I think we're back to defining what a 10 is. I don't think anyone can master everything in the SQL Server box and maintain it. Most of us end up...

Roman, I'm a fan of the library and individual time as you mention. Especially for me, I'm trying to work harder to get books at the library rather than buying...

Bob, that's a good list. We do hide and seek some already, and you're right on not finding them too soon!

I'll take a look at edheads.com, and on the sailing ship, I've been thinking to get that one...for me! Maybe for a day when kids are occupied elsewhere!

I love the pile of leaves idea! We just planted some new plants in our small garden (which probably won't surive the squirrels attention), but the highlight is the kids...

I use them frequently. As Grant noted, it's easy enough to use them in a way that minimizes the performance impact. In my experience most of the pain comes from...

Tim, I agree it's worth documenting and love the story you use to start it with. The thing I'd add is that "blogging" often seems to equate to visibility and...

Craig, I think as a DBA (or network guy or similar roles) we have to define our own customers, which aren't necessarily the same ones that our employer serves. We're...

Listening is a hard skill to master, and I can't say I have mastered it. There's also an art to listening to the listener, making sure you're responsive to feedback...

Brad, I don't know if I've been perfect about this, but my view is that conversations are private unless you ask permission to share. That said, there are times when...

Good thoughts, and I've thought the same about bad/weak managers, you get chances to do things that you might not with a stronger and more capable manager. Still, it's easy...

Great responses, thanks for reading and taking time to comment. If you do blog you'll soon learn how much the odd comment means:-)

Blogs can be whatever you want them to...

Why not use the built in validation? It has options to do a fast count as well as a checksum, and it understands whatever filters are in place.

Andy, not at all - its a real challenge that needs broader discussion across our events. Chats like this one help shape all our views on what we need to...

Andy, for me here in Orlando at SQLSaturday it's all about diversity. Might not be true across the board, just as there seems to be at times a push for...