My point can be essentially restated as this: if a developer's value proposition doesn't have a 5 to 20 times multiplier attached, then that developer will always be arguing with pointie-headed IT bosses about the merits of VFP or whatever else seems appropriate. The best way to have a unitary multiplier is to do all languages imaginable. The best way to get a big multiplier is to drastically reduce the number of listed buzzword skill sets.

Here are some links. Steve McConnell is a visionary author in this area (Code Complete, Rapid Development, Software Project Survival Guide).

http://www.therationaledge.com/rosearchitect/mag/archives/summer99/amigo.html
http://community.borland.com/article/0,1410,23174,00.html
http://vig.pearsoned.com/samplechapter/0130416649.pdf

Type "HyperProductive Developer" in Google and go nuts.

**--** Steve


>Steve,
>
>>> I use VFP, VB, VC++, VBScript, VBA, JScript, Oracle Designer, Forte,
>>> Uniface, Natural, and Assembly depending on the project.
>
>> Wow. There's your problem, right there. It's not VFP features and
>> marketing issue, it's a Daniel Rouleau features and marketing issue.
>>
>> Let me carefully explain :-)
>>
>> Most, if not all the really successful developers I've met would likely
>> list 3 to 5 items max. I would list probably 2 or 3. I would guess that we
>> would have a tough time finding many VFP developers who make over $100k a
>> year every year and who posesses a 2+ man-year full order book ahead of
>> them who would list more than 5 items. Not to say they don't exist, just
>> that it's very rare and, on balance, a wonky and undesireable way to be in
>> strategic terms.
>>
>> For example, I would never for a second consider writing VBScript or
>> JScript. I know these pretty well, but I never would do work in these
>> areas even if I were paid easy money to do so.
>>
>> Here's why:
>>
>> A hyper-productive developer is 10-20 times more productive than an
>> average developer.
>>
>> A good developer is 5-10 times more productive than an average developer.
>>
>> Therefore, it makes abundant sense to focus on what you do really well,
>> and to network away the stuff you do less well. So if you're a really
>> excellent VFP developer, then it doesn't matter if you're an "ok" JScript
>> developer. Don't touch the JScript. Farm out the JScript work to a
>> hyperproductibe JScript developer. This way the maximum value is delivered
>> with the least amount of sub-optimal screwing around. Leverage those 10
>> and 20 times multpliers.
>>
>> That's the best way to be a really successful developer. Don't do JScript,
>> but rather know and feed someone reliable who does excellent JScript (or
>> Forte or Assembler or whatever). With this mindset, eventually you'll find
>> yourself doing excellent projects, with excellent people, making exellent
>> income.
>
>With all due respect, I never said anything about being difficult for me to
>find a contract. I have a background and skills that are very uncommon in
>the programming community and I am typically assigned to project where
>solutions require heuristic to solve NP-complete problems and to projects
>where quality is the first, second, and third priorities. I don't normally
>touch run of mill database application because I am simply not interesred in
>those types of problems.
>
>Furthermore, I stated a few times on this forum that I switched to the
>IT field because I like to solve problems. If money was a primary
>objective, I would not left my actuarial position and I would be easily
>making anywhere within the $200K-$400K range by now. Or I would have
>chosen to be a doctor's or investment fund manager and be making as much
>or more. I make enough as a consultant that I will be able to retire by the
>time I'm 45 if I chose to. This won't happen because I enjoy solving
>problems too much and I am likely to continue working until they bury me.
>
>On the other hand, what you said makes sense. I will research whether your
>production multipliers are accurate and will farm out a lot more work if
>they proved to be true. BTW, any suggested reading about this subject or
>how to find a good subcontractor is greatly appreciated. My goal is to
>spend a higher proportion of my time doing the things I like best. If it
>leads to more money in my pocket, so be it; if not, I'm still a winner.
>
>Thanks for your input.
>
>Daniel