Unfortunately this is the way of the world. A grass roots effort (GameSpy/FilePlanet) finds popularity and growth, and eventually morphs into a quasi-commercial endeavour. If you or I were at the helm I think we'd be hard-pressed to take a different approach.
Another classic example is CNET. We all knew (the shareware development community) that it was only a matter of time before CNET decided to become a for-fee hosting service. But it still stung, and it's DRAMATICALLY altered the landscape of shareware distribution. The good news? Startup costs for internet services are slim to none, and 'something' will eventually fill the vacuum created when other services become fee-based. These new efforts may never achieve the same critical mass, and there will be a startup curve that we'll all have to live through, but until the very basic levels of internet connectivity become too costly (i.e. increased connectivity surcharges, federal regulation, etc) for the average techie at a university or liberally-minded corporation to start his or her own venture on the underused T3, I think we'll still have distribution channels available. Of course, I realize I have just painted a rather large, flaming target upon myself. So be it. :) - Buzz _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe, edit your list preferences, or view the list archives, please visit: http://list.valvesoftware.com/mailman/listinfo/hlcoders
