#Hamfests
I attended a Hamfest in the Detriot area recently and was surprised to
discover that not very much Amateur Radio related equipment was available.
However, I did find six different booths set up where the operators were
copying and selling copyrighted programs ranging from Word Perfect
(complete with photocopies of the documentation down to games. I even found
7 MichTron/MicroDeal titles available, including one program that wasn't
released yet! All of these "dealers" were doing a brisk business, with
hundreds of dollars changing hands in a matter of minutes. Since
MichTron/MicroDeal pays my bills, this concerned me. These thieves are
probably selling more copies of our programs than we are! Is it any wonder
that software companies disappear with startling regularity, citing poor
sales? I hope this Hamfest was an exception, but I'd bet it wasn't. I was
rather embarassed to call my self a Ham after seeing that, actually
condoned by the sponsoring group. (One booth even had a sign proclaiming
the owner to be an officer of the Host Radio CLub!) If you are a Ham, and
go to Hamfests where such activity takes place, please take a minute to
explain to the club officers that a crime is in progress, and express your
displeasure. <George>