[fpc-pascal] Pascal dialect -- was: Re: fpc-pascal Digest, Vol 72, Issue 12

[Michael Van Canneyt]

On Fri, 4 Jun 2010, Graeme Geldenhuys wrote:

> Op 2010-06-04 14:58, Michael Van Canneyt het geskryf:
>> And as for 'improve quickly':
>> - Where are the donations ?
>> - Where are the developers ?
>> As soon as someone pays me my salary to work full-time on FPC:
>> there will be REAL quick improvement; I guarantee it.
>
> I have many things I would like to work on. Unicode being on the top of my
> list. My employer already approved the time I can spend of it (after our
> current project release, which now seems to have moved to Jan/Feb)
>
>
>> Till that time: FPC is a *hobby* project for all core developers.
>
> That's the problem. To others it's a vital part of making a living - where
> it is used in a commercial environment.

We have always been very clear about that it is a hobby. I can show you
all the mails that were sent carrying exactly that message.

> I put my job on the line when I
> suggested our company switch from Delphi to FPC. And if it is just a
> "hobby" to the core developers, why then so damn strict with accepting
> improvements (patches, alternative designs etc)?

Because we care about FPC and it's features & stability. 
We are proud of it.

I care about my hobby. I care more for my hobby than for my current day job;
So yes, I am strict. I want it to be better than e.g. what I produce at work.

If we had put in all crazy suggestions we got through the years without
caring, I don't think we would stand where we are today. But we didn't.
And all that exactly because we care and have clear goals.

And let's be correct: if we did crazy things, would you have 'put your job
on the line' ? I don't think so. It is exactly because we are so strict,
that we can offer something which people can trust and rely on.

So actually, currently it's you being dangerous, and we are protecting your
job safety. Just because we like our hobby.

Now, isn't that cool ? :-)

Michael.