DBAs Pen

  • This is a curiosity I have that got me thinking. I recently discovered that one of my predecessors was Published (coAuthor of at least one book). The thing of interest here is that the book was not very good, and in fact resembled much of the work done here. In this particular scenario, this person has become the running joke - and people are not bashful about it. I have heard of a few other instances where the book author had almost entirely plagiarised the book, or that the book was very bad overall. When one becomes published, for me, it is like saying they are an authority on the topic.

    My question now is, what is the real value of being published? Is there some sort of status that should go with it? Or is it no different than writing a college paper that you can buy off the net? Maybe somewhere in the middle of those two extremes?

    Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
    _______________________________________________
    I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
    SQL RNNR
    Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
    Learn Extended Events

  • I find much value in getting published. Having authored 4 articles (2 here on SSC and 2 on SSWUG.ORG), I find it a way to give back to a community in which I am involved. It also allows one to demonstrate ones technical skills (or lack thereof). What is even more important is how you deal with the criticism, both constructive and otherwise.

    So far, I think I'm doing okay.

  • Lynn Pettis (9/9/2009)


    I find much value in getting published. Having authored 4 articles (2 here on SSC and 2 on SSWUG.ORG), I find it a way to give back to a community in which I am involved. It also allows one to demonstrate ones technical skills (or lack thereof). What is even more important is how you deal with the criticism, both constructive and otherwise.

    So far, I think I'm doing okay.

    All very valid points. I find it interesting to be reminded of the criticism. That is one of the first things I always remember (when writing a paper) from my paper writing days in school - learn to take the criticism well.

    Once you were published, did you feel like people expected you to be a subject matter expert (moreso than what is entailed in the DBA job description)?

    Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
    _______________________________________________
    I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
    SQL RNNR
    Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
    Learn Extended Events

  • CirquedeSQLeil (9/9/2009)


    Lynn Pettis (9/9/2009)


    I find much value in getting published. Having authored 4 articles (2 here on SSC and 2 on SSWUG.ORG), I find it a way to give back to a community in which I am involved. It also allows one to demonstrate ones technical skills (or lack thereof). What is even more important is how you deal with the criticism, both constructive and otherwise.

    So far, I think I'm doing okay.

    All very valid points. I find it interesting to be reminded of the criticism. That is one of the first things I always remember (when writing a paper) from my paper writing days in school - learn to take the criticism well.

    Once you were published, did you feel like people expected you to be a subject matter expert (moreso than what is entailed in the DBA job description)?

    You know, I never really thought about it. The feedback I have received was normally positive and I never felt that the next article had to be better than the last. In fact, several of the heavy hitters here on SSC indicated that I shouldn't put that kind of pressure on myself.

  • That is good information.

    Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
    _______________________________________________
    I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
    SQL RNNR
    Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
    Learn Extended Events

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