There are several threads discussing the problems of Microsoft's handling of their ugly step child (VFP), it's time for us to stop bitching (e.g. complaining, whining) and get proactive!

I'm willing to start the discussion, but please everyone should have input to the product which helps us 'pay the bills'.

Perhaps if we pooled our resources, e.g. create official organization (opportunity for PUTM?) like a lobby to more affectively work with Microsoft. After all, the statistics for UT show well over 27,000 members and over 28,000 visitors to this site alone, that’s a pretty loud voice. We could nominate a committe to represent us with Richard Green (who has always been on our side and can probably use the help), et al. In addition, if each of us put say $5 into ‘co-op advertising fund’ we could place advertising in magazines which would give VFP a more visible presence to the IT decision makers in the corporate world.

As an alternative, if we all joined the same Professional Trade Association (e.g. ICCA (www.icca.org), ACM (www.acm.org) or IEEE (www.ieee.org), etc.) we would probably gain clout both within the association (they need new members – many Cobol programmers are reaching retirement <s>) and through them reach a larger corporate audience. VFP is a great product, if MS won't or can't tell the world, then we have to!

I realize I’m not an eloquent writer; my point is, instead of just complaining lets get proactive, create solutions and control our destinys!

sysop - How about a new category for suggestion solutions this visibility would emphasize its importance. The recent thread concerning the review of Access vs. VFP is a great example; it shows the dedication (fanaticism?) of our group towards our main development language. Let’s channel it for a more useful conclusion!!!