It's a common technique in discourse these days to impugn the intelligence of those we disagree with it. All sides do it frequently in the polarized world of political conversation in the media, but it pervades all levels of our existence. We cannot imagine why someone would even deign to think a particular way so we call them "Philistine" and even "Nazi." 

The problem lies not in their intelligence or malevolence, however, but in our inability to understand their motivation. If we truly understood WHY they wanted something a particular way we would be better prepared to show them a better way, as opposed to stamping our pretty little prima donna pointe-clad foot and demanding that they see our way as the One True way.

Then there's always the risk, to our extreme discomfort, that the other person might have a perspective that, upon further examination, we might find enlightening. 

After reflecting on this little back and forth, I am getting kind of curious as to why the client thinks that recovering document numbers is _essential_ to their business model. The answer to that question might provide clues as to what makes them tick. 

That just might be a GOOD thing to know.  ::-)

j.




On Dec 21, 2011, at 7:04 PM, Richard S. Russell wrote:

> 
> On 2011 Dec 21, at 17:42, Corn Walker wrote:
> 
>> On Dec 21, 2011, at 6:18 PM, Richard S. Russell wrote:
>> 
>>> As I am retired and do my database work entirely pro bono for deserving non-profit organizations, I am not unduly constrained by the profit motive, so I can call 'em as I sees 'em.
>> 
>> Would you not agree that it is preferable that one be charitable rather than derogatory? I see this as an opportunity both to better learn the motivations behind the request as well as educate the client about best practices in design and ways that a database system might improve upon their process. Both parties come out ahead and feeling positively about the experience rather than adversarial.
> 
> You are right as usual, Corn.
> 
> I just get frustrated at people who will hire somebody who's competent at databases specifically to WORK on databases and then ignore or flout best database practices as if they know better. It's as if I hired an auto mechanic to fix my car (a subject about which I know nothing) and insisted that he or she had to insert a particular brand of carburetor because my dad always used them, utterly oblivious to the fact that modern cars don't even HAVE carburetors any more.
> 
> Why hire an expert if you don't want to listen to expert advice? Heck, hire your shiftless cousin Vinnie. He'll do whatever you tell him, with no hifalutin backtalk, and he probably needs the money more.
> 
> = = = = = =
> Richard S. Russell
> 2642 Kendall Av. #2
> Madison WI 53705-3736
> 608+233-5640
> [log in to unmask]
> http://richardsrussell.livejournal.com/
> 
> Sun god! Sun god! Ra, Ra, Ra!
> 


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Jonathan Fletcher
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