[AccessD] Question of Approach

>>> "James Button" <jamesbutton at blueyonder.co.uk> 1/29/2014 2:55 PM >>>
"The questions will not change - now where have I heard that before!"
***** I know what you are saying...and I do not disagree w/the sentiment. But, in this case "proper procedure" was not followed, and this is more of a case of me helping out a user out of a jam. If this were done properly, from the beginning, I'd have sat down a met w/them and done a bit of a "discovery" session...get to know their scenarios and what their end goal was...and I'd have done all the programming from there. 
 
To be honest...and this is the really sad part...this database will be used for a bit, and then it will sit dormant. I had helped her w/a small part of this back a couple of years ago...it might have been 2-3 years ago...or maybe more...and she hasn't even touched it in at least a year. So, in this case, I think the questions...which I don't like to begin with...will last long enough to beat out the program. 
 
 
"And will you be making similar 'adventurous' decisions in the future?"
 
***** Actually, one of my worst attributes is that I cater TOO MUCH to my users. I've gotten much better over the years, and I'm probably where I should be now...for the most part...aside from this one. I do still try to cater to my users, but I try to save them from themselves as well. I've seen enough mistakes now...and heard some from this list...that I will steer them away from mistakes. 
 
This instance is not one to be indicative of how I operate. This was a bit of a messed up situation that I'm just trying to make better.
 
If I could, for just a moment, make a bit of an OT statement...my boss is a politician, running an IT department...he fancies himself tech savvy but he is...well...he's a bit of an idiot. Due to his lack of knowledge and experience...and lack of spine and testicles (remember he's a politician)...he will not listen to his people and makes his moves based on things he hears from outside influences. He does not respect what I do, and he thinks Access is just a user tool. So, in his mind, I think he believes me to just be Access support for whatever our users do, rather than someone who can help productivity w/by creating programs. If someone wants a program written, we have to jump through many hoops...first he wants to know if we can buy a canned program, then he asks around the other counties of NY to see what they're using...and if they'll share. He'll do whatever it takes to avoid letting me actually write one...nevermind that many times I could probably write it...or most of it...in the time he wastes avoiding it. 
 
I tell you all this...and there is more to it...to explain how I get in these situations. My users try to do things on their own, because it takes too long to have one done for them. 
 
 
"Still, at least you are (I presume) being paid a salary for the hours (man-months?) you dedicate to helping that user!"
 
***** I am indeed getting paid...but, I'd not be so quick to do it, if not for her being a nice person, and part of a nice department, that has always treated me well...I have plenty to keep me busy these days. 

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