>Kevin,
>
>I'll try to clarify the purpose of this thread. I did not set out to rehash the debate on "is FoxPro dead/dying". As far as I'm concerned, it is a given that VFP is in serious trouble. I'm seeking a remedy, and I would very much prefer it if people would try to look at this calmly and sensibly, without the usual bickering and personal exchanges.
>
>So the central point does not get lost, let me be clear: there is another level to which this dispute can be raised - the issue of flagrant abuse of monopoly power. I want to make it absolutely clear to Microsoft that this broader issue is on the table, and their perpetuation of the present strategy would be highly unwise.
>
>A lot of people are resigned to accepting whatever sort of crap MS wants to dish out. "If MS says the future is .NET, it will come to pass.", "If you don't like it, lump it.", "Microsoft is entitled to make whatever decision they like in the name of corporate profit." I wish to persuade Microsoft that their judgment has been clouded, and their actions are not only needlessly hurtful to their customers, but they do nothing to serve the interests of their own shareholders.
>
>If push comes to shove, Microsoft will not be spared the embarassment of exposing this debate to a much wider venue. The breadth of the discussion and issues at stake will be far greater than the puny little world of Visual FoxPro. My suggestion, therefore, is that they come along quietly and surrender to reason, before this stinking mess becomes a textbook case.
>
>Nothing will get solved? Don't be so sure. Microsoft's greatest power is its marketing clout. But marketing is about persuasion and perception. Open discussion and free speech can be very effective weapons against the abuse of marketing power.
>
Mike

As I said to JVP, I think perhaps a different approach should be considered, because as far as I can tell, not much is getting resolved here, just a lot of fighting and b*tching.

Don't get me wrong, I understand why you want to get this across to people and perhaps generate some constructive POV, I just think another approach may pay off.

Don't ask me what approach that is :-)

Kev