>Hello Peter
>
>>I asked others whether they too think that Foxtalk has deterioriated, in number of articles and in quality. I once again ask your opinion. Moreover, if you agree, what do you think should be done about it?
>
>I don't know about quality, or even number of articles, but since I have been co-authoring the Kitbox column ever since April 1998 I can assure you that nothing has changed in the Editorial policy as it filters down to us humble columnists.
>
>However, it is certainly true that until the October 2002 issue Foxtalk was always 24 pages. Beginning in October 2002 it went to 20 pages and, I notice, that with effect from October 2003, it is down to 16 pages. Presumably less pages equates to less articles!

I hold in my hands a fantastic 32 page issue of Foxtalk ... June 1996.
I feel a tear welling up in my right eye as a flip through its pages.

>
>Why? I would assume that since the magazine relies heavily on 'submitted' articles (almost exclusively in fact - I think Kitbox is the only regular monthly item - other than the editorial of course) that the number of articles submitted for publication has dropped off.
>
>The solution? People have to write more articles and submit them. I am sure that they will (assuming they meet the minimum standards of accuracy and technical content) be published, and they even pay for accepted articles. (I have also heard that FoxPro Advisor has also been struggling for quite some time to find people willing to write. So it may not be just a FoxTalk issue).

It is interesting that VFP just doesnt have any top flight talent 'new blood'
to write articles...
what a fascinating and and unusual trend....

I wonder if there are any variables of a wider scope causing this to happen ?

It could be that because for the last 7+ years MS does not market VFP outside the community. Thus, it is the old guard doing all the work. Who wants to be part of a product whose manufacturer ignores?

I wonder if this lack of outside the community marketing has had a negative impact on sales of copies of VFP 8? Or maybe ZERO marketing is a secret new way to increase sales?