Date   : Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:07:41 +0100
From   : dm.hunt@... (David Hunt)
Subject: Retro Software: first release - Zap!

> > If people want that option then I don't have a problem with that, but I
> > expect that at least as many people would prefer it available by
> > download,
> 
> I dunno... Could we maybe have a hands-up poll - how many people reading
> this list would NOT be able to burn their own CD from a downloaded file?
> 
> I guess a CD could be offered for those who really want it, however it
> would surely be just as simple to offer for download the (A)DFS disc
> image and maybe a PDF of the inlay/cover?
> 
> 
> > Indeed, 4 people have already asked whether it could be available by
> > download this morning, so there certainly is a demand for that option.
> 
> It's surely the quickest and simplest way to use the product with one of
> the emulators - whip it on to the harddisc, drop it to the emulator's
> directory, launch the emulator... Much faster than relying on snail mail.

Why not a combination of the two; e-mail the disc image and the tape image
to the purchaser and give them a media option for a few pounds over the
download price. 

If I were to buy a tape or disc, I'd rip it with OmniFlop to a disc image
before doing anything else. I would imagine there are plenty of potential
customers out there who don't have a real Beeb and would like to support
retro computer programmers.

Of course, with a easily transferable format like SSD or UEF, piracy is a
problem, more than the days when discs were illicitly swapped in lessons and
breaktimes - good old 80s! So we're adults now, aren't we, the moral
perspective is weighing on us to do the right thing, buy and support the
software so we can enjoy more exciting titles, or, pirate the software and
watch the publishers wither and die.

Dave