From a past issue of Z*Net online magazine:
 
 * SUPPORTING SHAREWARE
 ----------------------> by Terry Schreiber
                         ------------------
                         T.R.A.C.E.
 
 
 Most computerists are aware of the many bulletin boards and networks
 available with file areas that are classified as Public Domain software.
 What most of these users don't know is that some of the software they
 regard as free is actually shareware.  Shareware is software that has
 been released by the developer for you on a try on a limited basis.  If
 you like the program then you are asked to purchase it or updates by
 sending the programmer money.  Most developers ask for five or ten
 dollars, or even donations, which is not unreasonable for a program
 compared to the cost of a software package at your local store.
 
 The problem is that most people are using the software and not
 supporting the author.  If this continues developers will soon tire of
 the hours of work they spend on programming in comparison to the revenue
 in return.  These programmers are not going to get rich from this
 revenue in fact in most cases it doesn't even cover the cost of the
 updates and mailing to get the latest revision to you.
 
 A partial solution our users group came up with was to increase the
 selling price of all disks and magazines twenty-five cents with this
 amount going into a kitty for shareware authors.  Each month we will
 draw a name and the total will be sent to that developer.  This, of
 course does not mean that the members can't still kick in what they want
 as well sent to the programmer.  We are hoping in this way to have not
 only the individual registered for updates but the club as well.  I hope
 this plan meets with your approval programmers.
 
 I realize that this is just another one of those pleas to support
 shareware developers, but you should realize that by not paying for a
 program that you are using you are as guilty of a crime as software
 piracy or theft.  There may be a few eyes opened with the last
 statement.  I'm sure there are programs you use all the time and don't
 even think about.  Arcshell, Cheetah, Dcopy these are all in the
 category of shareware.  I wouldn't like to estimate but I would guess
 at least ninety percent of the persons using these and other shareware
 programs have not paid for them.  Prove me wrong!  Please!