Thomas, see comments inline. (sorry:)

[snip]
>Peter;
>
>Let me say that I do not like in line comments, < snips >, partial of full quotes taken out of context, for starters.

>No one can please everyone. I agree with Chris – why do you not take up where Whil left off? Assume his role as a contributor to Visual FoxPro. Do not condemn Whil for being honest and wanting to survive and raise his family.

I haven't meant that and I haven't done that. Please, don't tweak and twist my words.

>It seems your life is closely tied to VFP. That being the case leads me to conclude you must do more to insure the longevity and importance of VFP as a software development tool.

Sorry, I don't quite follow you. It seems you're jumping to conclusions based on inadequate assumptions here. Did I ask your advice? What do you know of me?


>I think that Whil’s words were a clarification of what he is doing and why. It seems like a simple business decision. Whil owes no one an explanation. You make accusations that are unfounded. I have not the time to define and consider each one. You seem to think that Whil is “the” or “a” cause of VFP going by the wayside.

As I've stated several times already, Whil surely has the right to move on and stop as a publisher. At this point we agree, I hope. :)
But now the other sentence. You state that I make unfounded accusations, but you don't want to delve into them. Well, that's not fair toward me, because then I cannot defend the 'critical comments' that you probably regard to be accusations.


>Whil has given much to the community and there comes a time when a person realizes it is time to move on. Moving is a difficult thing to do and is full of chances and the unknown. Moving could be used in a context of a new location, job, career, etc. It takes courage to make and carry out decisions.

Agreed.


>Why should Whil address any issues related to anyone’s “feelings”. Your comments seem based upon emotion and you demand names and examples. I would suggest you missed Whil’s points and have taken this as a personal affront. Some comments made about Whil on the various forums were very pointed and negative.

1 My comments are not based on (my personal) emotions at all.
2 Whil's other points were not missed by me, but in my initial message I explicitly stated that I wanted to focus on one aspect only, namely his critisism on the Visual FoxPro community. See again message #878550.
3 Well, since Whil will not gonna point out where those negative comments are, maybe you are willing to do so. Because you are not the final judge and people should be able to decide for themselves whether a certain comment was negative, rather than critical.


>Forums are visited by many types of persons, and you never know what to expect. I can understand why Whil avoids Internet forums and from his original statements I cannot argue against his points. Whil did not make his decisions to hurt you or anyone else. I think what has happened to you is that your “hero” now appears as a mere man and not a “god”. Your disappointment with Whil’s decision has hurt you personally and emotionally. VFP will not be here forever regardless of how much we like and appreciate the product. Time moves on and so do people.

And again you act as my psychiatrist, which by the way I haven't.


>Everyone should make his/her decisions in life. According to the timeworn adage, if you walk a mile in someone's shoes, you'll be less inclined to criticize them because you'll know more about them.

Tend to agree, although, theoretically, it will not necessarilly always be the case, will it?


>I remember the words of the President of AutoDesk, who has a PhD. “I have had 17 different jobs in my career. Nine no longer exist. I suggest to everyone in technology to keep abreast of changes. Remain in higher education to have a skill set that is current and of value and watch the market”!

Tom, I remember some words of you, a little while back. You were reflecting on your professional career so far, and you're not so young anymore, so it has been a long career, with many highlights. I have respect for your flexibility and adaptive behavioral skills. Hopefully, you'll cope until you can safely retire. I sure do hope that I'll cope as well.


>Who is to blame when a person’s skill set and the market have changed? What happens when there is no longer employment within your field? Be positive about life and what it brings you. You are the one who makes decisions for yourself. Others do not understand your circumstances and should not criticize you.

Agreed, in general. But I have indeed criticized Whil - and I stll do - for the fact that he was so negative about the future of vfp, in his proclamations. He must realize that many others still have a living based on vfp apps and that, because he's an icon, his words have deeper impact than yours or mine. Rick Strahl has felt the burden of this special status (see http://west-wind.com/weblog/posts/181.aspx) and has taken his responsibility.


>I take survival as my living mode and do my best to provide support for my family. This is my most important topic – survival! I have not blamed anyone for my career changes but I have managed to survive. Do not look upon and blame others for actions that are out of your and their control.

I'm in a quite safe position at the moment. The things I say here on the UT will have no - positive or negative - influence on my financial position at all. Unless some of you guys previously had the intention to offer me a giga-job in the US and now have decided to drop that offer, of course. :)