I met with a recruiter today. Some of my current projects are winding down and I'm not particularly inclined towards "marketing"; so I'm having someone else do the footwork ...

I asked her: if the ideal candidate walked in the door, what would his/her skill set be ?

She said there is no pat answer: the client requirements are so diverse, that there is no "standard" skill set.

We both agreed that "flexibility" (in terms of being able to adopt/learn a particular technology) is one of the most important characteristics that one can manifest.

>SET RANT ON
>
>I just got fed up.
>
>I acknowledge the anxiety that comes from rapid technological change. We invest countless hours working with tools. We want them to remain current. We do feel anxious if that future is threatened.
>
>But, the whining level that I've experienced here and in other places finally got to me.
>
>WE HOLD THE FUTURE OF VISUAL FOX PRO IN OUR HANDS!!!!!!
>
>Let's act now before we lose the opportunity!
>
>Everyone asks about 'what Microsoft is doing?'
>
>Why give away your power?
>
>What are you doing to support the tool -- your future?
>
>Have you attended a user group meeting recently?
>
>Oh, you don't have a user group in your area. Well, have you talked with other developers about starting one?
>
>Have you given a presentation at your user group recently?
>
>Have you upgraded to version 7.0?
>
>Have you talked with other developers about upgrading to version 7?
>
>Have you talked about the benefits of Visual FoxPro with upper management?
>
>Have you done accurate comparisons of tools rather than just reacting out of fear, so that you know what you're talking about?
>
>
>Are you exposing yourself to the new paradigms of programming -- client/server, n-tier development, that offer totally new uses of Visual FoxPro?
>
>Are you exploring ways in which the VFP engine can be tied to .NET technology to enliven older programming paradigms like simulation engines, expert systems?
>
>Are you exploring totally new ways in which database technology using VFP can be used?
>
>
>JUST DO IT...
>
>SET RANT OFF
>
>
> Jay