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- The Shareware Concept
- ---------------------
-
-
- Definition of Shareware
-
- Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
- before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue
- using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs
- differ on details -- some request registration while others
- require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With
- registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue
- using the software to an updated program with printed manual.
-
- Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software,
- and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
- exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished
- programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are
- of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs
- and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of
- distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy
- and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a
- specific group. For example, some authors require written
- permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their
- Shareware.
-
- Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
- should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
- whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes
- fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.
- And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware
- has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the
- product, you don't pay for it.
-
-
-
- Definitions
-
- In this document, 'the author' refers to CHIAM YIH WEI.
- 'Programs' refer to software (whether shareware or otherwise)
- written and released by the author.
-
-
-
- Copyright Information
-
- All of the author's programs, shareware and freeware, are protected
- under the copyright laws of the United States and foreign countries.
- All rights are reserved to the author. Violations of copyright laws
- are investigated by the FBI. Distribution of the author's products
- implies that you have read and agreed to the distribution terms
- described below.
-
-
-
- Intent
-
- The author seeks to distribute his shareware as widely as
- possible. However, the end-users of our software must be
- properly informed that it is shareware.
-
-
-
- ASP Vendors
-
- If you are an ASP Vendor or BBS Member, then you have prior permission
- to distribute the author's packages.
-
-
-
- Distributor Information and License Information
-
- The license information and distribution requirements in this
- document supercede all previous license statements. To continue
- to distribute the author's products, you must adhere to the
- licensing and distribution requirements below.
-
- If you are a mail order or BBS-type distributor of shareware
- software, you may distribute these programs as they are, without
- any changes other than expanding files contained in the ZIP
- archives. However, you have a responsibility to check from time to
- time, at a minimum interval of 12 months, for new versions of these
- programs, and to update your copies in a timely manner.
-
- You must fully identify all of the author's programs in your
- advertising, by the program's full name and version, and indicate the
- registration fee in the program description.
-
-
-
- Shareware Disclosure Required
-
- All advertising and packaging information including references to
- the author's products must contain a statement explaining the
- shareware concept. Specifically, that statement must explain that
- shareware software MUST be registered by the user, after a trial
- period, by paying a registration fee, and that all monies paid for
- the shareware version are duplication and distribution charges only.
- The declaration specified by the Association of Shareware
- Professionals is a good model. All such statements must be
- clearly displayed in a position where they are likely to be read
- by potential customers.
-
-
-
- Retail Rack and CD-ROM distribution
-
- If you distribute shareware in a retail setting in racks, store
- displays, vending machines, at computer fairs, or in any way
- other than normal BBS or catalog-based sales, you must contact
- the author for permission to distribute any of the author's
- program. Rack or retail-like sales require a special distribution
- license, normally requiring royalties paid to the author. If you
- distribute shareware on CD-ROM disks, you must also contact the author
- before including any of the author's shareware program on a CD-ROM
- disk. Normally, permission is granted, but current versions must be
- included and except where authorized, all old versions of any of the
- author's program removed from any CD-ROM disk containing the author's
- products.
-
-
-
- Contacting the author
-
- You may contact the author at any of the following locations:
-
- CHIAM YIH WEI
- 1, JLN LANG PERUT PUTIH 10,
- KEPONG BARU, 52100 KL,
- MALAYSIA.
-
- Internet: peter-chiam@mailhost.net
-
-
- Dated: 19960103.
-