Steve, It seems like we are polarizing around either it's evil like Microsoft or virtuous like volunteer developed software. In fact there is an advantage to both approaches. Sure, how can we help but be appreciative of the work done to create the code we all want and more importantly need. Yet, money fuels the engines of progress that is in line with the mas of the user base. I don't believe that anyone would want to see Linux accessibility become a victim of the free market approach that would dismiss the population as too small to be worth the investment and yet, if we don't support the effort with some resources to speed delivery, then we will always be waiting for the next whatever. You mentioned the DOS screen readers that in fact were commercial items related to the larger and mainstream world of DOS. They were based on compitition and we benefited from that. Now comes the question of how can we maintain the volunteer and innovative values of Linux while increasing it's users and mainstream application? Three important battles are keeping console mode up with X-windows apps, getting accessibility to the apps in both interfaces, and insuring that blind users can be competitive in the workplace and independent at home. If we do not face these questions head on with strategies to resource the solutions, then we will slip into oblivion just as the last of the DOS (myself included) lovers are doing. So rather than labeling my writing as ranting and deluding ourselves into the belief that this will never go away, let's get about the business of making sure folks who do the developing are appreciated for their work and properly funded to get it done without having to make it a priority beneath the need to make a living. -- charlie Crawford.
