Pete and John,

Of course, John is still drinking the MS Kool Aid, its just a different flavor. There are those that will say, when you are in the MS Sandbox you are just playing, as is generally what a sandbox is for, little kids with there play trucks.

At least, that is the position of 'real' developers. People that use Java and Oracle, and GNU C on Linux.

I'm not necessarily one of them... but, if you really want to take a 'from the top' view you should look at ALL of the possible carrer avenues. Java is one of the few languages where use is growing at a large rate. This is because Java is being used in Web, Desktop, Embeded and other systems.

While I like to learn new things, right now, VFP is what is putting food on the table. If tommorow I have to work in something else, fine. At least I am getting a firm background in other things like UML, OOP, XML, etc. Those skills will move easily to most other development environments. Most of the current VB developers can't spell OOP.

Pete, I wish you luck in your quest.

BOb


>>This hit home to me. I don't care how great VFP is technically. If
>businesses and students (like me) PERCEIVE that VFP isn't the future, businesses won't support it and students won't learn it.
>>
>
>For the most part, this has been the perception for quite some time. Look at TechEd, DevDays, PDC, etc and look at VFP's representation at those shows. I put the challenge out to anybody who can cite me one positive trend with regard to VFP as far as the OUTSIDE world is concerned.
>
>From personal experience, I can tell you the trend for training is WAY down. Then again, it is for the industry as a whole - but Fox has declined at a faster clip.
>
>>
>So, I've been rethinking my pursuit of VFP. Can I better spend my time learning something else? What will be best for my future?
>>
>
>IMO you can... Going to a VFP show or class is not going to do much for your future - unless all you care about is socializing with people from the community. Make plans to go to a .NET or SQL Server show or take a class. Make an effort to learn 1 new thing a day - no matter how small it is. There are a lot of free resources on .NET on MSDN - so don't think you will have to burn through a lot of bucks. TechEd is a good experience. I gave the last VFP session ever given - and the amount of topics there is awesome. Alternatively, you may want to go to PDC or perhaps VSLive from Fawcette.
>
>
>>
>Microsoft's confusing marketing/support of VFP casts doubts, whatever their intentions may be.
><
>
>The intentions are clear - to blur the lines between community and a product. In other words, get folks jazzed up about the community - and the ancillary issues with the product go away..at least, they appear to have gone away...
>
>On one hand, they are "committed to the future". On the other hand, "there are limited resources". Web services are pitched as a panacea. If all of a sudden, VFP is greeted with open arms by companies that have heretofore shunned the product simply because it has support for web services, then I will be convinced and proven otherwise...
>
>As for the confusing comment, that is right on target. The message posted up here often don't make sense or are self-contradictory. This used to not be a problem...
>
><<
>Even the VFP community of experts, are obviously confused/concerned/doubtful.
><<
>
>Don't forget that some simply drink the Kool-Aid. As ashamed as I am to admit it, I used to be one of these people - thinking that my position in life and self worth was dictated by whether I was a "good soldier". Fortunately, I don't think I ever strayed into the area of out and out deceit. To one degree or another, I always believed in what I said. For me, it has simply gotten to a point that even I cannot sling the message.
>
>Further, there are some who don't drink the Kool-Aid - but nonetheless have an interest in keeping the status quo. These people have decided to let their self-interests cloud their objectivity. I OTOH, don't have a personal agenda or self interest here. Therefore, I am free to be objective, candid, and honest.
>
><<
>Microsoft appears to have some kind of plans for VFP – they are planning v.8. They are clearly marketing .Net. But I haven’t heard from them a clear statement as to what application, role, or niche VFP will have in future.
><<
>
>VFP will support web services - through the SOAP Toolkit. It does with 7, has since 6 and will in 8 (assuming 8 comes to fruition - and I suspect it will..)
>
>IMO, the plans revolve around the community - as that is where the effort is being placed. As far as the product is concerned, there is only so much that can be done - or needs to be done for that matter.
>
>I would submit looking at the GLOBAL MS message - which is .NET.
>
>
>>
>So that’s one student’s opinion. I would love to hear from all of you what advice you would give folks like me.
><
>
>Use VFP today to fuel your migration to .NET. That is my advice to you in as simple terms I can muster...
>
>Regards,