Cecil,

To build on what Ken said...imagine you're a contract developer, going to work at a client site where they have one or two VFP programmers on staff. They talk with you about implementing some code or a utility or class that was presented in a recent issue of FPA (or FoxTalk, doesn't matter which one).

They start asking you questions about it, and you either have to explain that you didn't read it, or you don't subscribe (if they ask you)...either way, unless you've already established a reputation as being highly skilled in the tool, they may question your 'expert' status. Since many contractual engagements involve supplementing an existing team, the 'competition' element is already in place - you don't want to do things (or NOT do things) that will further encourage this. You consistently need to stay one step up.

It's hard to be up on every magazine at any one time. And yes, some magazines contain more value than others. And while I don't necessarily dispute observations made by John Baird, I look at it as a cost of doing business. Even if you only get value out of a few articles in a year, 69 bucks is cheap.

As to the comment about the Help file, you'll have to ask Mark to clarify (as you've done)...to me, the Help File tells you what's in VFP9 - the magazines (as Mark said, if they do their job) should cover HOW to creatively use the new functionality to solve business needs, by presenting productivity tips, code samples, etc .

I think the editors of FPA (and FoxTalk) have received plenty of feedback about their respective journals - if the last issue or two of each magazine is any indication, my own personal opinion is that they're starting to get the message. I also applaud Fox Advisor for carrying some introductory content on .NET from a VFP perspective.

If memory serves me, you posted some questions a few weeks ago on .NET courses - even if the one article a month on going from VFP to .NET is the only one of value to you, it has still paid for itself.

I subscribe to CoDe, FPA, SQL Server, 2 other .NET magazines, the UT Mag, etc. It's a cost to maintain a career.

Kevin