>Hi Mike.
>
>I haven't made any public comments about this issue yet, but here's my 2 cents.
>
>First, I want to state that I'm not against sending a letter to MS signed by as many VFP developers as possible; depending on the content of the letter, I'd certainly sign on. However, I doubt such a letter would make a lot of difference. As many others have pointed out, the members of the VFP team really do have a good handle on what we want. Those things they don't deliver on are for a variety of reasons, most of which we're not privy to. But I'm absolutely positive they know we want them to do a better job marketing, so I don't think a letter would be a great revelation to them.
>
>Second, the idea of asking people to sign a list that says they'd sign another list seems kind of silly to me. You don't ask people to sign a petition stating they'd sign a petition; you ask them to sign the actual petition. So, some of the comments I've seen questioning the motives of those who haven't signed the list are really unfair.
>
>>Let's make sure that one way or another, every VFP programmer in the world knows what we're talking about when someone asks "Are you on the list?".
>
>If you're referring to the list before the list, why bother? If you mean the list of people who've signed the actual letter, fine.
>
>>To those who are leaders in the VFP community: show us your leadership! We respect you, and we're yearning for your active support and guidance.
>
>If I may presume to include myself in this group, you should realize that most of us have *way* more contact with MS than people see in public forums. Believe me, the "tip of the iceberg" analogy really applies here. We are a very vocal group and have made it clear to MS what we and the entire VFP community want and expect from them.
>
>So, just because the surface waters appear calm, don't assume there isn't much action going on below. I guarantee there is!
>
>Doug

Hi Doug,

I'm sure there's lots of great stuff cooking for us in VFP 7 and beyond, and your efforts and those of others working behind the scenes are very much appreciated. The problem is that the rest of the world thinks VFP is dead. This puts a lot of us in a rather awkward position when it comes to selling our services as consultants or developing products that presuppose the existence of VFP. I happen to be in both of those categories, so I hope you'll excuse my fervor.

May I add your name the the list of those who publicly say "Yes, I would consider signing an open letter to Microsoft encouraging them to do a much better job of promoting VFP"? Let's not split hairs, Doug. It sure sounds to me like that's what you are saying, and it would mean a lot to many people to see your name on that list. If enough people in this community simply do that much, we might inspire MS into action without ever having created any "letter" in the conventional sense.

If you'd like to get involved in any of the writing and discussion about specific VFP marketing ideas, your participation would of course be welcome. You're busy working behind the scenes on things that benefit all of us, but won't you please do this one thing more? All I ask is that you let me add your name to the list. Otherwise, you're pertpetuating the disparity between VFP development and VFP marketing, which is the whole problem in the first place. Humor me, Doug. Maybe it will help get the ball rolling, so we all can get back to work.

Mike