I get the same on Windows (Win98 SE, Perl 5.6.0 ActiveState build 623). I get q{\n} on Linux with 5.6.0 though. However, if it's not dependable, then it certainly can't be used in this sort of case. Perhaps this is something p5p could go over. If I think of it, I'll send an email in the morning. I can't think how to word it right now. ;-)

Chris