>>When I assign a field value from a DataReader to a property, I get a casting error if I've forgotten to use my nvl() function. I use DataReaders much more than I use DataSets, so I encounter this all the time.<

OK, Keith ... I'm just the opposite, I use DataSets all the time. In fact, I don't think I've used a DataReader at all, not even to play around with. So, it seems it applies more in your situation then.

~~Bonnie