Date   : Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:26:49 +0100
From   : stuart@... (stuart)
Subject: making replica acorn cards

> Jules wrote:
> I suppose I'm just not seeing a good scenario (amongst the general 
> public[1]) for having boards / machines that look exactly like the
> original to the untrained/unknowing eye; it just seems like a good
> way to pass off an item as something that it is not. I'm all for
> using original parts and look-a-like boards, so long as it's obvious
> even to the unwary that it's a replica rather than an original.

I am not sure how many people (knowing or otherwise) would be
interested in these boards, but I take your point.

> Having said that, I know that I wouldn't buy a machine without
> knowing what boards were in it and being able to see the condition of
> each one - but maybe there are people out there who'd buy a System
> machine based on the case appearance alone, so even with 'branded'
> replica boards there's still scope for deception?

Anything that one man can make can be duplicated.
Just look at the fakes coming out of some countries, so good nobody can
say which is which.
If somebody really wants to make lots of cheap system boards and flood
the market with them then nothing I do will stop that, and I am certain
they do not need my help!
The question is what kind of market are we talking about? How many
people actually want replica Acorn system boards? My personal feeling
is that market is very small indeed.

> [1] less of an issue with museums, I think, because they'd make the
> replica status obvious amongst the surrounding display material
> (well, I hope anyway. I'd be upset if they didn't :-)

Even the best "experts" can be taken in by a fake!
The big thing is that they have something that is original to
show the public, even if it does not work, and be honest how many
old computers do you see actually doing something when on display in a
museum?  So all the old non-working boards can go to the display cases
and replica boards can be used those that want to have a working,
original looking system.
Just my 2p.

-- 
Stuart
Microsoft - products from convicted criminals