Date:         Fri, 21 Nov 2003 21:49:47 -0000
Reply-To:     Tony Polson <tp@WHSMITHNET.CO.UK>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tony Polson <tp@WHSMITHNET.CO.UK>
Subject:      Re: ETKA & ELSA ?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

Chris DeLong wrote:
>
> Funny that I should see this. ETKA should not be sold as
VWoA will come
> after if they find out you sold any copies. Freely giving
them is another
> story. If I had a burner I would burn everyone a copy.
Those that are
> selling them are missing the idea and the comeraderie (sp)
of owning a VW
> and basically just trying to help a brutha out.
>
> Those that sell them are wrong and dont understand.



Hi Chris,

In most cases I'd agree.  All my computer software is
licensed and registered (yes, I even paid the registration
fee for PKZIP!), I never copy music CDs, never download
copyright music for free and I will never allow my son to
buy illegal copies of software for his PS/2 games console.

However, I really don't see a problem with people who
distribute ETKA, at least here in the UK.  The copies sell
for around GBP 3.00 (about five bucks US).  At that price,
no-one is making any real money.

And VW cannot lose; after all, the only possible use for
ETKA is to decide which VW parts to buy.  If ETKA is more
freely available, VW will sell more parts.

No doubt VW (UK) will sue anyone distributing ETKA in the UK
if they are making a profit at VW (UK)'s expense.  So far,
VW (UK) don't seem to have sued anyone, and ETKA has been
available in the UK for about two years.  Either VW (UK) are
very slow in initiating court action, or they simply don't
mind.  I suggest the latter.

Best regards,

Tony
(who is a photographer and regards copyright issues as
intrinsic to the future of his business)