Hello listmembers,

Since this is the largest egression of list 
members I've seen in all my years of being a 
member, I felt compelled to excercise my communal 
right to add my ¥ .02.

In no way is this post meant to offend anyone
or belittle thier loss.  

Firstly,  I would like to say that I empathize 
with those who's very livelhoods have been 
threatened, or lost, by this significant turn 
of events.  I also understand those who lash 
out emotionally at a feeling of betrayal. And 
why they do so.  As well, I sympathize with 
those that try to provide a rational point of 
view, hope and a feasable progression into the 
future. 

To be honest, it is the "victims" of this
announcement in which I feel for the most. I 
mean, I haven't seen this many people upset 
since Elvis died. Some of the posts that I've 
read have genuinely touched me. If this list 
isn't the epitomy of a community, I don't know 
what is. 

Secondly, the computer and OS ?  IMHO, they are 
simply tools of the trade. Regardless of loyalty, 
ease of use, customer following, size of your bit 
bucket, money invested, etc.  And while this tool 
hung in there like a champ as far as other platforms 
are concerned, it is a tool nonetheless.

When I went to school to become an IT/IS professional, 
I was taught theory, methods and practice. Not MPE.  
Actually, I think MPE has made me lazy when it comes 
to being as well learned, versatile and marketable 
as I could be in this field.  

This is the computer/IT/IS industry. It does not get 
any more dynamic than this.  Am I a worried ? Absolutely. 
I'm not clear as to whether I've pigeon-holed my career 
or I should edit my resume to relfect just a bit less 
HPe3000 experience.  

Nonetheless, I'm confident that I, and others on this 
list have the skills and drive to be what it's necessary 
for them to be, in order to utilize the most effective 
tool at thier disposal to get the job done. There are 
some truly brilliant people on this list. I don't think 
Alfredo is riding his bike for the exercise. I'd hazard 
a guess that he's doing what he does best...brainstorming, 
researching and developing.

As others have stated, MPE isn't dead yet. If/when it does
fade, it will be sorely missed. But what I'll miss the most 
isn't the box, it is the community that made the box what 
it is. 

To quote Tracy Johnson  : "Semper Zorgnak"

Peace.


David Burney

PS - So, I rambled a bit. I don't get much chance to 
ramble and be understood here in Japan, so I'm allowed. :-)

*- All comments and opinions are my own and in now
   reflect upon my employer(s). -*

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