John,

>Doug
>
>I challenge you to rebut the points I made rather than applying folksy "it's obvious" slogans.

The only way I know how to do that is wait for Microsoft to 'show its hand', so to speak. So, you're asking something from me I cannot give I'd think.

>
>Does VFP need better marketing? It seems you agree it does.

I think we do.

>
>Is it going to happen? You have faith it will. Based on performance to date I doubt it very much.

I'm willing to bet on it. I'll do the same for you I did for Steve. US$20 to whomever is correct by the end of this month. Other than that it's just a "you said" "I said" kind of discussion. <g>

>
>Is there anything we can do? You say relax and be a good unemotional developer. I say do whatever you can to make sure that your position is as best as you can make it. In other words, TRY. If that is your definition of "emotion" or "fretting" then I can live with that.

No.. That's not what I'm saying. If yout hink that VFP is on the way out and that you should develop another skilsett and are concerned enough to so do - I say "Great!". Just don't start belittling me or others who disagree with you on this matter as Steve has done. I just think that the future of VFP is brighter than you and others do and am quite content to be proven incorrect. I am perfectly happy and willing that we may disagree on this matter. I have no reason nor need to have to prove myself to you or anyone else. I think it's O.K. if we disagree.

I just have a smaller level of patience when dealing with those who seem more intent on tear VFP down in a VFP-centric location (which I see as deliberate and destructive) as opposed to simply believing their own press and going off to whatever they think is the 'next step'. All the caterwalling here only makes me think that they are just trying to convince themselves. Why bother? Go get on with the new product and gain a competitive advantage over those dumb ones of us who think VFP is still a player.

John.. In business, if you think a product you are marketing is going away and you think you've identified the next up-and-coming replacement don't you just quietly go get an advantage? Thnk about it.. <g>

>
>Now on to the religious component. May I respectfully suggest that "God helps those who help themselves".

That is an entirely un-Biblical and un-Christian idea. God helps thoise who cannot help themselves.

>Those who respond to threat by "trying to be better people" have a fairly unattractive track record.

As do those who through political power, most of whom have been socialist, liberal, non-Christian and athiest. Go investigate the Sudan.

But.. We digress and this part of the discussion should really go to Chatter out of deference to Michel, ok? THanks.. < s >