=?windows-1252?Q?Re=3A_Can=27t_live_without=85?=

"I count the time from when the user says "I need a system that does
<whatever>" to the time when he's using it and not complaining too
much."

This is a fact of life: it applies no more to APL than to other
languages and yet they strive whilst we bemoan the fact that no one
recognises our capability.

"I even supported applications from a hospital bed."

This sort of dediction is the hallmark of APL people. We have mastered
a 'difficult' (but more powerful than any other) language, one that
simplifies the delivery of robust solutions on a timely basis AND we
bring 'domain' knowlegdge to the equation because we 'care' and are
capable of assimiliting that knowledge. Our language providers have
empowered us to current technology standards. Think: APL predates
Windows of any variety!  Yet,we have APLs that incorporate
contemporary technology. Why are we just one step away from reaping
the rewards? Quite simply because we do not want to play by the rules
of the 'game' we are playing. Why?

I have only one explanation: as APL people, we are let down by our own
mindset. We can rise beyond this; the question is whether we are
willing to. From the outside, an APL application is indistinguishable
from any other application, 'shrink wrapped' or not.

In the 80's we wrote our own epitaph. We have risen from the ashes
thanks to our APL providers. Think: the (minimum) =A38,000,000 reward
for producing a SPINE application in the UK is still up for grabs if
we play by the rules. Release II of EPS is not due for a while and at
20 times faster, if you believe it, it should be no trouble at all for
APL. One application that I know of and that is heading that way is in
VB & associated technology: it has 300,000 lines of code. If APL is 10
times more efficient, an APL offering will be just 30,000 lines long.

Done within a few weeks? Who's is playing?

APL has no equal. Most APL people leave a lot to be desired because
they simply don't want to shed the security blanket of the workspace-
this is a comfort zone that deprives us of everything that our
counterparts using other languages take for granted.