New FREEWARE definition proposal

  • Thread starter Thread starter John Fitzsimons
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John Fitzsimons

I would like to propose for discussion the following as the definition
of freeware:

==========

Freeware is software which can be legally obtained in accordance with
the EULA without monetary payment to the author and/or copyright
holder.

==========
 
I would like to propose for discussion the following as the definition
of freeware:

==========

Freeware is software which can be legally obtained in accordance with
the EULA without monetary payment to the author and/or copyright
holder.

==========
Click to expand...

Still trying to define "freeware" like John Corliss, I see. You are all
the same...



Aaron (my email is not mungled!)
 
Vic Dura said:
I would like to propose for discussion the following as the
definition of freeware:

==========

Freeware is software which can be legally obtained in
accordance with the EULA without monetary payment to the author
and/or copyright holder.

==========
Click to expand...

You might want to post to other freeware groups with follow-ups set
for acf. Just a suggestion.
 
Vic said:
I would like to propose for discussion the following as the definition
of freeware:

Freeware is software which can be legally obtained in accordance with
the EULA without monetary payment to the author and/or copyright
holder.
Click to expand...

The ACF ware definitions were reviewed in May of this year. How often do
you think this should be done?

http://www.pricelessware.org/2003/info2003PL.htm#Wares

FWIW - I like the current definitions. :)

Susan
 
I would like to propose for discussion the following as the definition
of freeware:

==========

Freeware is software which can be legally obtained in accordance with
the EULA without monetary payment to the author and/or copyright
holder.

==========
Click to expand...

In view of the debate about Dialogue, it may be worth revisiting.

However, this is way off the marl for me - would include spyware and
adware.

I would be in favour of admitting dialogue as I trust the author.

Innocent until proven guilty, rather than has to "prove" his freeware
intentions in advance.

There are all sorts of other things which would impact on how we might
categorise software - eg postcardware, registerware (have to give
email address)

I would be in favour of calling these freeware - at least for the
purposes of them being legitimate discussion in this group.

Generally, a wider definition would suit me - otherwise we may get
back to many programs being disbarred for various reasons - e.g. is
AVG freeware ? If I remember correctly users on some countries could
not freely download it ??

Just my 2c
 
FWIW - I like the current definitions.

Agree. Although discussing the definition of freeware is on topic in this
unmoderated NG, past experience is that this discussion usually ends in a
cat fight. I would prefer to leave it be.
 
I would like to propose for discussion the following as the definition
of freeware:

Freeware is software which can be legally obtained in accordance with
the EULA without monetary payment to the author and/or copyright
holder.
Click to expand...

The ACF ware definitions were reviewed in May of this year. How often do
you think this should be done?

http://www.pricelessware.org/2003/info2003PL.htm#Wares

FWIW - I like the current definitions. :)[/QUOTE]

That seems like a fair definition. I quote it:

<quote>

Freeware: Legally obtainable software that you may use at no cost, monetary
or otherwise, for as long as you wish.

</quote>

That would seem to mean that if I have a piece of software that I can
obtain and use legally for free, version after version, as long as I want, it
is freeware.
 
Thu, 23 Oct 2003 08:25:28 -0500
Vic Dura ha scritto:
I would like to propose for discussion the following as the definition
of freeware:

==========

Freeware is software which can be legally obtained in accordance with
the EULA without monetary payment to the author and/or copyright
holder.

==========
Click to expand...

I agree, if we can also exclude adware and spyware, as Alastair said
already.
 
|The ACF ware definitions were reviewed in May of this year. How often do
|you think this should be done?

Pricelessware is NOT ACF. You people might think like to think so but
it's NOT. Pricelessware represents a very small group of people [who
happen to hang out at ACF] and does not speak for all of ACF. The
definitions you are so proud of only apply to your quaint little website,
NOT ACF.
 
Gord said:
On Thu, 23 Oct 2003 12:17:53 -0400, in



That seems like a fair definition. I quote it:

<quote>

Freeware: Legally obtainable software that you may use at no cost, monetary
or otherwise, for as long as you wish.

</quote>

That would seem to mean that if I have a piece of software that I can
obtain and use legally for free, version after version, as long as I want, it
is freeware.
Click to expand...

This ware definition seems more informative: ;)

Trialware: software which stops working after a period of time or number
of uses.

Cat is more informative than animal. The ACF glossary of ware types
simply lists distinguishing characteristics for various wares.

MANY programs are discussed in ACF that are not *PURE* freeware. The
Pricelessware List has MANY programs that are not *PURE* freeware. The
qualifiers are noted. See:

http://www.pricelessware.org/2003/about2003PL.htm

A particular ware may be on-topic or off-topic - that is the real
subject of endless debate.

IMO trying to smudge the ACF definition of freeware is akin to
suggesting we always refer to both cats and dogs as house pets. I'd
prefer to know *which* animal we are discussing . . .

Susan
 
On 23 Oct 2003, Gord McFee wrote
On Thu, 23 Oct 2003 12:17:53 -0400, in


That seems like a fair definition. I quote it:

<quote>

Freeware: Legally obtainable software that you may use at no cost,
monetary or otherwise, for as long as you wish.

</quote>

That would seem to mean that if I have a piece of software that I
can obtain and use legally for free, version after version, as
long as I want, it is freeware.
Click to expand...

Where do you find "version after version" in there?

Either something is legally obtained and usable for no cost
indefinitely, or it's not. Where do versions come into that?
 
<quote>

Freeware: Legally obtainable software that you may use at no cost, monetary
or otherwise, for as long as you wish.

</quote>

That would seem to mean that if I have a piece of software that I can
obtain and use legally for free, version after version, as long as I want, it
is freeware.
Click to expand...

Absolutely.

The fact that Freeware needs a careful definition is a sad reflection
on the way that some people will try any means available to flog you
something.
Vic's definition is a green light for intrusive advertising, nag
screens, time-outs, crippled programs and spyware.
Sure, it doesn't involve me putting my hand in my pocket - but it just
adds to the crap I have to deal with before I'm allowed to get on with
the job the program is supposed to be written for.

It's rather ironic that a definition that focuses solely no monetary
cost will open the doors for the sort of software that tries to get
you to spend as much as possible.

It strikes me that if there is, as Vic implies, a significant number
of readers who agree with his definition then why doesn't one of them
start their own 'freeware' newsgroup?
I feel sure they'd be a lot happier contributing to a group that
better embraces their principles. I'm sure it would be very busy...

If any such person needs a vote or a signature I'd be only too pleased
to put my name up.

Regards,
 
|The ACF ware definitions were reviewed in May of this year. How
|often do you think this should be done?

Pricelessware is NOT ACF. You people might think like to think so
but it's NOT. Pricelessware represents a very small group of
people [who happen to hang out at ACF] and does not speak for all
of ACF. The definitions you are so proud of only apply to your
quaint little website, NOT ACF.
Click to expand...

Come back when you know what you're talking about.

--
Tiger

"Zero is where the fun starts
There is too much counting everywhere else."
- Hafiz
 
Steve said:
It strikes me that if there is, as Vic implies, a significant number
of readers who agree with his definition then why doesn't one of them
start their own 'freeware' newsgroup?
Click to expand...

Maybe alt.comp.all-kinds-of-crapware is already taken.

Along with alt.hate.alt-comp-freeware.but.too-stupid-to-leave
 
[snip]
|It strikes me that if there is, as Vic implies, a significant number
|of readers who agree with his definition then why doesn't one of them
|start their own 'freeware' newsgroup?
|I feel sure they'd be a lot happier contributing to a group that
|better embraces their principles. I'm sure it would be very busy...
[snip]

No need to go anywhere and start a new newsgroup. Freeware is freeware.
As long as you can get it legally and it costs you no money then it is
freeware. No matter if it is time crippled, adware, liteware, beta,
nagware. It is all still freeware and therefore perfectly on topic for
ACF.
 
As long as you can get it legally and it costs you no money then
it is freeware. No matter if it is time crippled, adware,
liteware, beta, nagware. It is all still freeware and therefore
perfectly on topic for ACF.
Click to expand...

Well, no.

But why do you rule out illegally obtained software? Just curious.
 
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