It has been brought to my attention that some stolen Atari computer 
software may now be residing on one or more of our VAXes. 

This is intolerable.

We are a company whose existance depends on software sales, and every
ATARI game that was in a cartridge and has been put on disc and then
on the VAX is a potential leak to the outside world that can impact
sales. Any competitors' games that might be on the system could 
substantially weaken Atari's cases against piracy in court. People
who participate in stealing software are risking their jobs and the
company's future. 

Please delete all questionable files immediately!!!

As Jed would say, Thank you or else.
                  Steve Calfee

It has been brought to my attention that some stolen Atari computer 
software may now be residing on one or more of our VAXes. 

This is intolerable.

We are a company whose existance depends on software sales, and every
ATARI game that was in a cartridge and has been put on disc and then
on the VAX is a potential leak to the outside world that can impact
sales. Any competitors' games that might be on the system could 
substantially weaken Atari's cases against piracy in court. People
who participate in stealing software are risking their jobs and the
company's future. 

Please delete all questionable files immediately!!!

Once again, people in this building are reported to be in possession of
stolen ATARI property, taken from computer bulletin boards. The titles
are BALLBLAZER and FINAL LEGACY. People must not have this stolen 
property in this building or elsewhere!! This is a crime and, if caught,
your employment will be terminated.

As Jed would say, Thank you or else.
                  Steve Calfee

What's the biggest joke at Atari?  Stolen software.

I've been very frustrated with all the apathy at Atari toward stolen
software.  Almost everyone here has stolen software and when confronted
the answer is usually a very proud smile followed by "Yea but....".

The reason I'm now on a soap box screaming is because I designed and
programmed 'Final Legacy' which has just gone to ROM's and is already
being passed around on disks.  Yes I'm mad about it, but people who know
me know that I've been screaming about stolen software for a very long
time.  So this letter is not sour grapes.  I picking this time because
maybe you'll feel sorry for me and listen to what I have to say.

Legacy was stolen by someone outside Atari and I believe it could not be
prevented.  These things happen and part of our business.  The people 
involved are going to be nailed.

The sad part is that a copy showed up at Atari.  The person saw nothing at
all wrong with having the copy.  I've kept from finding out who the people
are so I don't end up hating anyone here, I'd rather not know.

Well that's the background.  The issue is stolen software and why are we
doing it.  I beleive that stealing or receiving stolen software is a crime,
no buts.  I also believe engaging in these activities at Atari is a crime
and stupid.  Our pay checks depend on selling software.

I don't buy the excuses that pirating doesn't hurt those big fat companies,
or it's just one copy, or it's from another company.  If you only steal
non-Atari software then you are condoning people who do.  We can't be in
the grey area debating whether or not priating is ok or not.  I think
that we should denounce piracy at every chance and not be hypocritical
in doing so. 

Other software companies have policies where having stolen software is
not tolerated, if a person is found with stolen software they are fired
on the spot.  What it has done for the employees is given them a very
strong sense of pride in their work.  They know that the company places
a great value on their products.  Also, I've never heard of anyone being
fired.  But then no one pirated software either.  Make no mistake, everyone
knew that the rule would be enforced.

If I have offended a pirate or two out there tough, I don't much care for
pirates anyway.  I do hope I've reached people who have stolen software
that maybe it isn't right and they should get rid of it.  And to all the
people who denounce software piracy, let's keep the spirt alive.


 				Dan 'Mr. Tact' Oliver