>>>the vast majority of Netscape users did not pay for their copies
Beta copies, mostly, Sal. They charge for the production version. If you don't pay for that you are technically stealing, as with all shareware.
Microsoft provides theirs (the production version) totally free of charge, unless you get it at Egghead rather than the Internet or in Windows, in which case I think the shrinkwrapped CD was about 8 bucks the last time I was there.
Personally, I have paid for several copies of Navigator at full retail off their Internet site, and consider it worth the investment.
I wonder if you have looked at the last couple quarters browser sales on the 10-Q? What did you find?
>>>And Charles....we've been through the "Netscape charges money" >>>debate before. Legal or not,...<<<
I find the phrase, 'legal or not', to be a little on the weak side. One should stand up, and continue to stand up. Neither freedom, nor democracy, nor a nation of laws defend themselves. One doesn't want to be a moral hitchhiker, cashing in the benefits others constantly sweat and die (and forgoe profits) for. Even if one is a businessman or investor.
Also, we have been through the debate before, but the Microsoft forces keep forgetting that they have always found themselves in an indefensible position regarding bundling. And it is a serious issue. This is, after all, the issue on which IBM was stopped, decades ago.
Chaz |
