>>>>Hi Evan,
>>>>
>>>>What escapes me is why would that discussion be under a NDA?
>>>
>>>Standard procedure for non-shipping products. Even though VFP7 is a public beta, the official beta testers are under NDA.
>>
>>So you are saying that only VFP7 beta testers participated in these informal discussions?
>
>Nope. I have no idea who participated in the discussion. It could have been totally open or by invite only. What I'm saying is that MS frequently has people sign NDAs, even when much of what is discussed/shown/tested is public.

I see. In this particular case it surely is more harmful than helpful. For instance, as people work with VFP7 and make suggestions for enhancements, participants under nDA *FOR THIS DISCUSSION* will be unable to participate fully and may have to stifle opinion because of the NDA (fear of appearing to contravene).

Any way I slice *THIS ONE* a NDA is only harmful.

JimN