[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by Dakota

No, it is not free. The station pays royalties, which are (in turn) paid by the advertisers.Again, not free. Paid for by the advertisers.

It is not at all difficult. It is just not free.

What - websites don't have paid advertisements? In many ways, websites work in a very similar fashion as TV/radio stations. There is a fine line between "web hits" and "Nielson Ratings." When you *click* on one of those advertisements, it frequently brings additional revenue to the web owner in additional to the costs of placing the ad in the first place.

It works in a similar fashion. Frequently, the "free" information on a website isn't so "free."

If you haven't noticed, the ASA website has no shortages of opportunities to buy stuff - although, they usually don't choose to sell anything that is not specifically sold by them. I haven't checked, but I doubt you will find a link (or advertisement) for Honig's umpire equipment anywhere on their website. But that's their choosing. That's their right. I'm just saying that it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, the ASA might even sell more of their stuff if there was more of an enticement to visit their website.

And, this is relevant how?

That is a comment that most people make when they're running out of things to say; as if the question, in itself, somehow diminishes the relevance.

It's relevance should be obvious. You seem to be making the argument that because they own the rights to the rules, they should maintain the rules' limited availability. I'm pointing out that plenty of people do not exercise their ownership in that manner. I'm suggesting that the ASA exercise their ownership in a more liberal fashion - for the greater good. It's just my opinion - and I suspect many others hold the same opinion.

That's how it's relevant!

In fact, I am merely pointing out that just because you want it to be free does not in and of itself constitute a criticism. There are plenty of "free" rule books available for the education of the general public. How has that worked, so far, in educating daddy?

So you'll agree that many fans are woefully ignorant of the rules? I agree!

How could it make things worse by making the rules available for somebody, like a fan, who may have a passing interest in some aspect of the game? ... especially since you seem to be acknowledging that it's a problem. Wouldn't it be better if daddy was better educated?

I say, the opportunity to be a better educated fan (whether they choose to take the opportunity to educate themselves or not) is a good thing.

ASA and NFHS choose to not make their rule codes available for free download or free online browsing. All of your high-sounding arguments really just boil down to you wanting it free of charge.

I guess we can just agree to disagree.

I have the book - legally! I don't need a bootleg copy of it. But it would be nice, at times, when I don't have the book in my back pocket, whenever I have a question, to be able to fire up the computer and check it out online. It would be a nice convenience even for an umpire or coach who actually does get a copy of the book after registering.

I've seen posts within this very forum where a poster will say something like: "I'm at work, I don't have my rulebook available, but I think that it says such-in-such ..."

I guess we can say that we got the annual debate over online rules out of the way early this year.

If you're convinced the softball world is better served by the manner in which the ASA and NFHS chooses to dessimenate their system of rules, I can see I cannot convince you otherwise.

At least admit that it is highly more likely that their decision is more of a business decision than it is a softball decision. And, in my opinion, I don't even think it's a very good business decision.

I guess I'm both an idealist and a purist on this matter.

{que up John Lennon's "Imagine" - but make sure it's not a bootleg mp3!}

David Emerling
Memphis, TN