So long and thanks for all the fish
My time is up.
It’s been eight years since a friend suggested I join him on a contract at Microsoft Support (thanks Pete). Eight years since I sat sweating in an interview with Steve Taylor, trying desperately to recall the KDC’s listening port (his hint: “German anti-tank gun”). Eight years since I joined 35 new colleagues in a training room and found that despite my opinion, I knew nothing about Active Directory (“Replication of Absent Linked Object References – what the hell have I gotten myself into?”).
Eight years later, I’m a Senior Support Escalation Engineer, a blogger of some repute, and a seasoned world traveler who instructs other ‘softies about Windows releases. I’ve created thousands of pages of content and been involved in countless support cases and customer conversations. I am the last of those 35 colleagues still here, but there is proof of my existence even so. It’s been the most satisfactory work of my career.
Just the thought of leaving was scary enough to give me pause – it’s been so long since I knew anything but supporting Windows. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity though and sometimes you need to reset your career. Now I’ll help create the next generations of Windows Server and the buck will finally stop with me: I’ve been hired as a Program Manager and am on my way to Seattle next week. I’m not leaving Microsoft, just starting a new phase. A phase with a lot more product development, design responsibility, and… meetings. Soooo many meetings.
There are two types of folks I am going to miss: the first are workmates. Many are support engineers, but also PFEs, Consultants, and TAMs. Even foreigners! Interesting and funny people fill Premier and Commercial Technical Support and make every day here enjoyable, even after the occasional customer assault. There’s nothing like a work environment where you really like your colleagues. I’ve sat next to Dave Fisher since 2004 and he’s made me laugh every single day. He is a brilliant weirdo, like so many other great people here. You all know who you are.
The other folks are… you. Your comments stayed thought provoking and fresh for five years and 700 posts. Your emails kept me knee deep in mail sacks and articles (I had to learn in order to answer many of them). Your readership has made AskDS into one of the most popular blogs in Microsoft. You unknowingly played an immense part in my career, forcing me to improve my communication; there’s nothing like a few hundred thousand readers to make you learn your craft.
My time as the so-called “editor in chief” of AskDS is over, but I imagine you will still find me on the Internet in my new role, yammering about things that I think you’ll find interesting. I also have a few posts in the chamber that Jonathan or Mike will unload after I’m gone, and they will keep the site going. AskDS will continue to be a place for unvarnished support information about Windows technologies, where your questions will get answers.
Thanks for everything, and see you again soon.
We are looking forward to Seattle’s famous mud puddles
Comments
Anonymous
October 12, 2012
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October 12, 2012
I had heard this news about you a couple weeks ago, but this confirms it. It's going to be sad to see you go, as this blog was not just a magnificent place to discuss and learn about the technology in AD, but it was also steeped in your personality. However, I know Jonathan and Mike are going to do a great job of taking over ownership here, and I'll still be an active reader and commenter and I'll still be looking forward to every new post from them, just as I looked forward to yours.Anonymous
October 12, 2012
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October 12, 2012
Congrats on the promotion and I beleive that your co-workers will continue in your steps on this blog. Your post helped me a lot and I often shared them to others. And yes, you will be missed even by us foreigners. ;) Best of luck!Anonymous
October 13, 2012
Sad to see you leave the #1 AD blog, and thanks for all the time you have spent on creating the Mail Sacks, answering emails and all the great posts. I hope Jonathan and Mike will follow the excellent trend you've made in this blog. Good luck in your new job! PS! Both dogs have your eyes. There aren't anything genetic?Anonymous
October 13, 2012
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October 14, 2012
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October 14, 2012
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October 14, 2012
Congratulations and best wishes on your new role!Anonymous
October 15, 2012
Congrats and thanks for all those great AD stuff !Anonymous
October 15, 2012
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October 15, 2012
What a great way to start a week. Thanks so much for the well wishes everyone, they are very humbling and highly appreciated.Anonymous
October 16, 2012
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October 16, 2012
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October 16, 2012
Good luck mate. I know PFE in AU will miss your posts. I'll work on my appetite and find a reason to visit ;)Anonymous
October 16, 2012
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October 17, 2012
Thank you (and askds) for all of your help with enhancing my (at least perceived) understanding and knowledge with your in depth coverage and detailed yet clear explanations of AD and related topics. . . all completed with personality and humor. . . AskDS is surely a quality reference repository and will be for a long time to come. All the best to you on your new adventure . . . the future is in your (trusted) hands.Anonymous
October 17, 2012
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October 24, 2012
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October 25, 2012
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November 10, 2012
Geez! I was really floored that you were really "moving on", but at least you're still a Softie. I hope you don't stop blogging? You have a real talent for writing and you have a rare ability to weave humor with technology which makes it all that much more fun to read (and learn!). I wish you the best on your new endeavor! Thank you! DaveAnonymous
August 06, 2014
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