It's interesting to read a story like yours and put everything in perspective. I read a book several years ago about the history of IBM. When they were describing the period where MS and IBM were working together on OS/2 (before MS went their own way on Windows), they describe MS as a company exactly opposite of the company you've described.

And the cause of the friction between IBM and MS was because IBM operated exactly as you describe MS operates today.

You'd think the folks who've been at MS from the beginning would remember history and do everything to not fall into the trap they are obviously falling into.

>Thanks, Greg
>
>The majority of my issues, personal and professional, began a few months after your contract expired.
>
>Ummm....I was your lead :-)
>
>>Frighten story. I am glad I was not a tester for the VFP team. Wait a minute; I was, during the 8.0 version. As a matter of fact, if it was not for your support and understanding, I probably would have quit the contract early.
>>
>>I was unaware at the time that you were having so many problems. I knew the tasks you had should of qualified you as a Test Lead. And as by direct contact at the time, I acted as if you were my lead. You made my experience there enjoyable. Thanks John.
>>
>>P.S. If you ever need a reference, you are welcome to include me. You can get most of the bio about from my membership page here.