          
          
          
                   SOFTWARE FOR SHARING -- AND PROFITING
          
          
               The most effective software for your computer may
          not be the most expensive.  Many people prefer low-cost
          "shareware" programs.
          
               Low-cost shareware programs can do the same things
          as most $500 word processing programs and $700
          spreadsheets sold by commercial software firms, such as
          WordPerfect or Lotus 1-2-3.
          
               Shareware programs are software programs that can
          be distributed and copied at little or no cost and
          without breaking any copyright laws.  In fact, the
          computer programmers who create and distribute these
          programs want others to make copies of the software and
          give those copies to friends, relatives, and neighbors,
          because they lack access to conventional software-
          marketing channels.  Shareware procedures can be
          effective in putting a new program into users' hands. 
          Then, as distribution widens and the use of the
          shareware increases, users' experiences can lead to
          refinements in the program.  After they have been used
          and improved over time, shareware programs sometimes
          are sold to conventional software-marketing companies. 
          While they are in the shareware-distribution channels,
          however, such programs can be welcome cost savers. But
          you don't have to write computer programs to profit
          from shareware -- in a moment we'll show you how you
          can make money selling these programs.
          
               Among the companies using shareware programs are
          Caterpillar, MCI Telecommunications, DuPont, Ford Motor
          Co., The Los Angeles Times, and Texaco.  
          
               Shareware is distributed in two ways.  Programs
          can be copied from program diskettes borrowed from
          someone such as a friend or a computer club, or they
          can be obtained for a small charge from mail-order
          companies that specialize in shareware programs for as
          little as $2 to $5 per disk.
          
               If you have tried a shareware program and decide
          to use it, you are expected to register with the
          software company that created the program.  The
          registration fee is typically $10 to $129, depending
          upon the complexity, quality, and popularity of the
          program.  The shareware user receives support and
          manuals like those that come with the more expensive
          software packages.  If you decide not to use the
          shareware program, you simply keep the diskette; no
          registration needs to be paid.  So you are only out the
          minimal cost of the diskette, which you can erase and
          reuse.
          
               Matrix Software Company has chosen to market it's
          shareware club memberships through a network of
          individuals who distribute their Automated ShareWare
          Catalog -- a diskette listing programs available. 
          Matrix charges $24 per year for a membership (a 3-month
          membership for $9 is also available) and members can
          then buy programs for as little as 89 per disk.
          
               As a software club member, you are invited to sign
          up as a sponsor and earn money from distributing copies
          of your catalog disk.  There is no additional charge to
          become a sponsor.  But you do not have to become a
          sponsor -- you can simply join the club and get
          programs at the member prices.
          
               However, by sponsoring members, you earn 7%
          commissions from their dues and from their shareware
          purchases, as well as earning commissions on those they
          sponsor for nine levels down from you.  This can add up
          to a substantial amount of money if you are willing to
          put just a small amount of effort into it, as Matrix
          says average purchases are just under $4 per member per
          month.  Just passing out the catalog disk is
          sufficient, since you are automatically credited with
          orders that are placed from the disks you hand out.
          
               To get a catalog disk and membership information,
          send $3 for postage & handling to Lewis Sierra, 51
          McDougall Street, Suite 192, New York NY 10012.  Be sure
          to specify whether you need a 3-1/2 inch or a 5-1/4
          inch diskette.  
          
          
          
