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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>>I'm talking about the general question
of<BR>>closed source services being provided to ham radio.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I can apply the general question to two programs
being<BR>used by hams. Ui-View and javAPRSSrvr. They are 'free'<BR>and just
turns out to be the most successful. Both are<BR>closed source and top of the
list in popularity. Ui-View<BR>is still the most used application out there. It
never<BR>became obsolete when the author passed away. It was his<BR>wish to keep
it closed and free to the community. The<BR>source and program became his
legacy. Good stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>As we look around, there are many services provided
to<BR>hams... not just programs. The cool thing is that people<BR>are willing to
donate to us for the asking. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Without sounding like Andy Rooney, I like things
that are<BR>free and plug n' play. They work almost forever. I have a<BR>garage
full of broken things that I paid for and refuse to<BR>throw them away. It is a
reminder of my own stupidity <g>.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>So I guess, if it's free I'll give it a go. We
can't beat up <BR>people for something we didn't pay for. At least, that's
what<BR>I think. I guess there's a little hillbilly in all of us
<g>.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I also think about this long debate on open vs.
closed. I <BR>suppose it's simply a matter of choice. As long as we<BR>have
choice, we are blessed. Sometimes support is<BR>measured not by money, but by
those willing to devote<BR>time and energy for a cause. Such passion is rare,
as<BR>we are all used to paying so much for so little.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>There is no answer to open vs. closed and to
suggest<BR>it is a problem is elementary. There is nothing wrong with<BR>closed
source services that are being provided to hams,<BR>other than showing a little
more respect to the providers.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Dick Stanich, KB7ZVA</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>APRSWest</FONT></DIV>
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