SQL Musings - All Comments

re: I’m Missing Data

Steve Jones — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:10:29 GMT

There is a good set of pictures on Flickr, but there aren't a lot of the people I'd like to get, especially SSC members.

It's better this year. Way more pictures than last year, but still not what I want. I still think I need to bring a video/image person to document things for me.

re: I’m Missing Data

jcrawf02 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:49:24 GMT

Probably not what you really meant, but group collage of PASS Summit photos on flickr? Similar to the wedding planner idea of passing out disposable cameras to the attendees, but I'd bet everyone has a camera phone or digital camera already, so not worth buying the cameras and passing out.

re: Licensing For Everyone

Steve Jones — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:15:42 GMT

I did that at one point as well. We just factored in costs with each PC purchase and while it seemed our computers were a touch more expensive (maybe $1k more), we never had this big bill to explain to the boss either.

re: Licensing For Everyone

Meredith Ryan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:19:30 GMT

I couldn't agree more. One of the best decisions I made long ago regarding licensing was to license 1 for 1 with my pc's for Office and CAL's. The only CAL's that aren't 1 for 1 are my Exchange Enterprise CAL's but those take a matter of minutes to reconcile.

re: Blowing Off Steam and Recharging

Robert Pearl — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:01:46 GMT

Agreed. It has gotten increasingly difficult managing my personal and work life without the ability to work from home 1-2 days a week. Of course, I deal with different clients, but have been F/T not too long ago (and it almost destroyed me and very relieved I'm no longer there) This I believe is the new remote workforce of the 21st century! Only, most of the corporate cogs have still not been convinced. The ability to work remotely, can be and is productive, allows work-life balance, and is the "green" way to work (lower carbon-footprint), plus maybe less H1N1 spreading....Just my two-cents!

re: Blowing Off Steam and Recharging

Steve Jones — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:38:25 GMT

Thanks, it's an attitude that is slowly changing, but not quickly enough. Too many managers still think that sitting at desk (or in office) = work getting done. Definitely not true.

re: Blowing Off Steam and Recharging

Tim Mitchell — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:13:42 GMT

Good post Steve. I think the gut reaction by many in management would be that such things are a waste of time. However, assuming that you've got responsible people on the payroll who are evaluated on their accomplishments rather than the number of hours they warm their office chairs, it's a great way to let people disengage for a few minutes every now and again.

re: The SQLServerCentral Party

Steve Jones — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:00:50 GMT

Good to hear. I can request a little larger room next time, and might do a couple less tables for games. Try to get more interaction.

I'll also shorten the ceremony. I haven't been in charge of it or worried about it, but it was definitely long this year.

re: The SQLServerCentral Party

Tim Mitchell — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:01:26 GMT

Steve, I thought things went very well. I was looking forward to this party and I wasn't disappointed, and others I talked to had a good time as well.

The only suggestions I would have is a little more floor space for all the people (a product of lots of walk-ups, I'm sure) and the Exceptional DBA ceremony ran a little long. The random prizes were good, and there was a variety of games to play. Great job to all of you for a successful event!

re: PASS Summit 2009 – Fun

Steve Jones — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:51:02 GMT

You were great on stage. BTW, there's a video of you out there somewhere with Ms. Moss entertaining us.

Business Online Advertising Made Very Simple | Internet Marketing … | Advertising Marketing Wisdom

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:58:58 GMT

Pingback from Business Online Advertising Made Very Simple | Internet Marketing … | Advertising Marketing Wisdom

re: PASS Summit 2009 – Fun

Tim Mitchell — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:13:24 GMT

I've sent a lot of follow-up e-mails to people I've met (though I'm still behind), and most of them agree that meeting people and networking are the best parts of the summit. Unofficial events such as the photo walk and karaoke are great to break away from the intense learning experience, while at the same time spending casual time with fellow SQL Server professionals.

Thanks for the mention of the blog post - I got a number of compliments on it last week. And you're right, I practiced what I preached, even embarrassing myself by crooning a few numbers on stage. :)

re: Women in Technology Luncheon

Pinal Dave — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:31:49 GMT

Steven, This is really interesting way to look at PASS Summit.

I love all the encouragement and healthy environment at PASS summit.

re: Women in Technology Luncheon

Dan Guzman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:44:51 GMT

A reason men need to be involved with this 'push' to support women in Technology is for the perception. If it's only women seen at these events to promote women, it can be perceived that this is more of a revolution, than support. in a sense "We are doing this in spite of men!" There are places where sexism still exists, and was even mentioned in the luncheon (Yes, I attended as well). Male support helps show that sexism is wrong, and only held by few, not most, men. But also, as Lynn mentioned, it cannot be a panel of men only talking about how important it is and how much it's supported. The panels have to show role models for these young women/girls.

For me, I think the 'Support for Women in Technology' will be helping start an IGNITE program in my city, perhaps making phone calls and such. 'Supporting' women who can be role models.

re: Skipping SQL Connections

Tim Mitchell — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:59:54 GMT

Sorry to hear you couldn't make it, and I hope your wife heals quickly. I've been to Connections in Vegas once, and it was a good conference, but for SQL Server content I still prefer the PASS summit. Connections is great if you have interest in multiple technologies (DBA, dev, Sharepoint, etc.)