X-Arcade says Abandonware A-OK?

[Glaine]

If you haven't seen this yet, January's X-Arcade newsletter made what I think is a rather bold statement saying that "apparently abandonware has been legalized".

While many of us (myself included) visit sites such as the one mentioned in their article as to where to get abandonware, don't you think it's a rather gutsy move for a commercial business to stick its neck out like this?

http://www.xgaming.com/newsletter/january07.shtml?DCMP=EMC-jannl#download2

(I know this article is a little old now, get over it).

[GoPodular.com]

I wouldn't do it.  It isn't even truthful.

[Fozzy The Bear]

don't you think it's a rather gutsy move for a commercial business to stick its neck out like this?

Completely stupid of them would be a more accurate phrase. This was discussed at length here, and it most certainly does not mean that Abandonware is legal.

The ruling in question is actually not a new one at all. It's a renewal of one from three years ago, designed specifically to allow The Library Of Congress and other archival institututions to archive software for the preservation of social history and for the study and education of future generations.

It gives a right to circumvent copy protection, it does not grant or give ANY right to actually copy or distribute the software.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[Glaine]

Yeah, I remember talking about that issue with you and the others before. I wasn't sure if this was the same case.

Thorough as always, Mr Fozzy.