CompuServe Thread

#Ethics vs. Sex on CDROMs

2 messages in this thread
#48662From: Lewis CrowleyMay 18, 1993 5:36 PM
Jan–I am confused, I thought the BBS busts were a result of "pirated software" being available for download. Were the busts due to adult software? Distributing a disk with a Trojan Horse (or virus) with or without a warning is unacceptable to me. A vendor who knowingly distributes virus programs has more problems than the inclusion of some adult GIFS. We are only hearing your side of this issue. A description of the files would allow us to determine if the material you are complaining about is R, Adult or Porn. I don't think any swimsuit type GIF files have to have any warning for example. Why don't you identify the compnay so we don't buy anything from them. I have no interest in purchasing from a vendor who knowingly distributes a virus.
#48784From: JAN SCHWENKMay 19, 1993 9:48 PM
Lewis, You are correct in that several of the BBS busts have been because of pirated software but there have also been busts because of porn. You may have heard of the recent incident on the East Coast where an ABC affiliate lady reporter caught her son downloading dirty pictures. Local law enforcement agencies love this sort of thing as they can pounce on some poor little defensless nerd and look like heros. The FBI used to like it for the same reasons but they've gotten their fingers burned a bit recently. If you read the BBS magazines, there is an on-going dialog on several of these busts. I broached this subject here to give the other side a chance to air their side of the story. They do read this forum. They are more than welcome to tell their side. I do intend to identify the publisher and the disc soon. Rgds Jan