Paying It Backwards – Trumpet Winsock

Like many who used the Internet in the days of Windows 3.0 and 3.1, I used Trumpet Winsock to talk to the world.  I can’t remember how I got hold of a copy of it, but probably someone gave me one on a floppy disk.

What I didn’t realise at the time was that it was shareware.  I wasn’t the only one, apparently.  Full versions were copied around, and even given away on magazine cover disks.  Of course, some people just didn’t want to pay and used cracks, or time shifting tricks to use Trumpet Winsock beyond when they ‘should’ have.

The end result of this is that Peter Tattam, who created Trumpet Winsock, didn’t make much from his efforts, despite his creation being in widespread use.

Over on Hacker News, jacques_chester has the news that Peter has been persuaded to publish a PayPal address so that those who want to donate for their past use of Trumpet Winsock can now do so.

Personally, I think this is a great idea.  I’ve only ever once before had the opportunity to repay someone for the use and joy I got out of their products when I was younger.  Being able to now pay ‘properly’ for Trumpet Winsock is a good feeling, and I’m hoping others will also join in, and maybe, as jacques_chesters says, “Make it right.”

About Lisa

A Geeky Gamergrrl who obsesses about the strangest things.
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