to me as the money.
People "In" on the purchase, and processing of the files, would be a
much lower risk. You could make a pretty good defense that joe, who kicked
in 20 bucks, knew the source of the data, the fact it was error prone, as 
shown by the fact we got replacement CDs within days of a release because 
take 1 was hosed.

Not quite so easy, when Jow blow writes programs using said data, and 
sells it to Mike, who promptly kills himself doing something stupid, 
and the lawers want someone to sue. 
Can't sue the feds, who screwed it up.
Can't blame mike himself.
Go after US, You wouldn't even need to show the data was bad, 
just the fact you made it distributed it, and "Invited" its abuse by idiots.


Maybe, from the 2 posts so far, there IS very little interest, and most 
of the downloads are simply curious. I don't think it either mean or nasty 
to simply get a small group of genuinely interested people with a actual
need and interest together, and split the costs, and legaly I might Add,
distribute copies to everyone in that group and be done with it.

Marc

 
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