Good article, and well articulated. On behalf of those of us who have been around a while, thanks for the kind words.

I'm sure that most if not all of us veterans could tell stories about the SQL server community, and this site in particular, as being a big help to us over the years. I found SSC after inheriting a single SQL Server installation and as I accumulated more of these instances to manage, I was able to call on this group for polite and professional advice many times. I've learned a thing or two since, and try to answer as many questions as I can - though I often stand in awe at many of the other experts here.

Not that I'm bashing other forums or other database technologies, but SSC has always seemed like a cut above other forum sites. I've participated in other SQL Server forums where many of the veterans put themselves on a pedistal, and will respond unprofessionally toward those who are inexperienced but willing to learn. And good luck finding helpful forums for some of the other database vendors. I've got a couple of Big O installations that I manage, and I've not had luck finding any forums that are anywhere nearly as useful as what we have here.