                                        Revised: 11 Aug 1995 
Dear Author or Shareware Publisher,

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the Association of 
Shareware  Professionals (ASP).  We take the "ASP" mark as a symbol of 
distinction, and work to maintain the high standards for the benefit of 
all our members. Because the procedures for Author and Publisher 
membership are similar, we have combined the forms and files into one 
package.  

Admission to ASP is not automatic. You must demonstrate that one of your 
products (e.g., a program and related documentation) meets ASP 
standards; and you must guarantee that, if you are accepted, you will 
follow the ASP standards and procedures.

=========
THE FILES
=========

This file, AUTPUB.TXT, contains all of the information you will need to 
join the ASP.  However, you should first review the ASP Author standards 
contained in AUTSTD.TXT. 

AUTPUB.FRM is an application form.  Detailed instructions for filling it 
out and submitting it are here in AUTPUB.TXT. 

You may find the contents of SHAREW.TXT a useful addition to your 
product's documentation. Feel free to include any or all of it in your 
docs. 

================
WHAT IS THE ASP?
================

The ASP is an association for shareware authors and distributors with 
the general goals of educating shareware authors and distributors and 
the public, setting standards and sharing resources and information 
among members. 

==================
WHAT IS SHAREWARE?
==================

For the ASP's purposes, shareware is software which meets all of the 
following general criteria: 

It is a "complete" program, ie: it performs all of the major functions 
normally expected of a program of its type, unlike a "commercial demo" 
which normally has a major function disabled. 

It is copyrighted (as opposed to uncopyrighted software which is "public 
domain"). 

It may be copied for others to try, possibly subject to copying 
restrictions: you might restrict copying in conjunction with any 
business enterprise; you might place limits on copying for a fee; 
registration fees may be required from the user as a condition of 
continued use of the program beyond a trial usage period. (Note that a 
"$0" registration fee is valid.  You might want to distribute "$0 
Shareware" to build a mailing list, for example.) 

=============
THE MECHANICS
=============

"How long will it take to become a member?" is a common question.  Two 
to four weeks is typical, but if there are questions or a long reviewer 
delay, it could take longer.  The closer you follow these instructions, 
the better your chances for submitting a complete, easy to review 
application package. 

Your application goes through several steps:

1. The ASP Executive Director ("ED") receives your application and 
checks it for completeness.  Some folks either don't read the application 
directions carefully, or fail to complete the form, or toppll forget to 
send in the required versions of their programs.  Others even forget 
the check. 

2. Once your application is complete, the ED sends you a notification 
card in the mail, and uploads your application form to the ASP forum on 
CompuServe for members of the Author Membership Committee ("AMC"). 

3. The AMC assigns a reviewer for your program.  There are several 
potential hang-ups at this stage: (1) Your program's registered 
version may not be identical to the evaluation version. (2) 
Registration Reminder Screens (RRS) -- in the evaluation version may 
be a problem. You are allowed to have RRS, but again they must follow 
the ASP guidelines. (3) You forgot to include the ombudsman statement 
in your doc.   See the sections below and AUTSTD.TXT for details on 
these requirements. 

If your application fails at this point, you will hear from one of 
the members of Assistant Author Membership Coordinators (AAMC).  Your 
AAMC will work with you to bring your product into compliance.  

4. Next, the AAMC reviewer briefly tests your program and writes a 
review.  The review simply notes that the ASP requirements are met.  The 
reviewer will check for obvious bugs, but will not conduct a 
comprehensive review of the program's functioning itself.  Results of 
the review are posted in the committee section of the ASP CIS forum.  
This allows other AMC members to comment or discuss problems if need be. 

Any questions about policy or procedure are immediately passed on to the 
Board of Directors: the AMC is not a policy-making body.  The AMC is 
given a week to examine your application and the results of the review 
in detail. 

5. Once this last step is completed, you will receive a full membership 
package in the mail shortly thereafter.  If you have a CIS account, you 
will also receive an email notifying you of acceptance. 

If your application does not meet ASP standards, it will be referred to 
the Board of Directors for a re-review and notification. If you disagree 
with any action of the AMC, you may appeal directly to the Board of 
Directors, by writing to the Executive Director (address below). 

If you start feeling frustrated about the delays, keep one thing in 
mind: with the exception of the "ED", this entire process, beginning to 
end, is run by volunteers who have myriad demands on their time. 

======================
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
======================
As of Jan 1, 1994, the following rates apply:
---------------------------------------------
When you apply, you will send in a check (or authorize a credit card 
charge) for $100.  That amount covers your first year's dues. 
Technically, it's spread out over four calendar quarters, at $25 per 
quarter, starting in the quarter your application is submitted.  If you 
apply after the first quarter, any excess is credited towards your 
second year's dues.  

As a member you will have unlimited submission rights to the ASP monthly 
CD ROM mailing.  This replaced the previous disk based mailing that cost 
members $500-800 PER MONTH.  

========================
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN?
========================
Author membership is open to programmers who are authors of at least one 
product which is currently marketed (or is in final beta test stage) and 
supported as shareware, who agree to abide by standards adopted by the 
association, and whose membership, in the judgment of the Membership 
Committee, will not be detrimental to the goals or reputation of the 
ASP. Note, while this 'product' is usually a computer program, books, 
tutorials, clip art collections, et al. can also qualify. Publisher 
members might not be the author of a program, but have exclusive rights 
to distribute an application.  

There are other types of members:  CoAuthors, for example, may apply 
providing at least one of the authors of the product in question is an 
ASP member.  Membership is also open to Vendors and Bulletin Board 
operators.  These other types of members have their own application 
procedures.  Please contact the Executive Director for details (address 
below). 

Companies with a controlling interest owned by programmers ALL of whom 
are ASP Members or CoAuthor Members, are considered Company Members; 
there is no additional membership fee. 

Companies with a controlling interest owned only partially by ASP 
Members are also considered Company Members; there are additional dues 
of $100 per year, pro-rated by quarter. 

===============
HOW DO I APPLY?
===============

(Please study these instructions carefully. The most common cause of 
delays is that these instructions are not followed.) 

A: Read the rest of this document.

B: Follow the instructions in this document to answer all the questions 
   in AUTPUB.FRM.  We MUST have both an electronic file called 
   AUTPUB.FRM, and a printed version, properly completed, in order to 
   process your application. Be sure the on-disk application file is a 
   plain ASCII file.

C: When you complete the application, print it out, then sign and date 
   the printout where indicated. Include this in your application 
   package along with the on-disk copy. 

D: Print all of your product's documentation files.  (Documentation and 
   tutorial material only: not program listings!)  This is to make the 
   reviewer's job easier.  PLEASE NOTE: If a doc or help file is not 
   normally printed you do not need to include a printed copy. (Eg, many 
   Windows applications have extensive help files that are never 
   printed, but only referenced while running the program.)   If you 
   provide a printed manual with the registered edition, include a 
   sample in the submission.

E: Put ALL of the following into one package:

   1) The file AUTPUB.FRM on disk.
   2) A signed and dated printout of the file AUTPUB.FRM
   3) Printouts of all of your product's documentation files
      (If users are expected to print them out)
   4) The evaluation version of your program
   5) If there is any difference between evaluation and registered 
      versions of your program, also include a copy of the 
      registered version, clearly marked. 
   6) Any material (such as a manual or a newsletter) that is
      normally included in the registered version
   7) If you have an Non-Shareware Version of your product
      (see below), the entire retail package
   8) Either:
      A) A check for $100, in U.S. dollars, drawn on a U.S. bank;
         or,
      B) The completed credit card charge authorization located
         at the end of AUTPUB.FRM

   Mac and Amiga files, may be submitted on any common media for those 
   machines, but should be clearly marked as such.  

   Note that there is a $20 is a non-refundable processing fee if your 
   application is not accepted.  The remainder will be refunded. 

F: Mail the package to:

   Executive Director
   Association of Shareware Professionals
   545 Grover Road
   Muskegon, MI 49442-9427


===========================
  THE INSTRUCTIONS
===========================

You are to submit one product (e.g., a program and associated 
documentation) with your application.  That product is reviewed to make 
sure it meets the criteria described in AUTSTD.TXT. 

You might want to look at the text included in the file SHAREW.TXT, 
modify it to apply to your product, and include it in your 
documentation.  You'll also need to insert the ASP-required statements 
into your documents before you submit them with your application.  Then 
the AMC can readily verify that all of your documentation is in order.  
Remember, though, that you are not permitted to release anything 
including the ASP logo, Ombudsman statement, etc., unless and until you 
are formally admitted as a member. 

At this point, you should take a look at the file AUTPUB.FRM, and follow 
along as we step you through the form. Incomplete application forms are 
a major cause of delays. 

(Note that the following instructions are, by and large, an English 
translation of the Bylaws of the ASP, Inc., and formal ASP policies, 
rules and requirements.  All of the policies have been passed by at 
least a 2/3 majority of members.  If there are any conflicts between 
these instructions and the formal legal documents, the formal documents 
in AUTSTD.TXT take precedence.  If you are concerned about precise 
wording and definitions, please refer to the formal documents.) 

=============
THE TOP BLOCK
=============
Fill in your name and address.  If you have access to CompuServe, note 
your CompuServe i.d.  number; we will try to contact you through 
CompuServe whenever possible, and you should check your CompuServe mail 
every few days while your application is being processed. 

CONTACT NUMBER - The ASP publishes various lists that can contain the 
number to be used for the general public to reach you.  Many shareware 
users will want to contact you before registering to be sure you are 
still in business and that the address they have for you or the 
registration price is current.  The ASP office receives many calls where 
users, press, publishers, etc. are trying to reach an author.  The 
"Phone, day" number may be at a daytime job where you do not wish to 
receive calls pertaining to your shareware business.  Your "Phone, 
evenings" number MAY be the number you wish to use for people to reach 
you, but we won't give out this number unless you want us to do so.  
Many authors have a different daytime job and place an answering machine 
on their home phone with a message asking for an evening or weekend 
number to return the call.  In this case, you will probably have the 
same number for "Contact" as your "Phone, evenings" number.  Or, you may 
wish to use the "Phone, day" number - you must let us know as we can't 
decide this for you.  DO NOT give us a number that is some other 
company's that is ONLY used to take your registration orders.  This is 
an optional entry and if you leave it blank we will generally not give 
out your number. 

If you check "Yes" on "Mailing List OK", or leave the question blank, 
your name and address may be provided to outsiders. The mailing list 
consists solely of names, addresses and the optional Contact number.  
You may change your choice at any time by notifying the ASP Executive 
Director in writing. 

Please indicate the name you commonly use to describe your product.  If 
it's an acronym, you can spell out the name in the Description field.  
When you describe the program, you may assume a reasonable level of 
knowledge about computers, but you should indicate any significant 
requirements or restrictions.  For example, 

Product Name..... 3CPO__________
Description...... An AutoCAD add-on that prints circles ___
                  under three inches in diameter___________

or, say,

Product Name..... FoldEmUp______
Description...... VisualBasic Folder Manager, nests Folders
                  up to 10 deep____________________________


================
SOFTWARE SUPPORT
================

All ASP members' shareware products must include reasonable technical 
support, as part of in the purchase price, for a minimum of three months 
from the date of registration. The support policy must be clearly 
stated in the shareware documentation -- that is, in BOTH the Freely 
Distributed and registered versions. 

Support during the initial period may be one or more of the following: 
via the mail; by telephone (if this is the only support provided, at a 
minimum an answering machine must be available 4 hours per day; by BBS 
or major communications service, providing the shareware product is a 
communications or communications-related product. 

The author must answer questions and fix serious bugs during the minimum 
three month period. For problems involving a specific hardware or 
software environment or feature, the author may choose not to modify the 
program. In that case, if a problem is reported within three months 
after purchase, then the author shall offer to refund the user's 
purchase price. 

Any money sent to an author to register an unsupported product shall be 
promptly returned with an explanation that the product in question is no 
longer supported. 

Known incompatibility with other software or hardware, and major or 
unusual program limitations, must be explicitly noted in the 
documentation that comes with the evaluation version of the product. 

Please verify that your support policy meets ASP requirements, and that 
the policy is clearly stated in your documentation (both registered and 
evaluation versions).  When you are satisfied, check "Yes" on the 
application form, and describe your policy briefly. 

============
REGISTRATION
============

Your documentation must clearly describe how to register the product and 
what goods and/or services the user will receive for registering. 

Please verify that your registration policy meets ASP requirements, and 
that the policy is clearly stated in your documentation (the statement 
is required in the evaluation version, and recommended in the 
registered version).  When you are satisfied, check "Yes" on the 
application form. 

===================
OMBUDSMAN STATEMENT
===================

The ASP Board has set up an office of Ombudsman and appointed an ASP 
member as Ombudsman. The Ombudsman's sole role is to mediate disputes 
between ASP members and their customers. The Ombudsman reports to the 
Board situations where s/he feels Board action or knowledge is 
appropriate. 

All ASP Members and Associate Members are required to cooperate with the 
Ombudsman when so requested. 

The registered and evaluation versions of your ASP-compliant products 
must contain the following text: 

"This program is produced by a member of the Association of Shareware 
Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle 
works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem 
with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to 
help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with 
an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' 
products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, 
Muskegon, MI 49442-9427 USA, FAX 616-788-2765 or send a CompuServe 
message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536." 

The first sentence may be replaced by "<Member's name> is a member of 
the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP)." If a member's company 
qualifies under the company name policy, the company name may be used 
instead of <member's name>. 

(As noted above, companies with a controlling interest owned by 
programmers ALL of whom are ASP Members or CoAuthor Members, are 
considered Company Members; companies with a controlling interest owned 
only partially by ASP Members are also considered Company Members, 
although there are additional dues.) 

ASP-compliant packages of the registered version, essentially identical 
to those sent to registered shareware users, intended for sale in retail 
establishments or primarily retail mail order firms need not have an 
Ombudsman statement included. However, if the version contains any 
reference to shareware, it must also contain the Ombudsman statement. 

The Ombudsman statement may not be hidden in a file or other manner 
which 60% of the Board of Directors regards as obscure. 

Please verify that you have an Ombudsman statement in your product that 
meets ASP requirements.  When you are satisfied, check "Yes" on the 
application form. 


=====================================
REGISTRATION ENCOURAGEMENT PROCEDURES
=====================================

This is the most-often-confused part of joining ASP.  Please read the 
standards carefully. The principle behind shareware is "try before you 
buy." ASP believes that users have a right to try a fully functioning 
shareware program in their regular computing environment.  Read the 
standards in the AUTSTD.TXT file. Note that there is NO requirement 
that the shareware and registered versions be identical, just that any 
differences be consistent with the ASP standards.

If your program meets these standards, for both the registered and the 
evaluation version, check "Yes".  

Registration Reminder Screens may be used in an ASP-compliant product.
Such Registration Reminder Screens must not unduly interfere with the
evaluation of the product during the initial evaluation period.

The most common type of "registration encouragement procedure" is a 
Registration Reminder Screen (RRS, also known as a Nag Screen or 
"commercial").  

If you have a Registration Reminder Screen(s), please verify that it 
(they) meets the above criteria, then fill in the details specified on 
the application form.  If you have a registration encouragement 
procedure other than an RRS, please explain what it is in the "location 
in program" field on the application form. 

=======================
NON-SHAREWARE VERSION
=======================

The author may provide a non-shareware version of the program so long as 
it is not (in the opinion of 60% of the Board of Directors) merely an 
attempt to circumvent these policies. 

The NSV should have a different name (e.g., "SmuggyWrap Plus") to 
minimize confusion between the shareware and commercial versions. 

The shareware version must be a separate product that meets all ASP 
standards for support, documentation, etc.  NSV may not be represented 
as a registered version of the shareware. 

If you sell a retail version of the product that is substantially 
different from the registered shareware version, please check where 
indicated. 

===========
FINAL STEPS
===========

You should have an electronic version of AUTPUB.FRM ready to submit. 
Follow the instructions above ("HOW DO I APPLY?").  Print a copy of 
AUTPUB.FRM, date and sign it.  Bundle everything together and send it to 
the ASP Executive Director. 

================
HOW TO GET HELP!
================

If you have questions about your application, please contact the ASP 
Executive Director on CompuServe at 72050,1433, Voice 616-788-5131 or 
FAX 616-788-2765. 

If you do not have access to CompuServe, mail your questions to: 

   Executive Director
   Association of Shareware Professionals
   545 Grover Road
   Muskegon  MI  49442-9427  USA

We look forward to seeing your application....

 Steve Estvanik [76703,3046]
 Author / Publisher Member Committee Chair
