Robert, thanks for the reply.

>>Don't forget Oracle - there are usually plenty of jobs for that and you can now download it for free (to learn). It will run on a reasonable-spec PC with no problems.<<

Easy to forget it, with all the focus on SQL Server. I haven't seen any openings (yet) for VFP in conjunction with Oracle. Do you know what the learning curve is compared to SQL Server?

>>I don't know which end of Devon you are in...<<
South Devon, half-way between Exeter and Plymouth.

>>(there's no web-link for you above)<<
cs.com is the new URL for Compuserve, so it's not a personal website.

>>..there has been a job going in Bristol for a good VFP programmer for ages (I keep getting called about it,<<
Permanent or contract? Bristol is a couple of hours away - not commutable daily, but maybe I could wangle some home-working. Any contact details?

>>Have you subscribed to monster.co.uk?<<
Just done it - nice site.

>>If you can bear it (!) you might contact Truro council - I think they use VFP.<<
They do, and they have my CV, but even they are about 120 miles away!

>>As far as new customers go, I now write demo programs for prospective customers and then contact them, giving them the internet address of the demonstration program, and let them play with it if they want, for as long as they want. I've also been gently moving my customers towards a subscription service for their software/support to try to create a constant stream of income, rather than the usual lump and bump of large jobs and then bugger-all for 3 months. Most seem to like this.<<

A couple of excellent ideas. How detailed are these demos - ie. how much time can you invest in a client who may never place an order?

Regards,
Alan