I'll jump on this one...

Sending an open letter to MS on this topic is like sending a letter to the Toronto Sun that you think Paul Bernardo was guilty of the crimes of which he was accused. At best, it is a token act.

MS, Robert Green, Ricardo Wenger, Randy Brown, et al, know exactly what the sentiment of the community is. If they did not, I would have to conclude they have been brain dead for the past 5 years. Since I know the latter is not the case...< bg >, I can assure you that the folks at MS are listening.

As far as not signing the letter, I am one of those that don't believe in token acts. If it is an act that won't count, count me out. The esteemed people you make reference to contribute at levels that you don't see on a day to day basis. They/We/I do things that count such as providing input on suggested strategic areas of focus. Signing a letter is at best a symobolic act. My appologies if I decide to concentrate on areas that will actually bear fruit...

Just because you are not privy to all that goes on does not mean that the "esteemed" favor the status quo. Those that do things have no duty to clue you in and you don't have the perogative of needing to be informed.

You can be sure that folks at MS lurk here, the wiki, foxforumm, etc. They see the ideas - for product improvements, marketing, etc. There has always been a place to make your suggestions known: foxwish@microsoft.com.

My suggestion to the folks here - keep doing what you are doing. Robert has already engaged a bunch of people in productive dicussions. That will bear fruit. Wasting time on a token letter will not. Futher, don't sweat the fact that some noteables have not signed on. This is hardly a new thing. If you recall, during the whole VFPDA episode, no noteables where there either..

Relax Jim. There will be good things happening. There is no need to create and/or find new problems...

< JVP >



>Hi Michael,
>
>I just reviewed the vote list. I noticed, sadly, that none of the 'esteemed' have voted (not that those who have voted aren't valuable, but you know what/who I mean).
>
>I guess that they are generally satisfied with the status quo. It gets me to wondering WHY that would be.
>
>Regards,
>
>JimN
>
>>Oops - let me correct that typo:
>>
>>The thing that's most amazing to me is how MANY of the people who ARE active in UT, wiki, and usenet have been slow to jump on the bandwagon.
>>
>>Mike
>>
>>>
>>>Jim,
>>>
>>>Thanks for your input. The thing that's most amazing to me is how few of the people who ARE active in UT, wiki, and usenet have been slow to jump on the bandwagon. I've been trying to understand what excuse anyone could offer, other than being a Microsoft employee. I guess you've put your finger on it - a fear of "rocking the boat" or giving offense to MS and incurring its wrath.
>>>
>>
>>(snip)