CompuServe Thread

Alexander Wiggert writes (about shareware): "Yes, but there's some idealistic idea behind it. Like that it's affordable, that the feedback between the programmer and the customer is much better, faster and more effective, that you can try _before_ you buy, etc." I can certainly vouch for all of that with regards to the shareware program AVM (Advanced Voice Mail) by Al Villarica. The registration fee is modest (I think it is something like US $20 – $35) He provides frequent updates (I can't remember how frequently, but I would guess more than 5 per year). He is _very_ responsive to comments, suggestions, etc. (The other day I had a problem with the software. I sent him email on Usenet. I got a reply within a couple of hours. It is _very_ unusual for him to not reply within two days.) And the unregistered version is a well developed piece of software with minimal restrictions. If all shareware was as well written, as well supported, and as reasonably priced as AVM software, commercial vendors would have cause to be concerned. Usenet: Ernie_Gorrie@mindlink.bc.ca Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada