>>I know that Ken Levy's presentation was well-received from the posts here, but how were some of the others? One person who I'm surprised hasn't posted any sort of follow-up was John Peterson. Anyone who attended his sessions, I would appreciate an objective critique, just to see if John is as good as he thinks he is.
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>Most folks have probably been lurking by here wondering when I was going to see this comment and snap. To be honest, I did not, which really surprised me. Then again, I am not surprised. After all, your post goes something like this:
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>1. How was FoxTeach
>2. Is it worth going to over devcon
>3. Heard Ken had good sessions as usual
>4. JVP is full of crap (but I don't have the backbone to really say that)
>5. Are conferences really worth the expense
>6. What's the latest from the grapvine
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>I remember the SAT's where you were presented with a list of items and asked which one does not belong. Get the picture...???
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>In terms of bashing, I place this between mediocre and a mild nusance.
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>So, to answer your question, yes, I think I am as good as I think I am. You better be too. I for one would not want to work with somebody who thought otherwise. It's called confidence and believing in yourself, your abilities. Those have always been recognized as good qualities, and those same qualities have served me well.
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>Based on this, and the other posts with support on my behalf, I trust you have received your answer.
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>BTW... I hope your case of cerebral rectal inversion has now lapsed, never to return again....<s>
>
>See ya...


John,

You nailed four out of six. You were off on number 3, and dead off on number 4.

I've never seen Ken Levy speak, so I honestly wouldn't know one way or the other if he was a good speaker. It just happened that his presentation style was talked about quite a bit before the conference, and he was one of the first ones to post here after the conference. If it was Steven Black or Markus Egger whose name caught my eye, I'd have probably said the same thing about them. I'm glad that Ken's session went so well.

As to my thinking you are full of crap, you couldn't be more wrong. I look forward to reading your posts, half becuase you are one of the more gifted and prolific developers I've seen on this forum, and half becuase you give your opinions bluntly. I respect that, the same way I respect Jim Nelson. Stirring up the pot keeps things lively, and it's the only way to encourage change.

Do I think you're arrogant, full of yourself, and full of beans sometimes? Absolutely, the same way I think about Jim. That doesn't mean I'm instantly against you; the same could be said of a lot of excellent developers who are justly proud of their skills and achievements, and aren't afraid to toot their own horn.

Mind you, if everyone came back and said, "Oh, that John, he talks a good game, but his presentation was lousy, what a waste of time", then this pleasant dialog we are having would not be nearly so pleasant. However, if you're as good as you say you are, and based on what everyone has said, you are, then you can hold your head high.

Finally, as to my "case of cerebral rectal inversion", that may have been a little uncalled for. I never once accused you of talking out your a$$, so don't accuse me of having my head up mine. IF I thought you were wrong on something, I would tell you directly. Your skills were never in question, simply how others viewed your presentation of these skills. I wasn't trying to goad you, although I was curious as to what others would say.

I may think I'm the king of Upper Elbonia, but unless others recognize me as such, saying so doesn't make it so. Self-confidence can only get you so far; the respect and acceptance of your peers, and the justification of that confidence, puts the real weight behind your words.

Truce?

Bill