On 24 Nov 2002, 13:02:36 Martin Liddle wrote:

...

On that question the silence of other members of this list has been deafening. I can only assume that this is because no-one else is interested in Delphi compatibility. If so, then it renders any debate moot. If not, then it would be good to hear what others think.

This is free software. The people doing the work are free to do whatever they want.

That is merely to state the obvious - but it is a sad day when this is considered an appropriate response to a question about whether and to what extent a certain feature should be added to GNU software. I didn't think that GNU was about the dictatorship of the maintainers. I doubt that Frank himself would consider the statement: "I do the work, so I can do anything I please" to be sound reasoning or an appropriate response.

Personally I have been happy with Frank's priorities.

So have I - and so have (one must assume) most people on this list. That does not dispense with the need sometimes to discuss (and agree or disagree on) important issues. If an issue is important to one person, then it is important and discussion thereon should not be stifled because it irritates, bores, or disinterests others.

I'd much sooner he spent his time working on the compiler than engage in endless debates on this list.

No-one wants to engage in endless debates - and there comes a time when any particular debate must end, and I was the one who brought that one to an end (since it started with a question that I raised). One major difference between liberal and autocratic societies lies in the free flow of information and ideas in the former - even ideas that might be controversial or unpopular. The day that legitimate discussion on difficult or controversial questions becomes stifled or unwanted on this list is the day that I will say goodbye.

For the record, Delphi compatibility would be of some minor interest to us.

This is what I was asking about. And this is the response that answers that question. It is clear that there is little desire here for Delphi compatibility. So be it. At least we now have a clear idea on how people feel about it (presumably those who are silent are not interested). So we can forget about Delphi compatibility, and life can go on. Frank, you're now officially "off the hook", and you can concentrate your efforts on features that people do want ;-).

I guess this also signals doom for my "Delphi compatibility" units, which can perhaps quietly disappear. This is not necessarily a bad thing, because I have long been dubious as to whether anyone other than me is using them. I still intend of course to continue to develop them for my own purposes, so those who are interested in them will be able to get updates.

Best regards, The Chief --------- Prof. Abimbola Olowofoyeku (The African Chief) Web: http://www.bigfoot.com/~african_chief/