Ted, I think you've got the 'pioneer bug', and I don't mean that in a

bad way because only a small percentage of people in any field have the

wherewithal to do anything on that level.

I do lament that folks like yourself, Ed (and insert list) have split

off, but I admit it's a selfish feeling because people like me gained a

lot from the great efforts you folks put into helping us, I suppose in

many cases without your even knowing it.

Having said that, and even acknowledging best arguments to the contrary,

I still stand by the optimism expressed for VFP. The job market seems to

be lousy these days, but the product market is a different story.

It's not that I don't think about the future, but Windows still has that

brass ring, and I don't see a PC OS in sight that meets or beats

standards set by IBM and OS 390, so I figure now isn't the best time to

shop for a platform change. Maybe in this decade there will either be

such a machine or it will be on the horizon.

OS independence, like Ed and Paul (and yourself?) are getting with Dabo

has the obvious allure, but it's a huge investment, and there is a

gamble there on Python's future OS compatibility and the prospect of

brand new "latest and greatest" competitors.

But this whole business is gamble! What else is new?

I understand and share the angst over MS. But another angle there,

possibly in VFP's favor, is that with Big Bill leaving, more reasonable

people may get involved and let the red-headed step-child out of the

attic and put some new clothes on him (her?). I think it's a real

possibility.

Bill

>

> > Premature disgruntaltion! :)

> >

>

> Perhaps not for your business, Bill. But for many. Gruntle's

> down nearly 60% here.

>

> > - the product works very well and is dependable.

>

> True. We have dozens of users enjoying our vertical niche

> product, and hope they continue to for the next decade. Over

> the 15 years I was actively pursuing VFP work I have no doubt

> had a positive impact on tens of thousands of desktops.

<clipped>

> Ted Roche