Critique - SQL Saturday Abstracts

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Critique - SQL Saturday Abstracts

Sam Vanga

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Points: 1742
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June 3, 2013 at 9:57 pm

#294670

Here are two abstracts I've started to submit for SQL Saturdays recently. I'd appreciate if you can review them and provide your opinion, am I describing my session aptly, would you want to come to these sessions...? Thanks!
Automate SSIS Development for Loading a Data Warehouse: (Intermediate)
SSIS is the tool of choice for loading a data warehouse. But let's face it, dragging round cornered boxes and connecting them with arrows ain't fun. It's time consuming and you'll soon realize you're doing the same thing over and over again. Sam Vanga demonstrates how to dynamically create SSIS packages to extract source data, load dimensions and facts using Business Intelligence Markup Language (BIML).
SQL Server Integration Services Recipes: (Beginner)
I swept through forums to identify frequently asked questions posted by people getting started with SSIS. In this demo-centric presentation, I'll provide solutions to some of these specific problems. This session is intended for beginners who want learn examples of common SSIS requirements.
Sam Vanga
http://SamuelVanga.com

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Brandie Tarvin SSC Guru Points: 172991 More actions · Answer 1

Sam Vanga (6/3/2013)
Automate SSIS Development for Loading a Data Warehouse: (Intermediate)
SSIS is the tool of choice for loading a data warehouse. But let's face it, dragging round cornered boxes and connecting them with arrows ain't fun. It's time consuming and you'll soon realize you're doing the same thing over and over again. Sam Vanga demonstrates how to dynamically create SSIS packages to extract source data, load dimensions and facts using Business Intelligence Markup Language (BIML).

I don't like this one. It tells me I don't like doing something that I actually enjoy doing. There's a better way to phrase it that doesn't assume what I do and don't like doing.

Try this:

SSIS is the tool of choice for loading a data warehouse, but creating packages can be repetative and time consuming. In this session, Sam Vanga uses Business Intelligence Markup Language (BIML) to dynamically build SSIS packages. Need more free time in your day? Then it's time to learn the faster method of package creation.

And on this one...

SQL Server Integration Services Recipes: (Beginner)
I swept through forums to identify frequently asked questions posted by people getting started with SSIS. In this demo-centric presentation, I'll provide solutions to some of these specific problems. This session is intended for beginners who want learn examples of common SSIS requirements.

This description reads as more self-centered than you want it to. It doesn't help prospective students decide if the session is useful for them. You're selling the class, not yourself. Take out all the "I" references and don't refer to the fact that you watch the forums. That's unnecessary. Ask the students what they want. Invite them to be interested.

Since I don't know what you're trying to do with this session, I can't give you advice on how to rephrase this one.

Brandie Tarvin, MCITP Database AdministratorLiveJournal Blog: http://brandietarvin.livejournal.com/[/url]On LinkedIn!, Google+, and Twitter.Freelance Writer: ShadowrunLatchkeys: Nevermore, Latchkeys: The Bootleg War, and Latchkeys: Roscoes in the Night are now available on Nook and Kindle.

Lowell SSC Guru Points: 323504 More actions · Answer 2

Brandi has a nice analysis;

for this one:

SQL Server Integration Services Recipes: (Beginner)
I swept through forums to identify frequently asked questions posted by people getting started with SSIS. In this demo-centric presentation, I'll provide solutions to some of these specific problems. This session is intended for beginners who want learn examples of common SSIS requirements.

I'd change it to something a bit more eye catching and a classic "top X list , i'm kind of guessing here on the subject matter:

SQL Server Integration Services Recipes: (Beginner)
The top 14 SSIS Problems new users encounter, and a demo-centric presentation on how to solve them. These Demos will jump start your SSIS skillset and help you resolve these specific problems. This session is intended for beginners who want learn examples of common SSIS requirements.

Lowell

--help us help you! If you post a question, make sure you include a CREATE TABLE... statement and INSERT INTO... statement into that table to give the volunteers here representative data. with your description of the problem, we can provide a tested, verifiable solution to your question! asking the question the right way gets you a tested answer the fastest way possible!

Sam Vanga SSCommitted Points: 1742 More actions · Answer 3

I'm going to use the word Brutal, in an extremely good way!

Brandie - Thank you for the brutal and open feedback. I changed the abstract for SSIS recipes in fact to exactly what Lowell suggested (thanks Lowell!). Still debating about the one for Biml automation. I've some time so I'll think about the enhancements.

Thanks again everyone. I appreciate it.

Sam Vanga
http://SamuelVanga.com

Lowell SSC Guru Points: 323504 More actions · Answer 4

Great Sam! which SQL Saturday is this for? i know there is a local(for me) in the Fort Lauderdale area coming up in three weeks or so; I was wondering if it was the same one you are prepping for?

Lowell

--help us help you! If you post a question, make sure you include a CREATE TABLE... statement and INSERT INTO... statement into that table to give the volunteers here representative data. with your description of the problem, we can provide a tested, verifiable solution to your question! asking the question the right way gets you a tested answer the fastest way possible!

Sam Vanga SSCommitted Points: 1742 More actions · Answer 5

I submitted these for New York (235).

Sam Vanga
http://SamuelVanga.com