>-snip-
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>>I think an informational meeting, as well as, an organizational one could occur. From my point of view, however, the UT in many ways serves some of the same purposes that an developers organization would. That's not to say that there would be value in an "VFPDA". The thing that would concern me the most is duplication or redundancy. For some reason, "spreading ourselves thin" comes to mind.
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>I'm not concerned as much about redundancy as I am with defining the role of the VFPDA, and how it presents itself to the rest of the world. At the moment, the discussion (for lack of a better word) has made the VFPDA take on the appearance of the mob of villagers in the "Burn the witch!" skit from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Taking things a bit more slowly, and having all our ducks in a row (not to mention having an appropriate scale!) seems to be a more prudent approach.

Hi Ed,

For some reason the word "shrubbery" comes to mind.:-) Certainly having things in order will prevent counter productive things from occurring. Speaking in a clear and single voice is usually more effective than many voices saying almost, but not quite, the same thing.

While the UT doesn't exist to provide that clear and single voice, it does give each of us the opportunity to express our opinions. As stated above, the VFPDA would probably best serve by distilling those opinions into that single voice. But, beyond that, what purpose would it serve? News? Answers to questions? Job opportunities? All that is available here. This hasn't been addressed.

If, however, the VFPDA didn't provide that single voice, or simply duplicated the functionality of this place or others, I really don't see much point to it. That's the real problem as I see it. No matter how well organized, without some sort of mission statement that addresses an area of need, it won't do much good.

Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong...