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- RBBS-PC, THE LARGEST SOFTWARE HOUSE IN THE WORLD 28-1
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- 28. RBBS-PC, THE LARGEST SOFTWARE HOUSE IN THE WORLD
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- RBBS-PC'S "Userware" concept is founded on the principle stated in section
- 1.1 -- "software which is shared becomes better than it was." Relying on
- Federal copyright protection, we believe that RBBS-PC's source code can be
- distributed without the risk of "loss of ownership" (i.e. it becoming
- "public domain"). We believe all software (commercial and non-commercial)
- should be distributed as both compiled/executable files and with their
- source code. With few exceptions, RBBS-PC's copyrights have never been
- violated -- this is due more to the fact that RBBS-PC enthusiasts are
- ever-vigilant of RBBS-PC's copyrights rather than due to any lack of
- attempts to "sell" RBBS-PC or RBBS-PC look-alikes to the unsuspecting
- public.
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- Incorporating these new features and ideas into each new release of
- RBBS-PC, making sure that upward compatibility with earlier version of
- RBBS-PC exists, as well as maintaining RBBS-PC's copyright, are all things
- that the authors accept the responsibility for. However, it is RBBS-PC's
- "support staff" (i.e. all those who enhance RBBS-PC and share such
- enhancements) that continues to make RBBS-PC a unique experiment in PC
- software.
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- No one should feel that the possibilities for RBBS-PC have even begun to be
- exhausted. In fact, we are absolutely certain that even as this is written
- innovative enhancements are being created for RBBS-PC. It is our sincerest
- hope that if RBBS-PC continues to succeed within the IBM PC industry in
- becoming the "bulletin-board standard," software vendors will begin
- examining the reasons for RBBS-PC's success and come to understand that:
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- - The best form of software support is user support
- - The best source for software enhancements are from it's users
- - The best software continually adopts itself to users needs
- - The best way to minimize software development is to distribute source
- code.
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- Each RBBS-PC system operator has the opportunity to affect what RBBS-PC
- becomes in the future. Many already have. RBBS-PC continues to grow and
- expand because hundreds (and quite possibly thousands) of SysOps spend the
- time and trouble not only to modify RBBS-PC to meet their needs, but also
- to share these modifications with others. We do not know of any other
- software for the IBM PC that has such a vast number of programmers
- supporting it. In section 1.3, we name many such individuals and
- acknowledge that there are a lot more! With the structured code that the
- new BASIC compilers allow, even more RBBS-PC system operators are invited
- to contribute. Take the time! Make the difference!
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