Message-ID: <3013@fortune.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 16-Apr-84 00:40:05 EST
Article-I.D.: fortune.3013
Posted: Mon Apr 16 00:40:05 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 11-Apr-84 01:48:20 EST
References: <3322@brl-vgr.ARPA>
Organization: Fortune Systems, Redwood City, CA
Lines: 31

There has been a long-standing custom in the USA
(and other countries) that whatever is *broadcast*,
e.g., radio, TV, and to some degree, net newsgroups, may be listened to;
this custom predated electronic computers and HBO.
International agreements consider the airwaves to be a public resource,
which is the basis for the FCC's control of TV and radio programming.

If I were to post software to this net, I would be broadcasting it.
I would have to accept the notion that people would be free to receive it
and use it (reuse for profit is a separate issue).

On the other hand, that which is transmitted to specific people or entities
without broadcasting, delivered by hand, e.g., US Mail,
or by wire, e.g., telephone or telegraph or cable,
is considered private, and must not be divulged without the permission
of the originator.  The basis of this custom is centuries old.

Some thought should be given to the similarities between 
distributing software on an unprotected floppy
and mailing an ordinary letter.  Neither is a broadcast of information.
Just because obtaining the information inside a personal letter envelope
is relatively simple does not mean that it is ethical to read or copy it.
Now that fascism has been mentioned, how would those people who pirate software 
feel about the FBI (non-USA residents substitute indigenous national police), 
or some personal nemesis reading their mail just because it was easy to do ?

-- Clay Phipps

-- 
   {cbosgd decvax!decwrl!amd70 harpo hplabs!hpda ihnp4 sri-unix ucbvax!amd70}
   !fortune!phipps