ASP OMBUDSMAN POLICY

Joseph Wolff, President of Silver Wolf Software, is a member of the 
Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP).  ASP wants to make sure 
that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve 
a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member 
directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve 
a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical 
support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 
Grover Road, Muskegon, MI USA 49442-9427, Fax 616-788-2765, or send an 
email to ASP Ombudsman 70007.3536@compuserve.com.


DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying
it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected
to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request
registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period.
With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using
the software to an updated program with printed manual.

Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the
copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as
stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like
commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both
cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the
method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy
and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific
group. For example, some authors require written permission before a
commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find
software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or
Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because
you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low
also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use
the product, you don't pay for it.

