🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1993Jan4.171904.17555@news2.cis.umn.edu> davidli@simvax.labmed.umn.edu writes:
>>Yet another example how US mfgrs ***** their European customers.
>
>Er, you forget the fact that CompuServe and GEnie require on-line charges in
>order to download software as well.  We're not exactly getting the ICD software
>for 'free' here either.  Some companies, like ICD, offer on-line access to
>their software as a service to those people lucky enough to subscribe to that
>service.  There is nothing illegal, immoral or attening in such offerings.

No, of course not, I merely wanted to point out that ICD offers a service to
their US customers while not offering a similar service to overseas customers.
If I appear to be bashing ICD here, I'm sorry.  It's just that I observe this
behavior from US companies *all* the time.  If you want examples, send email.

>  Not
>everyone in the US is connected to CompuServe or GEnie either, and, for those
>who are not, it costs money to obtain updates from ICD.

Indeed.  The *real* problem is that ICD is a little paranoid about people
tinkering with their software.  I had a discussion with Tom Harker on CeBIT 
about this *ages* ago, and we agreed to disagree :-(

>On the other hand, there are plenty of European manufacturers from whom we
>cannot even GET an update electronically.  Should we then use this as an
>example of how "[European] mgfrs ***** their [US] customers"?   I don't think
>so.

If they offer electronic updates for Europeans but not for US customers, you 
should at least let them know that you're unhappy.  I am unhappy with ICD, 
and precicely because their s/w is *good* and I can't get an update the way
US customers can.

>Complain about something that matters.

Right you are.  Should I cc Darek M. and Bob R. ?? :-)

-- Volker
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