John Policelli's Blog

As I’ve mentioned on my blog before, a TechNet Magazine article that I wrote had some errors in it. When I was informed of these errors, I fixed them and asked the TechNet Magazine team to revise the online version of this article. This was a few weeks after it was published. However, after repeated attempts, the TechNet Magazine article has not been revised (I sent another request today).

As you may know, I presented at The Experts Conference 2010 a few days back. I came across a recent post on a well known mailing list, where someone that I assume attended my presentation ridiculed me for referencing the TechNet Magazine article. In hindsight, it probably wasn’t a good idea for me to provide a link to the TechNet Magazine article in my TEC presentation when the errors have not been fixed yet.

So, in my effort to clear the air…

Yes, the TechNet Magazine article is the original and it still has errors in it. Unfortunately, I’ve tried very hard to have them corrected, but I cannot revise the content myself so it’s out of my control.

I have, however, made an effort to rectify any misconceptions that my TechNet Magazine article may have contributed to.

First, I revised my blog post on AdminSDHolder, Protected Groups and SDPROP so the content is accurate. I have yet to see anyone comment on my post pointing out any wrong information. Secondly, I asked the person who initially made me aware of the mistakes in the TechNet Magazine article to review my updated blog post, but they have not.

Secondly, I also took it upon myself to present at TEC on this very subject. There was some very good dialog during my presentation. However, no one pointed out any inaccurate information while I was presenting, or thereafter to me in person. I am not claiming that the content was perfect. However, I presented the content based on my understanding and real-world experience.

I have to say that this whole situation has amazed me. The very little criticism that I have received over this content has come from a couple of fellow MVPs. Although I understand their logic…as an MVP I should be providing accurate information…I also feel that the MVPs that have criticized me on this content have  overlooked the entire basis for Microsoft’s MVP award. MVPs are people that help the community. That community includes other MVPs. Instead of pointing out mistakes and publically criticizing others, I think it would be more appropriate for them to comply with the basis of the MVP designation and assist others, including MVPs. I raised this same point to one of the MVPs that criticized me, and he pointed out that there are lots of MVPs willing to provide feedback, etc. However, when I asked him for feedback on my revisions that resulted from his criticism, he did not reply

Lastly, I don’t claim to be an expert or perfect. I maintain this blog to share my information and knowledge with others. Please remember that my disclaimer applies to all content I post on this blog. Here it is again for reference:

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The author makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.