As part of our support of our user group (LAFox), we offered to facilitate upgrading to VFP7.

Two emails went out to all our members about this benefit -- cut us a check (or CC) and we'll have VFP7 for you at the next user group. I also announced it at the October user group meeting. This had a deadline of October 20 for our members.

This required some preparation on our part. We had a board member shop around for the best price for upgrades and new versions. We made available the possibility of paying by credit card -- one of our board members has a merchant account. Most importantly, we have a board member who will deal with the logistics of getting the names, rechecking prices, talking to the vendor, cutting the check, passing out the upgrades etc., everything else that's necessary.

Note: We discussed whether or not to extend the offer to non-members but decided against it. Our thought was the to make it a membership benefit. Your group may choose otherwise but be sure to discuss the issue.

From this, we just placed an order for 19 upgrades and 5 new versions of VFP7.

For other user groups, you may wish to implement something similar. Otherwise, it's 30 or 40 people trying to get the time to place an order to upgrade one or two copies. It's a win for both Microsoft and your user group turnout.

Bill Anderson