CompuServe Messages

I don't think it's my responsibility to revere any software company. In my time as an Amigaphile (or should it be Amigan?) I have discovered absolutely *no* software houses worthy of my un- guarded loyalty. I praise 'em when they do good, and flame 'em when they screw up. Sure, EA has done alot for the Amiga community with their early and continued support of the machine. They deserve kudos for that. More power to 'em. But that doesn't stop me from turning on the gas jets when I feel they deserve it. There is no conspiracy here against EA. EA is bound to receive more criticism than most other companies simply because they market such a large volume of Amiga software. More titles means more complaints. The downside of greater visibility is that you present a bigger target to potential flamethrowers. Another factor to toss into the mix is this: anti-copy-protection [and, seemingly–but not really–conversely, anti-piracy] sentiment on this forum is very strong, and for very good reasons. 1) Copy-protection doesn't protect anything. Period. 2) Copy-protection often interferes with streamlined, fluid use of the Amiga's multitasking OS. I lose more in decreased productivity than I gain in gaming enjoyment by rebooting my system with so-and-so's latest whiz-bang, copy-protected, singletasking effort. Any software firm that consistently employs system-crippling CP methods–EA for example–is bound (and deserves) to get repeatedly slammed. The aim of such criticism isn't us getting our rocks off with cynical, holier-than-thou, aren't-we-enlightened smugness. Nor is it indulging in smear campaigns or personal vendettas against specific companies. The aim is convincing said software firms to change their CP policies. Perhaps the slamming isn't always con- structive, but I think it's nearly always intended to be. I hope this hasn't sounded like a "Shut up, Henry!" message, 'cuz it isn't. I just think you haven't been giving Ben and Larry a fair shake. Sure, they'll cut down a product or a company if they think it deserves cutting down. That's their right, just as it's your right to take issue. But, on the other hand, they're also quick to give something or someone a plug if they think such is merited or deserved. Anyway, that's my five cents (the cost of comments went up along with postage) worth.