Jeff

>>I have to do the marketing. I will never be able to rely on MS for this for any of their development languages. When you think about it, look at what happened with VB and VJ++. Can we (or should we) really rely on MS for anything? - this is the REAL ISSUE.<<

But where does it end? Most individual VFP people here have neither clout nor ability to rebut Gartner and the like, and those who might have the clout, fail to do so.

The most significant quote in the FUD article you posted the url for (thanks!) is

"First, they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win."

This letter people want to write. Right now it is being "ignored" in certain quarters. Either that, or "poo poohed" that it will mean nothing because MS already knows. But the letter continues to grow its appeal- over 300 signatures now. Next I suppose we'll see the nastiness. Then the letter will be done. Then we'll see whether adding one's name to a list of signatures was such a wasteful idea.

The fact is that if it is true that Ms knows the concerns, then the lack of response shows they see no business need to respond. So whatever tactics have been tried before, are a failure for most of us. It is time for something new.

If not a letter, what? Sit and watch? I don't think so. The status quo undoubtedly benefits some, but for most of us it has been very sad.

Regards

JR