I've been following this newsgroup off and on for the last couple of years and I notice a steadily increasing amount of traffic here. The volume seems to be approaching that for various open source language forums/newsgroups thta I also follow.
I'm curious: Any speculation as to the split between hobbyists and paid FPGA practicioners posting/lurking here?
It would seem that with the advent of cheap FPGA prototyping boards, devices and free/semi-free design tools that a lot of hobbyists are trying out FPGAs. After all, you can get into FPGA design now for about the same or less money than it takes to get into Lego Mindstorms - which is just amazing when you think about it.
Also, are there FPGA user's groups springing up out there? I'm thinking of starting one here in Portland, OR. Any interest?
Phil