RE: Release License API Ethics

Bob (and others),

Thanks again for all the replies. I put this topic out originally because I
was concerned about the moral side of what I was attempting. I believe I was
being legal. Regardless, I was unable to easily accomplish my goal,
releasing licenses not in use, so the matter is closed. I talked to my
vendor about this topic several times before and since starting this thread,
and plan to talk to them even more.

I realize just because I disagree with a practice does not give me freedom
to violate legal and moral obligations. I do not usually consider what will
happen if if they find out, rather, I consider is it legal, moral, and
"right". I use "right" to be sure I am living up to my personal
standards/convictions and not injuring others. Somewhere I heard, character
is (or should be) measured by what you do and how you act when you are not
being watched (I believe I always am). I assume (I know that may be a
mistake in some cases) people on this list are professional, and should be
acting legally in the communications on this list.

(getting off soapbox now, sorry for the long post <grin>)

Windy Bob




> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-midrange-l@midrange.com
> [mailto:owner-midrange-l@midrange.com]On Behalf Of Bob Crothers
> Sent: Friday, November 12, 1999 2:45 AM
> To: 'MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com'
> Subject: RE: Release License API Ethics
>
>
> Bob,
>
> Did you or your company sign a license agreement?  If so, that is the
> model you have to work with.  It doesn't matter if you "agree" with
> the model being used....somebody signed the agreement which means they
> agreed.  If not, then you probably aren't supposed to be using the
> software at all.
>
> And many packages use the model you are talking about...which is "how
> many times is it being used right now".  And it is a valid model (but
> not the one Cornerstone uses).
>
> If that is the model your vendor is using, then you are violating the
> license agreement (read: contract) by subverting it.  You might get
> away with it right now.  But what happens if they find out?  Perhaps
> they are lurking on Midrange-L?
>
> When they find out, they can of course sue you.  Or, deny any form of
> support.  Then what happens when you get a new AS/400 and the package
> doesn't work?  Or a Y2K bug is found?  Or a new version of OS/400
> breaks the software you are using? Or.....
> Cheating/stealing now will bite you and/or your company down the road.
>
> Regards,
> Bob Crothers
> Cornerstone Communications, LLC
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bob Randall [SMTP:BLR@airxcel.com]
> Sent: Thursday, November 11, 1999 3:47 PM
> To:   MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com
> Subject:      RE: Release License API Ethics
>
> Thanks to all for the replies.
>
> ;-) No, I will not hold anyone legally responsible. ;-)
>
> I was a little concerned about the "moral" issue. I think I have a
> legal
> <big snip>


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