Toying with blogging
I've been toying with this blogging idea. Wondering if I should do it. My asktom site is sort of a blog, but very much technical. I don't generally expose my opinions outside of the question being asked.
What I've thought about doing here is some debunking. Taking an internet posting about Oracle that someone (or me for that matter) feels is just plain wrong. Taking a look at it. Trying to understand what the author might have been trying to say and whether I agree with the content or not. In the same vein as Database Debunkings does. I'll try not to be as blunt as they and their readers are sometimes, (but I do rather like the readers use of the dictionary in this letter to the editor, I'm fond of that tool as well) but it will be "to the point".
I'd like to hear feedback on what you think about such a concept.
If I go forward with it, I would accept URL's that point to material readers feel is questionable. I would ask that you would email the URL to me along with a brief description of why you feel it is questionable material (dangerous questionable material would be most prefered, material that in the hands of a neophyte would be downright bad). Then, at the rate of once or twice a week, take a look at one or two of them.
I would attempt to contact the author of any such material beforehand with my inputs, I've done that in the past on asktom prior to posting material, in a good faith attempt to correct the material. But if the information is unattributed or I cannot reach the author, that would not necessary stop the presses.
All comments, anonymous or otherwise, fully appreciated.
What I've thought about doing here is some debunking. Taking an internet posting about Oracle that someone (or me for that matter) feels is just plain wrong. Taking a look at it. Trying to understand what the author might have been trying to say and whether I agree with the content or not. In the same vein as Database Debunkings does. I'll try not to be as blunt as they and their readers are sometimes, (but I do rather like the readers use of the dictionary in this letter to the editor, I'm fond of that tool as well) but it will be "to the point".
I'd like to hear feedback on what you think about such a concept.
If I go forward with it, I would accept URL's that point to material readers feel is questionable. I would ask that you would email the URL to me along with a brief description of why you feel it is questionable material (dangerous questionable material would be most prefered, material that in the hands of a neophyte would be downright bad). Then, at the rate of once or twice a week, take a look at one or two of them.
I would attempt to contact the author of any such material beforehand with my inputs, I've done that in the past on asktom prior to posting material, in a good faith attempt to correct the material. But if the information is unattributed or I cannot reach the author, that would not necessary stop the presses.
All comments, anonymous or otherwise, fully appreciated.


47 Comments:
I can't believe you've got the time to do that but that's a fantastic offer - please - go for it.
Providing scientific proof that a statement "published" by an "expert" is wrong will save a lot of people a lot of heartache.
I've actually done that to you on askTom before anyway ;) (the column position example).
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Nice blog, but who is the dodgey looking mug on the front page
:-)
Cheers
Connor
Connor --
now now, if you are going to be insulting, I'll have to ask you to leave.
My daughter took that photograph and she is very proud of it!
Have you found some secret wormhole or something that lets your days have more than 24 hours?! How the heck do you have time to do all these things?!
No this is a great idea, go for it. Thanks
Great idea, agree on the wormhole
question from Vikas. How do you
manage to do so many things??
And yes, nice pic! I always
thought you looked quite different
in real life as compared
to your photo on the front of expert one on one?
Anyways, we all would benefit from
this endeavor.
Great idea. I think this blog would also be a great place to put the "I learn something new about oracle every day" snippet.
Excellent idea, but hope that does not reduce your postings on askTom. :)
Tom, you never cease to impress me. I think it is a fabulous idea, and hope you can find the time to not only start it up but keep it going as well. I have a sneaking suspicion that you are the first human to have been cloned. Will have to test that hypothesis out by seeing how many posts you can make in the different forums and blogs, and still function ;-D.
Like the photo, actually. Much less scary than the one on the front of Expert One-on-One (whose eyes follow me around the room all day and frighten new students on their first day).
Good idea, but can I take out a patent on this blogging business? I start one in December, and four months later, every Oracle expert on the planet has got one!! Oh, and Mike's got one too, of course.
:)
Tom,
It would not be very easy for people to follow you on two(or more) places!
Since you have a popular site up and running already, you can use that!
A few reasons that I can think of, on why you should avoid this
* You do not own this blogger site. So, you can not restrict the comments flowing in after each of your post.
* Sometimes, some user comments(if un-noticed by you) might create embrassment to you( Eventhough people are aware that you did not post it, since it appears on your blog, people might think you are endorsing it!)
*People might think that you are using this place to take revenge on people who scold you often(since asktom site is offical oracle site, you cant do that there!)
*Its not easy for users like us, to follow you up on every third party website.
Anyways, it is upto you. Once you have decided to keep going, I will follow you here anyways!
No.
I like Ask Tom because I know that there is good thoughtful information there. It is a little disorganized but better than metalink and other recourses out there.
I read Don thread that started this end-to-end. It left me feeling ill that so-called professionals could act that way (not you or your side in it). The whole thread was not worth the energy. Don still claims to be worth $550/hr, Buddies Ault and Freeman are still propping up the name. Books are still on the shelf and Borders. If anything you have single handedly increased his traffic and helped him with selling add space on his website (Another sign of an unethical crack-pot?)
When some kid (or future DBA or CTO) is standing in the DB section of Barnes and Noble looking for his first book on Oracle what is the choice? If he has the where with all to look on the net he will know about Tom and Don and choose accordingly. If he does not he will look in the book and the content will drive. Perhaps he will compare the title and un-wisely decide he needs some quick silver bullet instead of an effective design.
No Tom Stay above the fray.
You have the power to start the conversation; then step back, and do the things you do so well. Let others debunk and immaculate the hacks, the lazy, the unknowing, and the snake oil salesmen. It may be said that by lowing yourself into the pit with the vipers you risk that you will become one.
No tom: If you need another outlet. Instead of debunking the shysters find new talent; Link to new ideas; Support a forum for more knowledge, more proof, more experiments, more samples; for the future of technology; for a better world. Only when there is obvious sources for reliable content will the Burleson Consulting be nothing more than what they are: a pitiful old man trying to make money off the ignorance of others.
I remember long ago when I had problems working with a database. I posted in ?comp.database.sqlserver? and some guy name Nial posted 3-4 times till the bug was identified and a workaround found. That is what we need. Not Yet Another Trash Talking Blog (YATTB).
Sorry
No
Lets build not destroy.
Thanks for years of Ask Tom.
A
Good idea, this way you won't have to post a question to yourself :-)
But I wonder why don't you create your own blog on AskTom. With HTML DB it must be very simple for you.
By the way we have to create yet another userid/password for this site "This blog does not allow anonymous comments." - is what I get when I try to post my comments.
re: "if you are going to be insulting, I'll have to ask you to leave"
Does this mean you'll scan my IP addresses and pop up a "menu has been disabled" whenever I try post from this machine ?
:-)
Hi Tom Kyte,
This is a great Idea. Pls. keep it up.
Js
* You do not own this blogger site. So, you can not restrict the comments flowing in after each of your post.
Well, the same is true of asktom.oracle.com. It is not moderated, I do not see every comment there and I might not get to see some comments for many hours...
* Sometimes, some user comments(if un-noticed by you) might create embrassment to you( Eventhough people are aware that you did not post it, since it appears on your blog, people might think you are endorsing it!)
Rather here than there but it could happen everywhere!
*People might think that you are using this place to take revenge on people who scold you often(since asktom site is offical oracle site, you cant do that there!)
That is true, but if I stick to technical and they stick to "hey, he is bashing me" (that is, I avoid personal, emotional attacks and keep it clinical, observational) I think it'll be OK.
It would be a wonderful to read Tom Kyte's ideas (on subjects other than what asked on asktom ) in his lucid style of writing.
ps: Tom doesnot need to defend himself against DKB and team. Oracle community knows what great service you offer.Thanks for all your hard work on Asktom.
Tom,
I do not know how you can manage some many things? But one thing is certain that I will read all your postings whether here or in asktom site. Your site was the one that taught me so much about Oracle.
By the way we have to create yet another userid/password for this site "This blog does not allow anonymous comments." - is what I get when I try to post my comments.
sorry about that, anonymous posting is now "turned on"
Hi,
Your pic is very good. I have download it.
Js
Why not? It is a good idea.
Good idea, Go4it.
I have the same question other asked you above.
Can you please explain me how your typical day looks like? Is your clock different and u get more time to do all these great things then me? :)
Can you please explain me how your typical day looks like? Is your clock different and u get more time to do all these great things then me? :)
Maybe that's what I'll write about tomorrow.
Tom,
I would be interested in reading your blogs from time to time... I just hope it wouldn't take away from AskTom.
Regards,
Robert. Memphis, USA.
Not only is it a great idea, but a much long-awaited one.
Look forward to reading it.
Like everyone else, not sure how you manage it all.
Favorite movies "most by Woody Allen"? So will you be posting your reviews on non-Oracle topics, such as these, as well?
:)
Cheers,
Melanie
So Tom Since we are out of the oracle domain, what are your thoughts on postgresql ?)
Thanks
A
So Tom Since we are out of the oracle domain, what are your thoughts on postgresql ?)
I still haven't used it, so I cannot comment. I have in the past used
SQL/DS
DB2
Ingress
Gupta SQLBase
Informix
Sybase
SQLServer
In addition to Oracle of course.
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>>Maybe that's what I'll write about tomorrow.
Cool, I will for it. Thanks!
Hi Tom,
Me and my friends want you to talk everything other than Oracle. I know Oracle is like blood in your veins but we would like to know about you everything other than oracle and also how you manage your time
Tom,
Were you in Vienna last Sunday by any chance having breakfast. I saw somebody like you not sure if it was you..
Is the coffee your way to get and keep yourself *awake* during the day? Where does your infinite energy come from? What's your secret - sport, yoga or the like? :-)))
That small team that you manage - what is it doing? What's your personal role in it?
That small team that you manage
They are senior technologists for the most part. They go very deep in one area - I cover database, others do collaboration suite, j2ee, xml, spatial, and so on. They require little day to day managing -- mostly senior people. We work at the public sector division level covering North America. Customer presentations, architecture discussions, education, prototypes, performance -- those sorts of things.
And how is Mrs Kyte adapting to Yet Another Excuse To Be Online? I know my own SWMBO rolls her eyes every time she sees me nonchalently wandering off towards my office in the evening ...
Love this site. Just wondering how you deal with burnout. As for me, after 8 hours of programming, my brain is shut down and I don't want to deal anything 'computer' or technical. A blog on this topic would be great.
I think a Tom blog would be fun. I am very glad to hear you have a problem with 80's music. I take it you don't like "hair" bands. Please tell me it is so.
Hi Tom,
This is a great idea. We'll support you wherever you are. Well at least you are able to deal with non-Oracle questions here. Just sort of concerned on how your family takes it. I mean do you still have quality time with them? :-). Though it'll be fun and sort of a bonding of both you and your wife does this blog. :-) Just an idea.
I take it you don't like "hair" bands.
These are the radio stations I listen to (satellite radio rules, commerical free, internet streaming, same stations everywhere).
station 1
station 2
station 3
station 4
station 5
How about your favorite Woody Allen movies? I played him in a H.S. production of "Play it Again, Sam". Gonna try and see "Melinda and Melinda" this weekend.
How about your favorite Woody Allen movies?
Yeah, I asked about this one, too. :)
Well, Tom?
I'm a big fan of Woody Allen. I have three of the books he's written and some of his old standup stuff from the sixties, as well.
How about your favorite Woody Allen movies?
Manhattan tops the list for some reason. Liked the B&W widescreen and the story.
Crimes and Misdemeanors...
Annie Hall (of course)
and the funny ones
Sleeper
Bananas
Hi Tom,
This is a wonderful idea and I am sure that it will prove to be as popular as asktom is . The good part is we can post our comments anytime - we dont have to see 'sorry i have a large backlog of questions now ' message :)
Keep up the wonderful work you are doing . The oracle users community can not thank you enough .
Great idea. You could update the answer to my review comment on asktom about your personal web site..
http://asktom.oracle.com/pls/ask/f?p=4950:8:::::F4950_P8_DISPLAYID:28806473220188#29070419145940
Prasad
hey tom
I don't know if you read comments on old content but I thought in light of this post, you might want to see this debunk by on this Linux/Windows comparison.
the blog owners typically can get emails when comments are added, so I in general see them all...
You preempted it with your own post, but happy 1 year anniversary.
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