Abstract :
For the professional software designer, the hobby and home computer movement has created a curious and at times painful dilemma. On one hand, the movement represents a large and growing market–one in obvious need of professionally developed software. On the other hand, that same market offers a very narrow profit margin. Worst of all, it seems to be characterized by a kind of anarchic morality in which all software is fair game for outright rip-off. It may come as a surprise to some that the offenders are not only individuals; among them, in fact, are a few of our largest and most highly respected corporations.
