I can hardly add anything to this great post, but Nancy is right: This is an opportunity to 'seize the day'.

This is a classic situation of give and take. If we rally and take the exams in beta, showing support for the tests, enabling MS folks to get the test into production (they need a minimum number of beta takers to properly evaluate the test), then good things may folow.

If we don't take the beta tests and ignore this olive branch, this opportunity, then none of us have any right to bitch about VFPs role in VS.

Many of us have worked VERY hard to make these tests professional and real-world. It's time we showed MS we are professionals and turn the Fox community into an asset for MS (which could get us more of what we want in the future), and not the lunatic fringe.


>Please consider taking the Beta even though vouchers are given only if the exam is passed.
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>First, if you are planning on taking the final, the beta can be considered just one more study material. It costs about the same as a book, and much less than other study packages. And, in return, you see every question that will be on the final, and you learn what the test is like, and where your weaknesses are.
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>I've never taken a cert exam, and I'm a bit scared, and I figure I'll probably fail...but just studying for it has given me a much better grasp of FoxPro overall.
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>Second, you'll be supporting Fox. So, if you're one of the people who knows that it's a great tool, and wish that MS promoted it more, here's your chance to make a difference.
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>Finally, you can help shape the final exam. So, if you don't think they are realistic for what we actually do, then take the exam and make comments on the questions.
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>In other words, now is the time for action and committment. Seize it.
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>You've seen how powerful our voices can be :)