My Community Heroes!

January 19, 2010

Recently the list of Adobe Certified Professionals for 2010 was published. It is great to see some new names, particularly those from the UK, on there along with the existing ACPs. However I wanted to acknowledge some members of the community who have been a real help to me personally whom aren't featured on the list.

A few years back after years of lurking, I started blogging and posting comments on other blogs and mailing lists. I was amazed at how many people took the time to post comments on my blog or answer the questions I posed on their blogs. As a direct result of their help, my knowledge gradually improved. Some of those people took it one step further and were kind enough to enter into conversations off blog. So here is my list of people whom I would like to personally thank who aren't ACP (in chronological order!).

Steve Bryant

Steve Bryant took the time-out to post some comments on my blog, where he raised some interesting points. Since then Steve and I have had some great conversations about code, and he really opened up my mind to a lot of things. He was also kind enough to do a presentation on DataMgr to Devon CFUG and I now know of at least three companies in the area who are benefiting from using DataMgr as a direct result.

Sean Corfield

Well, we've all benefited from Sean's input to the community over the years and the company I work for has many applications built on Fusebox 5.5, but I'm mentioning him here as when I started up Devon CFUG Sean contacted me to ask if I'd like he to do a presentation to Devon CFUG. Well, it was a tough choice but eventually I agreed! Sean did an awesome presentation and even took to time to grab a bite to eat with us afterwards. I'd also like to thank his wife Jay, for putting up with us as well!

Stephen Moretti

I met Stephen at Scotch on the Rocks 2008 and he was foolish enough to hand me his business card. Stephen has never once ignored my inane questions. Since then I felt much more confident about asking people questions, so I thank Stephen, the rest of you may wish he'd never been so generous!

Paul Marcotte

When I started really trying to learn OOP (and believe me I'm still learning!) I found Paul's Metro project and his posts about it incredibly stimulating. I would say that I've learnt more about writing code by step-debugging through Paul's Metro project than from anything else, and when I just couldn't "get it", Paul was kind enough to explain it to me. 

Bob Silverberg

I could turn into a fanboy at this point, but I'll refrain! Bob's knowledge simply blows me away. We've had some really interesting conversations  where I have learnt so much. His ValidateThis! project is definitely one to check out as are the presentations he did for UGTV. If you are lucky enough to be going to cf.Objective() this year then I would point you in direction of the pre-conference session Developing Applications with ColdFusion 9 Object Relational Mapping by Mark Mandel and Bob Silverberg. If you do go, then don't tell me because I'll be jealous!

There are plenty of other people who have answered my questions on mailing lists, commented on blogs or written frameworks that I use and I thank you all - you're all an asset to the ColdFusion community.

As for the new Adobe Community Professionals, you're existing peers set high standards and I expect to see blog posts from you all with the insight of Mark Mandel at the frequency and diligence of Ben Nadel, mixed in with a bit of Brian Kotek's knowledge!

7 comments

  1. John, That's a really nice thing to do! Thumbs up!

    Comment by Paul Klinkenberg – January 19, 2010
  2. Aw geez! Thanks so much John. I know you Brits are just as famous for your modesty as we Canadians, so I'll point out that I've learned a ton from you as well, and really enjoy our conversations. Some day you must hop across the pond and pay us a visit.

    Comment by Bob Silverberg – January 19, 2010
  3. Thanks John... I think I've asked you my share of inane questions too though. ;)

    Comment by Stephen Moretti – January 19, 2010
  4. Thanks, John! I'm happy to have helped. Many of the names you mention have helped me to learn OO along the way. :)

    Comment by Paul Marcotte – January 19, 2010
  5. Even though I'm not your hero, I'm flattered to be even mentioned as 'insightful' :D

    I'll take any compliment I can get :D Thanks!

    Comment by Mark Mark – January 19, 2010
  6. @Paul K, I just thought these guys deserved some public recognition :)

    @Bob Apart from some British phrases, I can't think what I could have possibly taught you!

    @Stephen hehe, well someone has to ask them :)

    @Paul M, you really did help me change my procedural mindset so you've earnt your thanks :)

    @Mark You're an Adobe Community Professional so are ineligible for my heroes list - but you still are!

    Comment by John Whish – January 20, 2010
  7. John,

    Thanks very much for the kinds words. I'm honored to be listed with such smart folks.

    You have certainly helped me out as well. Some of my favorite DataMgr features came directly from you.

    Comment by Steve Bryant – January 20, 2010

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