Are the posted questions getting worse?

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Are the posted questions getting worse?

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Sioban Krzywicki One Orange Chip Points: 27770 More actions · Answer 1

Jack Corbett (9/18/2010)
Stefan Krzywicki (9/18/2010)
Jack Corbett (9/18/2010)
When I've been in a small shop as an employee being a developer/designer didn't get you off the call schedule. Where I worked everyone in the IT department took a turn as the on-call person and that person was the point person for problems who then called the next person if needed. Let's just say I learned a lot about documentation while I was there.:-P
I'll bet! I always wonder if the documentation I write on each contract is ever used again after I leave.
As a contractor, most places don't want me to be on-call 'cause they don't want to pay overtime.
I wouldn't say that everyone read the documentation, but I had it for myself, and I did point people to it when they'd call me. I'd say, "Did you look in the Knowledge Base? I documented how to handle that issue. If that doesn't help call me back".
On-call is one reason I'd prefer to be a contractor/consultant if I ever leave my current workplace.

I've tried on my last few gigs to encourage better documentation. I've set up internal wikis and shared link pages, but I'm the only one who ever updates these things.

--------------------------------------
When you encounter a problem, if the solution isn't readily evident go back to the start and check your assumptions.
--------------------------------------
It’s unpleasantly like being drunk.
What’s so unpleasant about being drunk?
You ask a glass of water. -- Douglas Adams

TomThomson SSC Guru Points: 104773 More actions · Answer 2

Matt Miller (#4) (9/17/2010)
GSquared (9/1/2010)
Here's an interesting one. This is the list of skills someone wants for their "DBA":
Must have advanced proficiency and extensive knowledge of web development and design technologies, and publishing , experience in designing web-based applications in PHP, ColdFusion and ASP.NET, expert level skills in Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Stored Procedure development, and Object Data Base Connections (ODBC) and DTS as well as experience defining and creating complex Web Services. Requires expert level skills in JavaScript, HTML and CSS, extensive understanding of XML and related technologies, plus expert level understanding of web protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and SMTP, SSL and encryption technologies as they relate to e-commerce. Requires extensive understanding of ColdFusion and SQL Server software installation procedures as well as expert level skills in database backup and recovery. Also requires use and detailed understanding of Streaming Video encoding applications and Players, particularly Windows Media Encoder/Player and Flash COM Server. Advanced skills in Macromedia development tools and standard desktop applications such as MS Office also required. Must be able to successfully handle multiple tasks/projects and have excellent technical writing skills (including requirements, specifications, status reports, flowcharts and project plans).
All I can say is, "ummmm...."
Why does this just scream... SQL 2000 in a small shop?
All you need now is ability to type 75 words/minute and makes a mean cup of coffee, and you have then entire office staff covered. 🙂

Not 100% certain, but I think I recognise that requirement - if so, it's SQL 2008 (new work) and SQL 2000 (supporting legacy).

Tom

Steve Jones - SSC Editor SSC Guru Points: 736642 More actions · Answer 3

Lynn Pettis (9/17/2010)
CirquedeSQLeil (9/17/2010)
Just curious if anybody here has ever walked out of an interview...What would be your justifications for doing so?
I've terminated an interview when it was obvious the pay was too low, but just walking out? Unless I was severly insulted or abused in some way, don't think I'd do that.
Curious, did this just happen to you?

Never walked off. Have cut short phone and live interviews when I realized it wasn't a good job and I told the interviewer this wouldn't be a good fit.

Walk out without a good reason? Even a family emergency should get some explanation to the interviewer.

Steve Jones - SSC Editor SSC Guru Points: 736642 More actions · Answer 4

Alright, I've been remiss in recognizing Mr. Moden's efforts here. 20K is something. I'll send something in the morning when I track down my wallet.

Jeff Moden SSC Guru Points: 1004441 More actions · Answer 5

Matt Miller (#4) (9/17/2010)
GSquared (9/1/2010)
Here's an interesting one. This is the list of skills someone wants for their "DBA":
Must have advanced proficiency and extensive knowledge of web development and design technologies, and publishing , experience in designing web-based applications in PHP, ColdFusion and ASP.NET, expert level skills in Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Stored Procedure development, and Object Data Base Connections (ODBC) and DTS as well as experience defining and creating complex Web Services. Requires expert level skills in JavaScript, HTML and CSS, extensive understanding of XML and related technologies, plus expert level understanding of web protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and SMTP, SSL and encryption technologies as they relate to e-commerce. Requires extensive understanding of ColdFusion and SQL Server software installation procedures as well as expert level skills in database backup and recovery. Also requires use and detailed understanding of Streaming Video encoding applications and Players, particularly Windows Media Encoder/Player and Flash COM Server. Advanced skills in Macromedia development tools and standard desktop applications such as MS Office also required. Must be able to successfully handle multiple tasks/projects and have excellent technical writing skills (including requirements, specifications, status reports, flowcharts and project plans).
All I can say is, "ummmm...."
Why does this just scream... SQL 2000 in a small shop?
All you need now is ability to type 75 words/minute and makes a mean cup of coffee, and you have then entire office staff covered. 🙂

They forgot to add "must have won at least one Nobel Peace Prize and must be endorsed by at least 2 living Presidents. This is for and "entry level" position." 😛

I hope they have a lot of money... I only know of one person who can even come close to that and he charges a ridiculous amount of money. Yeah... he's a "one man team" and I know of no one else like him.

I guess the people who placed that ad are going to have to "settle". :hehe:

--Jeff Moden

RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.

Helpful Links:
How to post code problems
How to Post Performance Problems
Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

Jeff Moden SSC Guru Points: 1004441 More actions · Answer 6

Paul White NZ (9/17/2010)
Brandie Tarvin (9/17/2010)
Why would anyone want to be the lone wolf DBA?
To avoid having to put up with other DBAs.

Heh... I was going to say to avoid having to put up with other people who think they're DBAs. 😉

--Jeff Moden

RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.

Helpful Links:
How to post code problems
How to Post Performance Problems
Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

Jeff Moden SSC Guru Points: 1004441 More actions · Answer 7

Jeff Moden (9/18/2010)
Paul White NZ (9/17/2010)
Brandie Tarvin (9/17/2010)
Why would anyone want to be the lone wolf DBA?
To avoid having to put up with other DBAs.
Heh... I was going to say to avoid having to put up with other people who think they're DBAs. 😉

BWAAA-HAAA!!!! WHAT AM I SAYING??? 😛 I wake up in the morning hating everyone and make exceptions from there. I really meant to avoid having to put up with other people! 😀

{Edit} See??? I had to edit this because it flabberghasts me so much that I couldn't even spell "put" correctly. 😛

--Jeff Moden

RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.

Helpful Links:
How to post code problems
How to Post Performance Problems
Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

Paul White SSC Guru Points: 150468 More actions · Answer 8

Jeff Moden (9/18/2010)
I wake up in the morning hating everyone and make exceptions from there.

+1 :laugh:

Paul White
All articles available on SQL.kiwi
@SQL_Kiwi

Jeff Moden SSC Guru Points: 1004441 More actions · Answer 9

Steve Jones - Editor (9/18/2010)
Alright, I've been remiss in recognizing Mr. Moden's efforts here. 20K is something. I'll send something in the morning when I track down my wallet.

Ummmm.... nope... first, don't sound so bloody excited :ermm:. I mean really... "20K is something"? That would be like me saying you're just an employee. 😉 Second, no matter what happens, it shouldn't come from your wallet because... you're just an employee. 😛

--Jeff Moden

RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.

Helpful Links:
How to post code problems
How to Post Performance Problems
Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

Paul White SSC Guru Points: 150468 More actions · Answer 10

Steve Jones - Editor (9/18/2010)
Alright, I've been remiss in recognizing Mr. Moden's efforts here. 20K is something. I'll send something in the morning when I track down my wallet.

A gift-wrapped SSC pork chop? 😉

Paul White
All articles available on SQL.kiwi
@SQL_Kiwi

Jeff Moden SSC Guru Points: 1004441 More actions · Answer 11

CirquedeSQLeil (9/17/2010)
Jeff Moden (9/17/2010)
CirquedeSQLeil (9/17/2010)
Trey Staker (9/17/2010)
CirquedeSQLeil (9/17/2010)
Just curious if anybody here has ever walked out of an interview...What would be your justifications for doing so?
I've never walked out on an interview but had one guy walk out on us during it. He thought he was going to be a lone wolf DBA and when he realized the position was to be a member of a team the interviewee stood up and just walked away. We did have a few minutes of interview time and had pretty much assesed that he wasn't qualified. The sad part is he probably found a job somewhere as a DBA.
That is quite unfortunate. I prefer the team environment.
Speaking of teams... congrats on breaking the 10K point barrier. You haven't shown up on the "post" leader board yet but you are in a fairly elite group of 6 folks to ever get 10K points and 1 or those is Steve Jones. 😛
Thanks - would you believe I am #9 on that post board? Just a few more points there.

Keep on it, Jason! I'm pullin' for all you heavy hitters!

Gail has less than 40 points to go to hit 20k points and less than 1000 posts to go for 20k posts. Way to go Gail!

--Jeff Moden

RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.

Helpful Links:
How to post code problems
How to Post Performance Problems
Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

Jeff Moden SSC Guru Points: 1004441 More actions · Answer 12

Paul White NZ (9/18/2010)
Steve Jones - Editor (9/18/2010)
Alright, I've been remiss in recognizing Mr. Moden's efforts here. 20K is something. I'll send something in the morning when I track down my wallet.
A gift-wrapped SSC pork chop? 😉

Heh... I probably don't even deserve that after my last wise crack but it all seemed very, ummm... blah. Ah well... the next 20K should be almost as fun. 🙂

--Jeff Moden

RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.

Helpful Links:
How to post code problems
How to Post Performance Problems
Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

SQLRNNR SSC Guru Points: 281334 More actions · Answer 13

Jeff Moden (9/18/2010)
Paul White NZ (9/18/2010)
Steve Jones - Editor (9/18/2010)
Alright, I've been remiss in recognizing Mr. Moden's efforts here. 20K is something. I'll send something in the morning when I track down my wallet.
A gift-wrapped SSC pork chop? 😉
Heh... I probably don't even deserve that after my last wise crack but it all seemed very, ummm... blah. Ah well... the next 20K should be almost as fun. 🙂

I think an automatic pork chop launcher would be appropriate.

At 25k we can get him a silver pork chop and then a gold one at 50.

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

Jeff Moden SSC Guru Points: 1004441 More actions · Answer 14

CirquedeSQLeil (9/18/2010)
Jeff Moden (9/18/2010)
Paul White NZ (9/18/2010)
Steve Jones - Editor (9/18/2010)
Alright, I've been remiss in recognizing Mr. Moden's efforts here. 20K is something. I'll send something in the morning when I track down my wallet.
A gift-wrapped SSC pork chop? 😉
Heh... I probably don't even deserve that after my last wise crack but it all seemed very, ummm... blah. Ah well... the next 20K should be almost as fun. 🙂
I think an automatic pork chop launcher would be appropriate.
At 25k we can get him a silver pork chop and then a gold one at 50.

Heh... I've already got a pork chop launcher. I'll see if I can make a video and post it here.

--Jeff Moden

RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.

Helpful Links:
How to post code problems
How to Post Performance Problems
Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

Sioban Krzywicki One Orange Chip Points: 27770 More actions · Answer 15

CirquedeSQLeil (9/18/2010)
Jeff Moden (9/18/2010)
Paul White NZ (9/18/2010)
Steve Jones - Editor (9/18/2010)
Alright, I've been remiss in recognizing Mr. Moden's efforts here. 20K is something. I'll send something in the morning when I track down my wallet.
A gift-wrapped SSC pork chop? 😉
Heh... I probably don't even deserve that after my last wise crack but it all seemed very, ummm... blah. Ah well... the next 20K should be almost as fun. 🙂
I think an automatic pork chop launcher would be appropriate.
At 25k we can get him a silver pork chop and then a gold one at 50.

So you're saying he should get something porsscine in origin?

--------------------------------------
When you encounter a problem, if the solution isn't readily evident go back to the start and check your assumptions.
--------------------------------------
It’s unpleasantly like being drunk.
What’s so unpleasant about being drunk?
You ask a glass of water. -- Douglas Adams