[LynnieS]

Originally Posted by Spar-Q

Ok then, let me give a better example... some PC games are so old now, that the developpers(sp?) have essentially abandoned it.. aka abandon-ware... can't think of any examples for the moment, but the point is, some companies will refuse, no matter how you persuade them, to let hardcore fans who still like the game tweak with the source code to make it harder to cheat (such is the case in multiplayer games) or just better in some way.

I just feel that some companies are improperly hoarding something which should be made public.

Some people feel that if they had invested time, energy, and money into something, they should retain control over it. Right or wrong and however others feel about it, in the end, it's their call.

They might also want to resurrect the project at a later date - in a new form, sequel, or such perhaps - and fear dilution or one taking sales away from the other.

There's also this for the U.S.:

Copyright is a personal property right, and it is subject to the various state laws and regulations that govern the ownership, inheritance, or transfer of personal property as well as terms of contracts or conduct of business. For information about relevant state laws, consult an attorney.

Lawyers. Bah.