I wish Steven a well deserved rest. Your article was excellent and opened my eyes to a problem I was oblivious to. Sitting here at the computer and lucky enough to download the occasional free piece of software from this site or others is a privelege that I take for granted. How often does a person, after downloading that widget or game mod and loving it, give the author a second thought. We might say he or she did a great job but then we move on. And of course I see your point, when a piece of software is downloaded and doesn't quite meet the 'standards' of some of these people you mention, I am sure they think that the programmer has ruined their day and want some type of retribution. Again, good writing and thanks for waking some of us up with the information.

Stephen Brockwell

The world needs more Attila's (where the hell have you been hiding these last few years?).

The whole customer/non-customer discussion is besides the point. The real issue here is respect and lack thereof. Perhaps because of the indirect nature of the net you get to see people's egocentrical side more.

And with all that said, forget about the ice. I _demand_ free beer! Pronto!!