Avoiding bad Oracle advice on the web
As a matter of practical reality, we must now take the time to evaluate
the credibility of any Oracle technical content that you find on the
web. Are the publications of an Oracle "Expert" the pontification
of an experienced consultant or the ruminations of an elementary-school
dropout? Frankly, we need to know.
We must beware of dangerous Oracle
impostors.
I recently had to do a massive clean-up from a "would renowned Oracle
expert" who made a giant mess on a production database.
Many people ask me how to identify Oracle poseurs, and separate
the wheat from the chaff.
Of course, the question of credibility is important in a world of
self-proclaimed Oracle "experts". But what about someone who says
they are an Oracle "expert"? Does this self-granted title tell us
anything about their real skill and experience?
The brilliant cartoonist Wiley Miller makes this point that you
cannot be an expert without experience in his award-winning comic strip
Non Sequitur:
While the old adage "Don't believe everything you read" is always true,
the number of impostors and posers has reached epidemic proportions,
Google shows over 20,000 people
claiming to be Oracle experts today.
Let's look at some ways that you can avoid being duped by a phony
Oracle expert.
Challenge Authority!
The best tip for evaluating Oracle expert advice on the web is to
challenge the authority of anyone who claims expert status, and ask to
see some proof of their expertise.
There is nothing wrong in asking for evidence, especially with
all if the liars on the web today!
Any real Oracle expert will be happy to show you proof of their
expertise.
Don't take anybody's word for it, ask for evidence!
Here are some other tips for spotting posers:
-
Hidden credentials
- One of the biggest ways to spot an Oracle impostor is some who
claims to be an expert, yet does not release details about their
experience and job history.
All real Oracle experts are very
proud of their experience, while impostors go to great lengths
to hide their credentials.
-
Grandiose titles
- I see lots of marginal Oracle professional who flaunt impressive
titles such as Senior Oracle DBA, Oracle Architect, or Oracle
engineer, all in an attempt to deceive you into thinking that they
have extensive job experience managing Oracle databases.
Beware of anyone who says that they are an Oracle expert
unless their resume is featured on their web site.
Even then, take care to verify their job experience.
See these related notes
and include the URL for the page.
