CompuServe Messages

I can't speak directly to your subject, but I will say this. I released one utility some time ago as shareware. The utility worked well at the time, but later developed some "unusual behavior" when the AV Macs shipped. I fixed the bug immediately to produce an updated version. However, because of absolutely abysmal shareware registration, only a very few individuals ever received the update, which I personally mailed only to each registered user, on floppy disk and at my own expense. I never released the update by any other means because (literally) I got twice as many letters asking for free distribution rights on user group CDs than I ever received registrations. Also the CIS download count was infinitely higher than my registrations reflected. I estimate unpaid usage to paid usage at least 100:1. I'll never release shareware again, and if anyone dare complain about a bug in my shareware utility I'll tell them where to stick it. It's an idea whose time has come and mostly gone.