Well Doug, if the post the PAI forum has been removed because the author had breached a non-disclosure agreement, I think they were right to do so. But then it probably tells us that a patch is indeed on it's way. Otherwise, why delete a post with a false anouncement? Of course, I may be wrong in my judgement, but my guts feelings are that I'm right.Anyway, the shipping costs of a bottle of champaign over the atlantic may be much more than the bottle itself. So, I would be mostly happy for both of us to sip a glass of champaign 5000 miles apart while enjoying this supposed patch.Too bad I can't make it to Denver for the AVSIM convention, as the company I was working for in Europe was Denver based and for 25 years the Mile High City used to be my hometown for a large part of each year (I wonder if The Denver Post still has under it's Headline the following sentence "It's a privilege to live in Colorado"). Too bad because I would have brought the bottle with me in case there would be no patch by then.Jayjay

> There just isnt really anything else that is in need of patching.I wish i could encourage MS to shoot out a patch with a new slider in the realism settings, called "real-world stutter simulate".That would be the first slider i definately would like very much to set to zero!It seems that after lots of workarounds, somewhere deep inside my FS9, this parameter is fixed to 70%.... ;)chris

"Well Doug, if the post the PAI forum has been removed because the author had breached a non-disclosure agreement, I think they were right to do so. But then it probably tells us that a patch is indeed on it's way. Otherwise, why delete a post with a false anouncement?"First, since the statement was posted on another site, one has to question if the PAI post was ever made. Even if it was, one has to question if the person who placed the post was really on the beta. I was on the beta--I'll leave it at that.All I can say is the "No FS2006" rumors have been posted before. I know everyone who was part of the beta (myself included) and being a fair judge of character, know that NO ONE active with the beta has such loose lips that they'd post such garbage.If threads with such rumors get pulled, quite often it has nothing to to with an NDA. It more often has to do with the author being a fraud, quack, or troll trying to stir up trouble and emotion. -John

Don't worry about the shipping costs. Compared to the price of the two selections I gave it's not significant :-) . But I agree, when the patch comes out I'll buy a bottle and propose a toast to your health and many happy flights. I, too, would have loved to go to Denver this year but the dates conflicted with my holiday schedule. So, sadly, I'll have to settle for soaking up the Maui sunshine.Doug

"If threads with such rumors get pulled, quite often it has nothing to to with an NDA. It more often has to do with the author being a fraud, quack, or troll trying to stir up trouble and emotion."O.K. John, that's your opinion and it's only your opinion.Listen guys, I propose we stop the discussion here. My question was directed to beta testers of the patch, in case they were not bound by an NDA, assuming that I am right in believing that a patch is on it's way. And if no beta tester is giving an answer to my question, then either they are bound by an NDA and we'll respect that or I'm totally wrong in my assumption, and if I am wrong then I am wrong, I'll accept it. It's 1:00 am over here, so it's time for me to get some sleep.I'll read'ya to-morrow.Jayjay

"My question was directed to beta testers of the patch, in case they were not bound by an NDA, assuming that I am right in believing that a patch is on it's way. And if no beta tester is giving an answer to my question, then either they are bound by an NDA and we'll respect that or I'm totally wrong in my assumption, and if I am wrong then I am wrong, I'll accept it."Any beta agreement with Microsoft will have an NDA--they are a publicly traded company. But if there is no patch being betad, no one will answer regardless (since there'd be no beta, thus no NDA). As for my statement you cite as opinion, it's a fact. There's been at least one instance here where a "phoney" posted false info regarding a patch. I'll leave it at that since I don't visit the forums during the weekends, except for the odd screenshot :)

"So, sadly, I'll have to settle for soaking up the Maui sunshine."At that same time, I'll be within the french Alps. Boy, since I'm retired I find my vacation always conflicting with other interesting activities.It's 1 amGood NightJayjay

So why do this rumors come up again and again? Why are people afraid that MSFS will be dropped? Why are people so insecure?I think the reason is plain and simple Microsoft. They are the biggest software developer on this earth and don't seem to care much about there costumers. It's all about profit. I love FS and I don't like the fact that the destiny of this great product and joy to so many of us, is in the hands of a huge giant that couldn't care less about our hobby. I doubt any MS managers etc. including Bill Gates include vivid aviation enthusiasts that care. For them MSFS is just another game and if the profit isn't high enough anymore, they'll most likely drop it without hesitation.Why doesn't Microsoft inform us about the project status as many other software companies do? What's the point? Why don't they post an official statement on their website that FS2006 is under development? Why do they keep mum? Why are loyal costumers like us treated like this? Don't we have a right to know?I think YES. The information politics of MS sucks. And kinda makes me angry everytime I think about it.best regards,Claudio

"Why doesn't Microsoft inform us about the project status as many other software companies do?"That's what really peeves me about these threads... They almost always turn to Microsoft bashing. The problem ISN'T Microsoft. The "problem" is the Securities and Exchange Comm. Microsoft is a public company. They don't talk because they can't talk. And those like me who have helped them beta products try to respect that. I worked for one public company where an overzealous staff member leaked rumor of a merger. It costs thousands their jobs, and landed him in prison. Why? Stock fell a seemingly small amount, but it damaged the investors' faith.Any time you do see Microsoft discuss a pending release, I guarantee you it's been discussed with more lawyers than sailors on a battleship. MSFS isn't "big" enough to warrant that type of outlay. But it is important to Microsoft, and they DO care about us. And I am one of several here who can truthfully say that I DO know (as much as email allows you to know) the members of the MSFS team.I suggest the mods consider locking the thread before it turns into another Microsoft bashing fest..._John

I have the same problem. I don't know when I ever had time to work.

"Microsoft is a public company. They don't talk because they can't talk."Why shouldn't a public company be able to make an official press release? I'm not talking about staff members spreading rumors.Heck, it would be so easy. Just a few words and all the "fs2006 may be dropped" threads wouldn't show up anymore. So why is Microsoft or the Flight Simulator Team not letting us know?I'm not bashing the MSFS team, they did a outstanding job.regards,Claudio

>>Any time you do see Microsoft discuss a pending release, I>guarantee you it's been discussed with more lawyers than>sailors on a battleship. MSFS isn't "big" enough to warrant>that type of outlay. But it is important to Microsoft, and>they DO care about us. And I am one of several here who can>truthfully say that I DO know (as much as email allows you to>know) the members of the MSFS team.>>I suggest the mods consider locking the thread before it turns>into another Microsoft bashing fest...>>_JohnAnd just in case this thread get's locked, I'll also put in my two cents! I also get very irratated with Microsoft doesn't care statements, as well as the so called "little interest in aviation" statements. As I've also been in touch with the design team through beta testing, it's very obvious to see their continued interest in aviation, as well as some that are pilots & aircraft owners as well.As to bashing "Microsoft".......................what "other" desktop flight simulation is as complete as this one? None!!! I know as I've had them all! Since the invention of the things......}( L.Adamson

>Heck, it would be so easy. Just a few words and all the>"fs2006 may be dropped" threads wouldn't show up anymore. So>why is Microsoft or the Flight Simulator Team not letting us>know?>I wonder why "some" worry about it so much...L.Adamson

"So why is Microsoft or the Flight Simulator Team not letting us know?"I suspect MSFS, although it sells well as an entertainment title, is somewhat the "poor stepchild" of Microsoft in terms of the attention Microsoft gives it in the press. Before 9/11, that wasn't the case--but then 9/11 came and all the odd suggestions about MSFS being part of a "terrorist training suite" came into play. The press just ate it up, putting 2+2 together to make 5. I think Microsoft keeps a low profile with MSFS because they are protecting the franchise from those who have to attack anything they don't understand. They will announce FS2006 (or whatever it's called) when the time is right, but they won't post a release to dispel rumors. It just puts too much attention on the project outside of the circles that get the most enjoyment from it.In any case, I don't know how anyone can believe rumor of a patch means the death knell of FS2006. FS2000 was patched, and FS2002 (still my sentimental favorite in the franchise) was still released. I think people should worry less, fly more, and let the chips fall where they may. If Microsoft is in the business to make money, then the MSFS franchise is here to stay. But it's not its core business, so it won't get the attention a new O/S rollout might.-John

Ok, look at your question logically. Microsoft and its beta's are tied together by a magical document called the Non Disclosure Agreement. Microsoft does not talk to a beta tester until it is under the understanding of everything discussed is under this NDA. If and I mean "IF" Microsoft is working on a patch, then the Beta Testers are under the NDA. Microsoft never really releases the Beta Tester from the NDA, it relases the beta only partially. For example they may tell the beta's that they can discuss the particular software, but may forbid the beta from telling the world they were a beta tester. Microsoft usually does not forgive a beta tester from blabbing, they are usually stipped of priviledges for life. So if Microsoft is "NOT" working on a patch for FS9, then a Beta Tester is not allowed to talk to you anyway. Also the industry, not just Microsoft, has very strict binding NDAs. I beta tested Fly!2K and the NDA was like a 4 page document. I mention this because Fly!2K is no more and so I don't think they would come after me. But realize that a beta tester for Flight Sim is probably the best beta at Microsoft to be in. How many of us would love to be on this exclusive team??? Then to be one and NOT allowed to go streaming into the newsgroups about how great it is.Microsoft throughout its history has had information removed from newsgroups. Number one Microsoft has a team of lawyers and I am sure most news group owners are more then willing to delete a message. Microsoft will request things deleted if they are True, but more often False. But it will let on going debates battle in something called word of mouth advertising. I have no idea if Microsoft is going to make another FS or CFS, I hope they do. But by us debating this, it keeps the product in the front of everyones mind. So if Microsoft does not want to release say Flight Simulator 2006 until 2007 because it will be about the time Longhorn is released. They will let everyone second guess if one is ever going to come out. Think about that, it is almost keeping a product alive by word of mouth with ZERO ADVERTISING DOLLARS.My thoughts are that Microsoft is concentraiting on Longhorn and will release the next FS after Longhorn releases. Maybe they will throw a bone (a patch) or two to keep us happy and second guessing. Also of the information about Microsoft and Beta's can be found all over the internet. There are a few former beta's that like to blab about it all.