Are the posted questions getting worse?

Question

Are the posted questions getting worse?

Viewing 15 posts - 28,156 through 28,170 (of 66,712 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply

Jeff Moden SSC Guru Points: 1004356 More actions · Answer 1

David Burrows (7/19/2011)
Nah, you deserve all the accolades Jeff 😀
plus I'll add my congrats as well 🙂

Zowie! I think I've known you even before I knew Lynn and Gail! Now that I think about it, I believe Remi fits in that same category. Remember Frank Kalis and Sushila? Thanks for being one of the good guys for all those years, David.

--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: 1004356 More actions · Answer 2

rodjkidd (7/19/2011)
Another vote from me!
Congrats Jeff - I know it's been said before but I've certainly learn a lot from you over the years so many thanks.
As well as learning from quite a few others on this site!
The picture of Brad from the judges' page is one of mine from SQL Bits 8! So good to see they are getting out and about. I sent a few to Red Gate for them to use 🙂 Before anyone thinks I'm after royalties...
I've got about 1000 pages at 10 comments each that I've missed on this thread. So I'll have some fun catching up over the next couple of weeks.
But a late congrats to Lynn as well.
Cheers,
Rodders...

Thanks Rodders. Glad I could help. And glad I could be helped. I agree... lot's of good, smart people are on this forum.

And, very nice picture of Brad. I think you captured him as we all envision him in person.

--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: 1004356 More actions · Answer 3

But a late congrats to Lynn as well.

Dang it. I haven't been keeping up and I've obviously missed something good.

Lynn... what did you do?

--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: 1004356 More actions · Answer 4

Jim Murphy (7/19/2011)
There are some pretty good DBAs as finalists, but I personally chose Jeff. Not because it is a popularity contest, but for two main reasons:
1) The descriptions of each candidate show Jeff to be the most exceptional in my opinion.
2) Jeff has personally helped me, many times by helping someone else while I was 'watching'. #selfishreason.
Therefore, I both percieve Jeff to be most exceptional, and I have personally experienced Jeff to be most exceptional in my own life.
Ba'am. Decision was easy for me after reading each of their bios.

:blush: I couldn't think of anything to say for about 15 minutes after I saw this, Jim. Sure, the incredibly kind words mean more than I could ever have hoped for but that's not what caused the pause nor what I perceived the award to be about. As you said, it absolutely shouldn't be a popularity contest nor do I think that's what was ever intended by the people who started the award. It's about the people like those I talked about in my writeup... it's about the people that you actually want to go to when you need help.

Thank you for thinking that I'm in that category. I'm deeply humbled.

--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: 1004356 More actions · Answer 5

Trey Staker (7/19/2011)
Congrats to Jeff for making the list. I voted for him too because he was the only one on the list I knew and had been helped by. Years ago when I was inexperienced, one of his post stopped me from writing a cursor and helped me to understand the set based logic. Thanks Jeff for being you and for your contributions to the community.

You're welcome and thank you for the kind words, Trey.

Pat yourself on the back for a job well done, as well. There are a lot of people that just don't understand why giving up the loop is such a good idea and they fight the idea, tooth and nail, because it seems so unnatural to them. You not only kept yourself out of that trap but now you're teaching people how to avoid the loop yourself. Like I said, nice job, Trey.

--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: 1004356 More actions · Answer 6

Gianluca Sartori (7/19/2011)
Sounds strange you thanking me after all the help I had from you!
You're one of a kind, Mr. Moden and "Exceptional" is not really enough for you.
I don't want to take anything away from the other finalists, but if somebody ends up voting for them, probably doesn't know enough about you.

I don't remember you ever needing help, Gianluca. 🙂 You've always been on top of the game. If I managed to help, it had to be indirectly. In fact, I remember you coming up with the wonderful idea of using UNPIVOT as a performance augmentation to the 10 based version of Itzik's "Numbers CTE". It takes a real pro to think that far outside of the box. Well done.

--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: 1004356 More actions · Answer 7

WayneS (7/19/2011)
Gianluca Sartori (7/19/2011)
You're one of a kind, Mr. Moden and "Exceptional" is not really enough for you.
So true. He's definitely the Exceptional Exceptional DBA! He continually teaches folks here so much.

I was thanking my lucky stars that they came out with a new version of SQL Server because I'd started to run out of material to write about. Then this guy, by the name of WayneS, starts sending me some excellent articles for review about replacements for the Quirky Update along with tests and performance stats. I'm thinking I might be out of a job on "Running Total" and other "previous row" calculations. 😛

You're a rising star that will quickly surpass us all, Wayne. Thanks for the kind words.

--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: 1004356 More actions · Answer 8

The Dixie Flatline (7/19/2011)
... and he feeds pork chops to the hungry multitudes.

BWAA-HAAA!!!! And some people are so very hungry for them. "You may fire when ready, Mr. Griddly!"

Good meeting you at PASS 2010, Bob. I had a blast.

--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: 1004356 More actions · Answer 9

Got bit by the "duplicate post monster". Deleted the dupe. 🙂

--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: 1004356 More actions · Answer 10

SQLRNNR (7/19/2011)
When is a table not a table?

Right after I clear it. 😉

--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: 1004356 More actions · Answer 11

Tom.Thomson (7/19/2011)
And another vote. Just reading Jeff's articles and comments told me he's one of the best.

But I still can't chase anti-NULL and relational zealots from the rafters like you can Tom. 😛 And I sincerely thank you again for the major "power assist" on the Quirky Update discussion. Considering that it's been one of the most controversial SQL subjects ever, I expected a lot of flack from religious nay-sayers suffering from visceral fear but I never expected the pounding and absolutely viscous personal attacks I was getting. As I have from Steve Jones in the past, I learned a lot from you that day. I'll never forget the favor you did for me nor the lessons I learned from you that day. Thank you again.

--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: 1004356 More actions · Answer 12

Fal (7/19/2011)
Congrats Jeff.
By any chance are you Richard Attenborough's[/url] stunt double?
Steve.

Thanks, Steve. Gosh... Richard photographs almost as bad as me. 😛

--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)

Lynn Pettis SSC Guru Points: 442467 More actions · Answer 13

Jeff Moden (7/19/2011)
Lynn Pettis (7/19/2011)
Should be no surprise who I voted for as Exceptional DBA. I have learned a lot about SQL Server from Jeff, things I don't think I would have figured out on my own. He has been a mentor and friend. Hopefully one day I will get to meet him in person.
Man! We've known each other for a long time! BWAA-HAAA!!! Remember "Bankers Rounding"? 😛 Not just one 300+ post thread, but TWO! A lot of water has passed under both our keels since then.
Shifting gears, I have to admit that I was worried about you. I thought we truly lost you to "the dark side" with Oracle. 😀 Very happy that "Saint Lynn" is back. 🙂

I have to admit that working at Honeywell and with Oracle has taken me away from what I truely love, SQL Server and the awesome community that comes with it. I have yet to find anything like SSC or the SQL Server community working with Oracle. The more I work with Oracle, the more I like SQL Server, even with some of its short comings. In some ways, I think SQL Server does things better than Oracle.

Just so you know, I am looking hard at moving back to SQL Server. I need to get back to what I know.

And yes, I remember well the "Bankers Rounding". I seem to remember that my solution turned out to meet David Burrows requirements, or did he have to tweak it a bit to make it work? Any way, that one got a bit heated at times. One of the reasons a second thread was started, by you if I recall.

Jeff Moden SSC Guru Points: 1004356 More actions · Answer 14

bitbucket-25253 (7/19/2011)
Jeff Moden (7/19/2011)
bitbucket-25253 (7/19/2011)
Having had the pleasure of meeting Jeff Moden, at the speakers / volunteers dinner prior to SQL Sat #60 (Cleveland), let me tell you Jeff is not only an exceptional DBA, he is an exceptional individual and deserves the acolade and recognition.
Gosh, Ron... that's awfully nice of you to say. I wish I had at least half the worldly experience that you do. It was a real pleasure to finally get to meet you after years of “knowing” you. Thank you for being my “personal guide” during the event. I couldn’t have felt more at ease or more at home.
And thanks for all the help with testing for the “Tally Oh!” article. I’m going to need some help on another one coming up… you game?
Am I game for it, heck
Jeff ready willing and hopefully able

I have to warn you... this one is almost as controversial as the Quirky Update. What's worse is that it's fully documented in BOL and people still go into a dead panic when they see it even though it works exactly as advertised. It'll take a bit to finish the article (work has been very busy) and I'll send you a copy for review. The kind of testng I need done is for you to see if you can break it, no holds barred! 🙂

--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)

Lynn Pettis SSC Guru Points: 442467 More actions · Answer 15

Jeff Moden (7/19/2011)
But a late congrats to Lynn as well.
Dang it. I haven't been keeping up and I've obviously missed something good.
Lynn... what did you do?

My oldest daughter, the one in the Army, is going to have a baby in February. I'm going to be a grandfather.

Unfortunately, I may not get over to Germany when the baby is born as I may not have the funds. Unfortunately, I am also now divorced (final in April) so funds are tight supporting two households.