One of the things that I really try to do with editorials here is point out the forest to the SQL Server community. Each of us often works in the trees, viewing things from our own frame of reference. That is built on our experience and environment, and by definition, it's a limited viewpoint. I have my own view of the forest and the trees, but as I editarticles here and communicate with a great many people, I think it tends to give me a wider view of the DBA world than I ever had before. At least I'd like to think it does.

I found this rather long, angry blog entry on the Powershell experience in SQL Server 2008. At first glance you might sympathize with the writer, thinking that perhaps Microsoft can't build software to save their lives. I'd urge you to read further on this, especially this entry on mini-shells. There was quite a bit of complaining across all kinds of blogs when RC0 came out, though I'm not sure all of it is fair.

I tend to see both sides of this issue, and many other issues, since I get the opportunity to read various opinions as well as email people in and outside of Microsoft about the topics that I see crop up. Debates or arguments like this tend to reinforce one of the things I believe more and more every day:

There is very little black and white, and lots of gray, in the world.

As I age, and hopefully learn a few more things about my world, I find myself less and less willing to take an absolute stand on anything. I try not to be wishy-washy, but I have more of a Zen philosophy of bending like a reed when I must, and resisting when I can. Accepting what you cannot change, and existing with it. That makes me think I must include tolerance and understanding. My daughter might disagree and see Dad as more wishy-washy,, but I think it's that I learn more and more and gain knowledge every day. And I as I gain that knowledge, I realize there Is more and more to learn out there and that I don't really have all the answers.

There are so many ways to look at something that I'm usually sure I haven't considered them all. And I certainly know I haven't walked the mile in everyone else's shoes. I don't necessarily understand why they made the decisions they did. However as I get to know and work with people, I can learn to trust that they are making informed decisions. I might not agree, but I can sometimes understand

I can still have an opinion, make a stand, or even a decision a times (providing my wife and daughter approve 🙂 ). However those are on things where I'm sure or I have to move forward. I realize that in many other places, I need to be like the reed: more flexible.

Steve Jones

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