Peter,

you've been a member of the UT long enough that you were present when people like JVP started talking about using other tools besides VFP. My guess is you were one of those who slammed him, rather then even try to listen to his message.

Even so, some other clues that appeared within the last 5 yrs or so:

- The level of technical discussion on the UT. You could see the more technical folks disappearing from here, or at least saying they are using dotnet or another tool over the last 5 yr timeframe.

- People here discussing how difficult it was becoming to get a corporate job developing with VFP. I would assume the same thing has happened in the Netherlands. Do you not keep up with the help wanted ads, if only to see where the technology pendulum is swinging?

I submit that the answer to your question about what to tell your clients is to tell them you made a poor business decision for them. You didn't pay any attention whatsoever to the signs. You didn't do a good job for your clients who had a concern about the long term viability of the developement tool choosen.


>>Look - I'm answering this very personally - not as a MSFT person.
>>
>>STOP!
>
>Alan, I'm really mainly interested in the official MS statement. If you're not willing to act as an official spokesman, then perhaps you can tell us who we should contact.
>
>The rest of your reply contains some hints as to the reasons, but because you state that this is all only very personally, I'll not gonna reflect on the content.
>
>One more thing though: I have NEVER (I repeat NEVER) sought a fight. I have ONLY sought further official information and have sought it where I thought it should be sought. You cannot seriously blame ME for the hard time you're apparently, as to my surprise, having. Your reaction is not diplomatic, it is not professional.
>
>That's all. Have a nice BBQ. Don't burn the fingers. :)