>>I've also posted my observations from attending and speaking at conferences.
>>
>>Do you have links to back up your statements that more hobbyists play with VB.NET than C#? Not that I disagree with it, I just want something to back it up.
>>
>>>You've posted that before I recall and it is very important information to know. Seriously. However, it does not change the "public" opinion out there (and it does exist) that in general, the C# developer is of higher caliber - false though it might be. More hobbyists play with vb.net but C# is used by more experienced developers than vb.net (although pros do use vb.net - I don't mean to suggest otherwise). The same view was held by the public between VFP and other languages. Once that view gets out there - it's almost impossible to change.
>
>In a previous message today...
>http://visualstudiomagazine.com/articles/2007/11/01/cs-exploding-mindshare.aspx
>
>An interesting link I noticed. Look at the description under vb.net here:
>http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-gb/express/aa974184.aspx
>
>Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition
>
>Productivity that is ideal for first time or casual Windows programming.
>
>and C#:
>
>Visual C# 2005 Express Edition
>
>A great combination of power and productivity for the Windows developer.
>
>That's marketing to the hobbyist and "casual" developer if I ever saw it :o)

I don't think you can fall out with Craig over this one :-}.
The descriptions refer to the 2005 version - and Craig himself pointed out that the MS perception was then that way inclined but has since changed.