Talk:An Open Letter to Hobbyists/Archive 1
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Archive 1 |
The letter by Gates was published for the first time in Computer Notes and then republished in other hobby computer magazines. For better sources see: http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/comphist/comp1976.htm
Should the text be set out slightly, not itallics, but perhaps with a different font or background? F
I replaced it with an external link. :) Martin
Obscure title. I was looking for model railroad information. Wetman 04:47, 9 Mar 2004 (UTC)
I would argue that my revision actually describes the text and motivation of the letter and the arguments it contains. All previous versions just briefly touch on the letter, then proceed into pure editorialism.
My text describes what the letter's *author* believes, not me. Previous versions all reflect what the editors themselves believe.
((I've added a sentence relating the importance of the letter to the open source movement, and a reference: both viewpoints tend to see it as somewhat significant.))
What gives Wikipedia the right to publish the letter in its entirety? As far as I know, Gates still holds the copyright on this document.
Not that I don't like having the text here. But Wikipedia has always taken a high road when it comes to copyright. Phiwum 10:55, 31 May 2006 (UTC)
I have removed the text. Conscious 10:01, 13 June 2006 (UTC)
It was not an advertisement; it was a letter to the editor of every electronics hobbyist magazine. The main target of the letter was the Homebrew Computer Club and they published an exact copy of his letter in their public domain newsletter. Three other magazines also published the letter to the editor. See the "Public domain copy of the letter" section below. -- SWTPC6800 (talk) 18:41, 1 January 2008 (UTC)
I thought Markoff was discredited for what he did in relation to the Kevin Mitnick case? In my opinion he should not be cited as a source to accuse others of copyright infringement. --204.42.21.52 23:21, 5 February 2007 (UTC)
Great with souce, but the guy that host that JPEG file could have created it himself. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 80.213.91.94 (talk) 07:08, 10 March 2007 (UTC).
Bill Gates sent the letter to the Homebrew Computer Club and an exact copy it was printed in the January 1976 issue of the Homebrew Computer Club Newsletter. The newsletters were printed without a copyright notice and are in the public domain.
When a person sends a letter to the editor of a newspaper or magazine it is assumed it will be printed under the copyright of that publication. The author has the right to send the letter to multiple publications and each can print it. Bill Gates did just that. In addition to Homebrew Computer Club Newsletter, the letter was printed in the February 1976 issue of Computer Notes, the March 1976 issue of People's Computer Company, and the May 1976 issue of Radio Electronics. It is apparent from reading the letter that Mr. Gates wanted it published and he did not include a copyright notice. Since he distributed the letter without a copyright notice before 1978, the letter is in public domain. Even if Mr. Gates had a valid copyright on the letter he gave the Homebrew Computer Club Newsletter permission to reprint it.
Computer Notes and Radio Electronics are under copyright so they would require a non-free content (fair use) rationale to be used in Wikipedia. The Homebrew Computer Club Newsletter was published as public domain so it can be used in Wikipedia.
I had added a copy of the letter to the article. Image:Bill Gates Letter to Hobbyists.jpg
I was a member of the Homebrew Computer Club and purchased a copy of Altair BASIC. I still have the paper tape and receipt.-- SWTPC6800 (talk) 19:59, 24 November 2007 (UTC)
A search of BYTE magazine's Letters sections shows that BYTE did not publish this letter. In the July 1976 issue (page 90) they published a page long response from a reader about the letter. The letter covers several methods of making a profit on software. It also gives an additional magazine the Open Letter was in, PCC (People's Computer Company) March-April 1976 (page24).
Popular Electronics only printed letters about articles in their magazine. Bill Gates did manage to show up in the Letters section in March 1976 issue (page 8).
Credit Where Credit Is Due
"Programming the Altair 680" (December 1975) was erroneously bylined by Paul Van Baalen and me. The credit for writing this article rightly belongs to William H. Gates.--H. Edward Roberts, Albuquerque, N.M.
The article asserts that the copying that took place was unauthorized and therefore infringement. Is that true? When did copying software become copying of copyrighted works in the US?--213.93.234.219 (talk) 12:03, 5 November 2008 (UTC)
This article looks to meet the B class criteria, and I've given it High importance, though I'm not sure if it should just be Mid importance. -- Eraserhead1 <talk> 20:20, 24 February 2010 (UTC)
I don't understand how the closing paragraph about Gates' interest in APL relates to the rest of the article. Could someone either rewrite it to tie it in better, or remove it? Thanks! Luvcraft (talk) 21:21, 17 May 2010 (UTC)
Software did have copyright protection in 1975/1976 so I am reverting this edit Here is a reference on software copyrights.
{{cite journal}}
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