Donateware MetalBase 5.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiya. This is the part where I whine about how our country's going down the tubes and it's probably because no one ever pays for shareware anymore. I have designed and written all the versions of MetalBase. The database engine itself is of my own design and implementation, though there are several people to whom I am indebted for input and testing of the engine, and suggestions for development of supporting utilites: John Steele -- jsteele@netcom.netcom.com -- Beta Testing / Input Larry A Keber -- lak@world.std.com -- Beta Testing / Input Marlin Sheffield -- marlin@thelink.rn.com -- Beta Testing / Input Warlock -- warlock@coco.ca.rop.edu -- Beta Testing / Input Mike Cuddy -- mcuddy@fensende.Rational.COM -- Miscellaneous ideas Bruce Momjian -- jabber!candle!root@dsinc.dsi.com -- Reporting Adrian Corston -- adrian@internode.com.au -- Data-entry Robert S -- roseg@taurus.bitnet -- 4.1a *nix file locking I learned most of what I know of programming (such as it is) through examples from various people, which were distributed freely. As such, I feel it's only right for me to try to contribute this, the only thing I can think of which anyone might want, to the public. I would therefore like to distribute this freely and without restriction. HOWEVER, I'm also dead broke... so, I'm releasing this as shareware. The conditions are a little unusual, though... hummm. Not really shareware. Let's call it donateware: * Don't send any money at all -unless- you truly feel it's worth it. I think this is a useful enough package that it should be made more freely available, and don't wanna limit propogation by putting "send money to me!" labels on everything. If you like it, though, and wanna send $$ to me, I'm certainly not going to complain. I've made a few hundred off of all my releases of MetalBase total, over several years... and 4.0 alone is installed at hundreds of sites literally around the globe (just how many internet users ARE there in Australia?). So don't feel compelled at all. * Give it to as many people as possible. I mean it--if you like the distribution, put it up on a local board or ftp site, or post it to a group. It's so hard to get good distribution these days... * Tell me about any bugs you find (God forbid -- you wouldn't _believe_ how many tests this thing has been through). This works really well; I still do support for all MB stuff, and often end up debugging other code. It's fine by me, so if you can track me down, lemme know what you've run up against. * Leave the existing documentation intact. Add more if you'd like, but leave what's already there. Feel free to add sample programs and relations if you like--they always help. * Leave the credits. I'm vain and I'm poor, and the publicity for me might do me good; if not for my wallet, at least for my ego. * Send any modifications to the enclosed code to me. More importantly, SEND IDEAS! If you'd like an improvement, tell me about it! Whether or not you modify the code yourself, I'd like to know what's being done to it. Most of the additions to MetalBase have come about from things like this (the report writer, the data-entry interface, etc), so it really works. Keep 'em coming... * If you feel an urge to reach into your wallet and send me money, as I said, I'm going to be the last to complain. My address is: Richid Jernigan IV PO Box 827 Norris, TN 37828 <- Yes, folks, he's from TN! Gimme a name and a mailing address (internet or bitnet account names are fine -- just so I can distribute code / information), and you'll receive the following (no guarantees, but I'll try): - Any new versions of MetalBase, whenever they pop up (provided I don't lose my stupid registration list like I did after 4.1a--sorry everyone!) - The privilege of being able to request modifications or development of any of the previously-mentioned utilities (which will be sent to everyone on the list when available) - The privilege of being able to demand fixes to any bugs you find (now wouldn't _that_ be fun?) - A big smiley from me (worth it, isn't it? Wreeetch!) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Richid -------------------------------------------------------------------------------