fwiw, I take your warnings very seriously. I read them and re-read them until they start to make sense. I am not a groupie, nor a hero-worshipper. I'm just an experienced programmer who recognizes someone with far more experience with a language. You know what you're talking about wrt perl. I don't. Tread into my territory and we can trade roles. Nevertheless, please do not get discouraged because of mindless jerks who'll be the first against the wall when the revolution comes. Take a note from Harlan Ellison, do what you feel is right ahd the rest will follow (as someone just reminded me in CB). Those that matter will recognize the basic integrity and appreciate it.

ftr, I am, in many ways, a newbie (dare I say, "tyro") in this language. I have been asked by my bosses to produce production ready CGI scripts and it scares me to see just how insecure they are. Not because I'm an idiot, but because I didn't know. Given your earlier warnings, I understand things a little better. But there are many issues that are not completely straight-forward, obvious or clear for the novice. this is a frustratingly subtle language and managers do not appreciate that.

Please don't stop trying to help.

-- f