[I will compile several answers into one message, so please read them all]
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>They charge cable companies for their feed I'd imagine - I mean, it's
I don't think this is true. Its my understanding that they 'give' the
required hardware to the cable systems. If the cable system gets any
kind of kickback (revenue) for subscribers, that one I don't know.
>companies make money from it. They also earn revenue from the premium
>services, of course. I doubt that it's mostly from individuals - businesses
>and schools would be much steadier cash sources.
They give the equipment (decoder box, software) to schools for 'free'.
So the only real money making part I can see is the subscription service.
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> Would X*PRESS be upset (e.g. try to stop the activity, or sue, or whatever):
>
> (1) if someone wrote and distributed a freeware program for viewing
> X*Change news?
>
Dont think so. They really don't make a lot of $$ off the software sales.
> (2) if such a package was only available for platforms that X*Press
> does not itself support?
>
Im sure they would like it since it could expand their sales market.
> (3) if someone published the X*Change data stream format (like, for instance,
> published it on this mailing list)?
>
I have been told that they "used" to sell delevoper kits with that kind
of information. However they no longer have them available.
> (4) Does anyone know whether X*PRESS would even assist in porting the
> X*CHANGE feed to platforms other than those they support. Or, does
> anyone have a UNIX X*CHANGE feed process they have developed and
> would share.
>
A phone call would get you that kind of information. They seem to be
nice and helpful folks from my few calls.
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RE: Unix X*Press code...
I have some that was sent to me. I will check and see if the authors
are members of the mail-list. If not, I will submit a copy.
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RE: Amiga Software
The deal (straight from X*Press) is that the guy who wrote the software
has disappeared (they can not contact him). And with the agreement they
have, unless royalties (paid on each copy sold) can be delivered - they
can not sell them.
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-Dan