The Opinion Page
Created | Updated Jun 21, 2003
This week we is the First in a continuing line of comments, observations and opinions from you the readers on anything and everything; The Opinion Page
The Plea of a Pro Networking Computer Geek
I work with high-end network kit for a living. I am also a support engineer. I have gone through extensive (rare for the support field) training to become an expert in my field. Please trust me to know what I am talking about, and follow my advice.
If you try to push my product to do things that are beyond its designed scope, do not complain that it is not working. I realise that you are young/old, formally educated/built the internet with your own two hands (Hi Mr. Gore), more experienced than I will ever be/just out of training.
Please have the information I need to help you. Please listen to my explanations. Please do not be combative when I tell you something cannot be done or is not supported. I will do my best to get your network running.
If I do not know the answer I *will* find it out for you. I learn as much as you do every day. When I have a policy to follow, please do not ask me to subvert it. When it works, please try to remember that I succeeded... when you are asked to rate my performance. If I help you after someone else has tried, remember that it was I who solved your problem.
If you do these things I have requested, I will, in return, do the following for you. I will help you to the best of my abilities. I will not give you erroneous information. I will research anything that I am not sure of. I will utilise the best minds I work with. I will always maintain a professional attitude. Let us learn from each other and we will both be better from the experience.
Very succinctly put Marv... ed.