Re: So what if 8i is outta support ?

Oily wrote:

> I don't think that Daniel appreciates facts such as these, as all seems
> to boil down to technical knowledge and up to date skills.

I think you are making assumptions that are off-base.

> Daniel, a question.

Why not.

> Does your partner have a career?

Yes.

> Is the career of your partner a factor in your relationship, or do you
> just trash their > career if you decide to move on and relocate?

So far I've followed her as my situation is far more flexible.

You see the problem with making assumptions as you have done, particularly assumptions about near total strangers is that you are so likely to be incorrect.

> I think that maybe it's not a consideration due to your salary level,

Which assumes that I make more than her.

> I may be wrong,

So far nothing but ... ;-)

> but that is a good reason for this not to be a concern to you.

But I have a terrific sense of humor. So of concern? No but amusing? Absolutely.

> But here, where I sit, in the real world we consider it. Nothing
 > o do with skill level. So, maybe the 'poor guy' who answers the
> calls for V7 issues is happy with his lot and has made the choice.

And if that is the case more power to him. But for many it is important to understand that expertise in Oracle V7 is likely about as valuable as expertise in ALGOL or RPG II.

> He is also, most likely, fluent with 9i.

More likely he will (or she or are you still assuming all Oracle DBAs and developers are male?) will ask questions like "Where's server manager?" or "Why aren't there any rollback segments?"

> I think that you are in a privileged position to be sat in a high
> profile role.

Absolutely. Something I well and truly understand. And something for which I am truly and sincerely thankful.

> No problem with that, it has probably been at some personal sacrifice.

The day I feel that way I'll hang up my keyboard. Fill the scuba tanks and head south with a one-way ticket.

> But you have to accept that your words of wisdom
> that you present as industry fact can appear very condescending to a
> lot of people who are not as fortunate as yourself. This is not a
> statement of envy, purely annoyance. You just see your own market
> sector.
>
> Oily.

As does everyone else. So those who are observing this can read many different opinions and draw their own conclusions based on their personal situation.

Would it make you happier if everyone agreed? If there was no diversity of opinion and experience? Do you assume, and falsely, that because I try very hard to fulfill my moral and ethical obligations to these companies that I am without heart and soul? Or that if the choices were mine I would make the same decisions? Because if you do you need to realign your thinking.

An attorney does the best job possible of representing a client even when convinced the client is guilty. A physician tries to help a patient even when the cause may seem hopeles. Do you think that we, as professionals, are called to a lower ethical standard?

-- 
Daniel A. Morgan
University of Washington
damorgan_at_x.washington.edu
(replace 'x' with 'u' to respond)