Michael,

>>Michael,
>>
>>>>I have already decided on and have submitted the topic.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>That's great, John. I hope you'll consider one of the topics I suggested.
>>>>>
>>>>>Mike
>>>
>>>OK, how about letting us in on it, John?
>>
>>
>>Have you downloaded the MSDE yet? If your connection is too slow let me know and if it doesn't violate any agreements I'll download on my high speed connection, burn you a CD and if you post your address, send it to you.
>>
>>That way you can prepare for your article.. <g>
>>
>>Just trying to take all your roadblocks away...
>
>Tell me, Doug. How much would you personally be willing to contribute (in dollars) toward the writing of an article suitable for MSDN entitled "Paving the Way for SQL Server with Visual FoxPro"?
>
>Mike

Well, like I said, if you need a copy of MSDE I'll be more than happy to get one for you and send it to you. If you are asking me to support you while you write the article, I'm sorry but I think that would be going a little too far. I'm currently working on an article of my own but between building a new home, a regular 50+ hour a week job, selling my old home, and a whole host of other 'real life' kinds of events I don't usually stop before 10:00PM at noght - after getting up at 5:30AM each day. I figure to carve out a little time of my own and lead by example if I can. It's been a struggle for sure and if you're as busy as I am I can understand. My day doesn't end at 5:00PM that's for sure. <g> As I've said before I'm more interested in the product I'm currently extending and rewriting. I have stated that I think my work needs to move VFP forward, not my words.

You know, the old "What you are doing is so loud I can't hear what you are saying" rubric. An 'Actions speak louder than words' sort of approach - which I have determined for me is the best route to take.

I think you've perhaps missed my point Michael. You have griped and griped about nothing being done by Microsoft for months now. Along comes an opportunity for you to do something and you've simply not stepped up to the plate.

There are three kinds of people:

1) Those that make it happen
2) Those that watch it happen
3) Those that wonder what happened. <g>

What camp are you in?

You're the one carping at Microsoft. What are you doing? Writing an article? Building your skillset? Building a world class product compelling enough to silence the doubters? I'd almost think of signing your letter if I thought you had something to back it up with.

I don't know if you're going to 'get' what I'm about to trype but I need to say something to perhaps clear the air a little. Years ago I had achieved a sort of prominence in the VFP community. Quite candidly a lot of it was smoke and mirrors. I deceived people by letting them think more highly of me than they really should have. I then had a life-changing experience that tore me down to nothing (literally). After sitting in my basement for almost two years grieving, thinking, praying and sorting through my entire life's goals I came to the conclusion that I neede to stand for something. My faith actually was renewed and my love of my craft was as well. I decided to simply go and do a better job and quit worrying about anything else - particularly what anyone thought of me.

I worry a little that you are more interested in seeing yourself as some sort of crusader with your letter writing than actually getting the job done. I may ne entirely incorrect in my assessment and I certainly don't want to incorrectly think things that are not correct. But, to date you have given me nothing to demonstrate that you are more concerned about the future of VFP than promoting yourself.

I apologize if that stings. Still, I need to say it. I've certainly made my share of really stupid decisions and so forth over the years so I hope you understand that I'm all for you to succeed, do well, prosper and so forth. You just need to do it for your self - it is not the responsibility of anyone else. I'm willing to help and I stand by my offer to get you a MSDE CD if you are unable to get one of your own. Glad to help. But I'm not the one who thinks things are as urgent as you do. SInce you are that person I'd suggest that you should be the one to do something.

Does that make sense??