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From: izzy@ancient.demon.co.uk (Simon Dainty)
Subject: Re: Solution policies and an idea
Date: 01 Apr 1996 06:59:31 +0000
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Newsgroups: rec.games.int-fiction
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Some time around Thu, 28 Mar 96, TEAddition did scribble thus:

> And, since I'm sure many people will hate this idea, drop me a note
> telling me why.

  Whilst I agree in whole with respect to any author receiving some payment
for his work, I have to question the kind of subscriber elitism (for want
of a better word) that you propose.  If an I-F author wants payment for his
efforts he can simply ask for it, "This game is Shareware, send me $10/15
for peace of mind."

  "Fine," you may say, "but how many people bother to 'purchase' a fraction
of those works of I-F they 'experience'?  My suggestion could indeed put
money into the pockets of those who bring us so much joy."  A valid question
(and statement) indeed, but effectively hiding away any such genre-
influencing works from the majority of us 'net roaming nomads only serves
to dilute any potential for growth.  Not everyone can afford $25, so not
everyone is likely to experience that which is offered; they could just
grab a copy from Good Buddy down the hall, which is probably what a lot of
people do now - in a legal capacity for the most part, I'm sure.
 
> And if authors DO get more compensation than I realize, I'd like to know
> that, too.

  I've, for the past six months, sat on the sidelines and listened to most
everything that has passed through this group (with the exception of those
unexpected weekly breaks and news server/e-mail outages that caused a
lack of reading material - and withdrawl symptoms) and, to the best of my
knowledge, not one author has risen above the herd and protested - to any
major degree - over the lack of income relating to I-F.  If the respective
authors' really were so resentful of what pittyful 'funding' they received,
I'm sure such as suggestion as yours would have taken form a long time ago.

  I'm also equally sure that those blessed with the ability to weave their
own worlds to such a high standard, never intended their offerings to turn
a healthy profit - or any profit at all.  I could hazard a guess that a
fair number of I-F authors' write I-F for the love of it, in the first
instance.

  I don't entirely disagree with your proposal - Hell, I'd be more than
willing to contribute in a financial capacity if it came down to it - but
I, and I'm sure the majority of I-F authors', would rather receive little
or no payment for their works of art than see I-F decline to the point where
"If your name's not on the list, you're not getting in until 2:30."  If the
authors' of interactive fiction wanted to commercialise I-F in any capacity
other than Shareware, I'm sure this thread wouldn't be happening. 

  The great thing about "ye olde text adventure" is that it's still with us,
and looks to be with us for a long time to come.  For me (a *potential*
author - take my pathetic scrawl for what it's worth), the only payment I
could ask for in return is the continued health, and future growth (read as
you will) of one of the most challenging and diverse areas of the silicon
etched revolution.

  SYL,

       Iz. (And please remember people, these are just *my* opinions.)

-- 

  "These anti-phase bracelets are awesome," offered a rejuvenated Shelby
  to no-one in particular, "now where is the damn crystal that Barclay
  was referring to?"

-- 
