Matzes a1k.org Graphics Adapter...

[grond]

How hard is it to say "Yes, it works with Picasso96 using the blahblahblah driver.

Probably a case of copyright paranoia. They didn't pay any picasso license, did they? :lol:

[grond]

Ha, sure it's not the same case. It's exploiting the license somebody else paid for. Not sure why that is morally any better than writing a driver without using any licensed material and relying on the shareware model the picasso authors offer. Wait a moment, that sounds less legitimate than what apollo did but somehow there is no public uproar about it...

[grond]

Interesting claims, alas unsubstantiated. Let's quote the readme of picasso96.lha uploaded by Tobias Abt himself for some facts:

"Picasso96 is ShareWare. Requested fee US$20 or DM30, free to use for PicassoIV and Pixel64 users (the manufacturers of those cards already paid for these licences) and the really few ones that already have sent us a donation."

Clearly Picasso96 is shareware for users. I don't see anything about any fees for people who write additional drivers. And why should I not be allowed to write any software of my own and publish it? I'm also allowed to build LEGO bricks compatible with the original LEGO bricks and sell them (there is a long history of LEGO case law). If I want to have my driver included with the original package, yes, that's something for which the authors could demand a license fee.

Making a card compatible to the two cards mentioned in the readme and exploiting the licenses that were paid for the two original cards seems to be an anticompetitive action but I'm pretty sure the original license hold won't mind. And if the picasso right owners don't mind, who would?

[grond]

Well, the DDK was not used for writing the vampire driver. The driver was written and is maintained by Jason McMullan who never had any access to the DDK. While we are very happy about his contributions, he isn't even part of apollo or vampire.

[grond]

Actually the work and skill that went into picasso is respected  a lot. How much would they want to release all picasso sources under the GPL?

[grond]

I believe it's more a case of irrational behaviour caused by hurt feelings because the work, skill and idealism that went into picasso was never recognised. And then doing something takes more effort than just ignoring the entire situation.

[grond]

Who was that third party Apollo exclusively negotiated with according to your recollection of this story? And who brought it into play?

For all I know Gunnar did have direct contact with the picasso guys. They were ok with apollo using picasso, there was something about an invitation to dinner in return and some remark stating that parties could talk again if there was any serious money involved.

[grond]

Actually there is no money being made which should be obvious when looking at the vampire prices. Gunnar has not earned a single penny in all this time. If he has any interest in all this, it is about making a fast compatible core. Regarding selling boards, it's all kipper's business and he's reinvesting all he gathers from selling his handsoldered cards. No money has ever been passed around within the team.

[grond]

If he has no money, he cannot use or depend on software that costs money. It's really that simple.

No, it means that the "invitation for a dinner" agreement between Gunnar and A&T still applies.

BTW would you please stop mentioning copyrights? No copyrights have been infringed as nothing has been copied. It's really that simple.