To: Beetle, BruceM & the Access newsgroup

A

Aria

(This post is in response to words posted not so long ago. Though I always
intended to reply, I did not want to do so until my db was finished. Now that
that day has arrived (OK, so it’s taken me forever!), there are some things I
want to say.

Be advised: This post violates protocol in that it is neither brief, nor
poses a technical question. Despite that, I’m moving forward because my
gratitude outweighs my trepidation.
…I think it should be noted that there are many people in this newsgroup (besides Bruce and I) that volunteer their
time on a regular basis for no other reason than just to help complete strangers solve problems.

…too true and so I hope I’m not slammed for the following message (I have
debated endlessly). I also hope that you and Bruce are not angry or
embarrassed, as that is not my intention. I wouldn’t have been able to
surmount the never-ending obstacles I encountered without the invaluable
assistance I received from those in this newsgroup.

Now that our school databases are complete, I would like to express my most
heartfelt, sincerest thanks to:

Microsoft, for providing this forum; those who asked the questions that
helped me learn and those who patiently answered (both the celebrated and the
unsung); all who do the heavy lifting required to work with new users:
undaunted, undeterred and unafraid; those whose explanations go above and
beyond the call of duty, thereby having a direct impact on my quest for
understanding: Sprinks, Albert D. Kallal, Tom Wickerath and especially Ken
Sheridan whose consistently detailed explanations are pure gold.
Acknowledgements also to Ryan, Allen Browne (thank you for a site that
addresses the inexperienced as well as the advanced user), Klatuu, golfinray,
Crystal Long (your tutorial is very helpful), Ed Warren, Fred Boer, Arvin
Meyer, Joan Wild, John W. Vinson, Karl Dewey, Pete D, Duane Hookom, Tina,
Fred, Ken Snell and Marshall Barton. I know there are countless others who
contribute and I don’t mean to exclude. The above named are where I found
answers to my particular questions. To think that the place I didn’t want to
come is the very place my dream became reality. Thank you so very much.

But a special place of honor, gratitude and humble appreciation belongs to
the unbelievably patient mentors who helped me climb my Mount Everest, Beetle
and Bruce M. You were always guarding the integrity of my db; guiding me in
best practices when through sheer ignorance, I would have run it into the
ground (and quite often, did). While I was clueless as to how involved this
would become, you knew I was completely out of my league. Even so, you
neither made me feel inadequate (i.e. dumb) for asking the most basic of
questions nor did you ever imply that I wouldn’t be able to accomplish my
goals and should therefore, stop trying. Your graciousness, patiently
detailed explanations and examples, at a time when I was confused and
imploding, were very much appreciated and far exceeded any expectations or
hopes that I had. The lessons I learned went far beyond Access. Because you
were willing, I was able. I can’t imagine where we would be had you both not
made the decision to respond. Thank you for illuminating the path that, at
times, seemed so dark.

BruceM—You were not only the first to respond, but also the first to
introduce me to VBA that would help me accomplish something I wanted to do,
when I was silently adamant (before a single table was ever created) that
there wouldn’t be any code in my db, as I thought I had enough complications
already (Crystal, your tutorial is right on the mark here!). You look at
things in a different way. You kept banging the drum in warning when I had
tunnel vision, only focused on one thing. Your unintentional mention of that
most painful experience we had just come through stopped me in my tracks;
helped me focus and begin to see the bigger picture. Words that you posted
then resonate even now when I run into a roadblock. I am not always
successful in following that advice, but I try. Your willingness to answer
questions in detail, along with your ability to step in at just the right
moment to re-state answers in a way I could understand, had more impact than
you can possibly know. Thank you for all that you have done and do, in this
forum. I don’t think I ever fully communicated my appreciation.

To the venerable Mr. Bailey--What more can I possibly say to you that you do
not already know? Your kindness knows no bounds. To say that I learned a lot
from you is certainly an understatement. Your in depth explanations of
relational database design and practices in conjunction with practical
examples from my own db, repeatedly provided the enlightenment that I needed.
You have done a yeoman’s job of extraordinary service that at this point, I
can neither pay back nor pay forward. Through your efforts, we have been
meteorically launched into the 21st century.

When I began, I wasn’t fully aware of the power of Access. You showed me the
possibilities and helped me turn ideas and desires into reality. While not
nearly enough, thank you so much for your selflessness in sharing what you
know, which, I can now admit even includes yanking me back to the beginning
to revisit table normalization (for the umpteenth time!) when all I wanted to
do was to finally move forward. <g>

My only regret is that I failed to do what was in my power to do. I didn’t
mark the questions as answered the day I searched some of the posts. I had
decided to review and mark the following day. That decision proved to be,
literally, one day too late. The first part of the thread disappeared and I
could nothing with the disconnected second part. Please know that I never
intended to leave it undone. I’m deeply sorry for that and would change it if
I could. You both deserve countless green marks. While it doesn’t help you or
Bruce, I’ve learned my lesson and have tried not to let that happen again
when one of my posts yields an answer. I hope others learn from my mistake.

To all -- Be encouraged. You may be unaware of the impact you have just by
responding to questions. You provide an invaluable service to those who are
in need of assistance. The creation of my databases was a collaborative
effort by an unseen “team†residing in various parts of the world, for which
whose contributions I am extremely grateful. Thank you for showing me this
Access world, which I find intriguing yet oh so frustrating; mission
accomplished.

We, the Pacers, salute all who personify dedication, commitment and
generosity of spirit by giving so freely of themselves to teach, guide and
help those they do not know. We realize how incredibly fortunate we have
been. We are, as I am, in your debt.

All the best to you,
“See†you in the community.
 
J

John W. Vinson

(This post is in response to words posted not so long ago.>

Aria, I see nobody has responded... I think we're all just overwhelmed by your
generosity, eloquence and gratitude. Thank you. All of the volunteers here can
bask in your appreciation for our friends Beetle and Bruce; on behalf of all
of us, thank you for the reinforcement that what we're doing actually does
make a difference.

Best of luck with your database!
 
F

Fred Boer

Dear Aria:

.... so we just need two miracles for canonization, right? ;)

I notice you haven't had much response. I enjoyed your post. I've felt the
same way about the generous experts who offer help so freely!

P.S. I notice my name is listed. Job changes and life committments have made
my contributions almost non-existent for quite a while - can't recall ever
helping you - but you are more than welcome!
 
K

KARL DEWEY

Thanks for listing me amoung the giants.

Aria said:
(This post is in response to words posted not so long ago. Though I always
intended to reply, I did not want to do so until my db was finished. Now that
that day has arrived (OK, so it’s taken me forever!), there are some things I
want to say.

Be advised: This post violates protocol in that it is neither brief, nor
poses a technical question. Despite that, I’m moving forward because my
gratitude outweighs my trepidation.


…too true and so I hope I’m not slammed for the following message (I have
debated endlessly). I also hope that you and Bruce are not angry or
embarrassed, as that is not my intention. I wouldn’t have been able to
surmount the never-ending obstacles I encountered without the invaluable
assistance I received from those in this newsgroup.

Now that our school databases are complete, I would like to express my most
heartfelt, sincerest thanks to:

Microsoft, for providing this forum; those who asked the questions that
helped me learn and those who patiently answered (both the celebrated and the
unsung); all who do the heavy lifting required to work with new users:
undaunted, undeterred and unafraid; those whose explanations go above and
beyond the call of duty, thereby having a direct impact on my quest for
understanding: Sprinks, Albert D. Kallal, Tom Wickerath and especially Ken
Sheridan whose consistently detailed explanations are pure gold.
Acknowledgements also to Ryan, Allen Browne (thank you for a site that
addresses the inexperienced as well as the advanced user), Klatuu, golfinray,
Crystal Long (your tutorial is very helpful), Ed Warren, Fred Boer, Arvin
Meyer, Joan Wild, John W. Vinson, Karl Dewey, Pete D, Duane Hookom, Tina,
Fred, Ken Snell and Marshall Barton. I know there are countless others who
contribute and I don’t mean to exclude. The above named are where I found
answers to my particular questions. To think that the place I didn’t want to
come is the very place my dream became reality. Thank you so very much.

But a special place of honor, gratitude and humble appreciation belongs to
the unbelievably patient mentors who helped me climb my Mount Everest, Beetle
and Bruce M. You were always guarding the integrity of my db; guiding me in
best practices when through sheer ignorance, I would have run it into the
ground (and quite often, did). While I was clueless as to how involved this
would become, you knew I was completely out of my league. Even so, you
neither made me feel inadequate (i.e. dumb) for asking the most basic of
questions nor did you ever imply that I wouldn’t be able to accomplish my
goals and should therefore, stop trying. Your graciousness, patiently
detailed explanations and examples, at a time when I was confused and
imploding, were very much appreciated and far exceeded any expectations or
hopes that I had. The lessons I learned went far beyond Access. Because you
were willing, I was able. I can’t imagine where we would be had you both not
made the decision to respond. Thank you for illuminating the path that, at
times, seemed so dark.

BruceM—You were not only the first to respond, but also the first to
introduce me to VBA that would help me accomplish something I wanted to do,
when I was silently adamant (before a single table was ever created) that
there wouldn’t be any code in my db, as I thought I had enough complications
already (Crystal, your tutorial is right on the mark here!). You look at
things in a different way. You kept banging the drum in warning when I had
tunnel vision, only focused on one thing. Your unintentional mention of that
most painful experience we had just come through stopped me in my tracks;
helped me focus and begin to see the bigger picture. Words that you posted
then resonate even now when I run into a roadblock. I am not always
successful in following that advice, but I try. Your willingness to answer
questions in detail, along with your ability to step in at just the right
moment to re-state answers in a way I could understand, had more impact than
you can possibly know. Thank you for all that you have done and do, in this
forum. I don’t think I ever fully communicated my appreciation.

To the venerable Mr. Bailey--What more can I possibly say to you that you do
not already know? Your kindness knows no bounds. To say that I learned a lot
from you is certainly an understatement. Your in depth explanations of
relational database design and practices in conjunction with practical
examples from my own db, repeatedly provided the enlightenment that I needed.
You have done a yeoman’s job of extraordinary service that at this point, I
can neither pay back nor pay forward. Through your efforts, we have been
meteorically launched into the 21st century.

When I began, I wasn’t fully aware of the power of Access. You showed me the
possibilities and helped me turn ideas and desires into reality. While not
nearly enough, thank you so much for your selflessness in sharing what you
know, which, I can now admit even includes yanking me back to the beginning
to revisit table normalization (for the umpteenth time!) when all I wanted to
do was to finally move forward. <g>

My only regret is that I failed to do what was in my power to do. I didn’t
mark the questions as answered the day I searched some of the posts. I had
decided to review and mark the following day. That decision proved to be,
literally, one day too late. The first part of the thread disappeared and I
could nothing with the disconnected second part. Please know that I never
intended to leave it undone. I’m deeply sorry for that and would change it if
I could. You both deserve countless green marks. While it doesn’t help you or
Bruce, I’ve learned my lesson and have tried not to let that happen again
when one of my posts yields an answer. I hope others learn from my mistake.

To all -- Be encouraged. You may be unaware of the impact you have just by
responding to questions. You provide an invaluable service to those who are
in need of assistance. The creation of my databases was a collaborative
effort by an unseen “team†residing in various parts of the world, for which
whose contributions I am extremely grateful. Thank you for showing me this
Access world, which I find intriguing yet oh so frustrating; mission
accomplished.

We, the Pacers, salute all who personify dedication, commitment and
generosity of spirit by giving so freely of themselves to teach, guide and
help those they do not know. We realize how incredibly fortunate we have
been. We are, as I am, in your debt.

All the best to you,
“See†you in the community.
 
B

Beetle

Thank you for your kind words Aria.

Like you, I first came to the newsgroup when I was struggling
with one of my first attempts at creating an Access db. Some
of the same people you mentioned were also there to help me.
I kept coming back to the newsgroup, sometimes to ask questions,
but often it was just to read posts. You can learn quite a bit
from this newsgroup simply by reading posts. At some point I
realized that I knew (or thought I knew) the answers to some of the
questions that were posted, so I decided to take a shot at
responding. Some of my answers have been a bit off the mark,
but that's OK because there is always one of the gurus around to
give the OP the correct answer, and I would learn something
new in the process as well. I then realized that I was able to give
back to the newsgroup that helped me, so Iv'e kept at it I guess.

I'm glad that I was able to help you get to where you wanted
to be with your project, although, I don't consider myself in the
same league as some of the others you mentioned, but, as I said
before, thank you for taking the time to post your words of gratitude
for all of the people who volunteer here.
 
A

Aria

I just wanted to address a few comments.

Fred
.... so we just need two miracles for canonization, right?
<lol> Maybe it would help to know from whence we came; hand-written cards.
P.S. I notice my name is listed. Job changes and life committments have made my contributions almost non-existent for quite a while - can't recall ever helping you - but you are more than welcome!

Ahh…but your postings live on to inform anyone who is willing to search.
While you never helped me directly, you did help contribute to the base of my
understanding. In the beginning, I couldn’t search effectively because I
didn’t understand the terminology. Through the “school†of Beetle and Bruce,
I had a much better understanding and could conduct more effective searches.

Beetle
…I don't consider myself in the same league as some of the others you mentioned…

I have seen this expressed in other posts as well. While there may be
differences in knowledge, I have noticed similarities in that volunteers
share not only the characteristics of humility, but also a sincere desire to
help others and a willingness to share what they know. As far as I am
concerned, you’re in the same league.

Thank you to all who responded.
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Top