>At one level, the community numbers are important to the extent that it is the community that has kept this product alive. 7 years ago, there was alot of momentum. Today, I suspect the momentum is not there. IAC, it is my opinion, one that most here hate, and therefore, I should not waste my breath expressing it here anymore. Some will say that news like this scares off newbies. I contend there are bigger, much bigger market forces than me at work. To think one person has that kind of power is a bit absurd.
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While I primarily use VFP as my development environment, and will continue to do so as long as I can make a living at it, I think you're right. Just take a look at how many FoxPro/VFP developers still haven't upgraded to VFP 7. If Ken can't convince VFP developers to invest in VFP's future, he doesn't have a chance of ever being able to convince developers from other camps. Upgrade sales from current developers should be a slam-dunk. From the amount of time Ken has spent recently tryng to get people to upgrade, I'm guessing not as many people have upgraded as they would like.
I can't believe currently VFP developers that have not upgraded don't think it's worth the $250. A $250 investment in the product you are using to make your living with. So, the company you work for won't buy it for you? So what. Cough up the money out of your own pocket. Again, $250 is an excellent bargain for something you make your living with. Especially if it help to continue to fund future development of the product. Sure, VFP might be a niche player. I'm OK with that. If, as a developer, you're not (in general, not you specifically, John), then move on. Otherwise, support the product.
I think Ken has been as blunt about it as he can be. I don't want to put words in his mouth, but I think he's been pretty clear about it. If you're a VFP developer and want VFP to continue to be enhanced, support it by buying the upgrades. It's not going to die tomorrow if you don't, but every day that passes that current developers don't buy the upgrade the chances that they will, will decrease (since it now begins to compete with the next version of VFP).
Sorry, went off on a rant there < g >
