Microsoft's official enterprise support blog for AD DS and more
My time is up.
It’s been eight years since a friend suggested I join him on a contract at Microsoft Support (thanks Pete). Eight years since I sat sweating in an interview with Steve Taylor, trying desperately to recall the KDC’s listening port (his hint: “German anti-tank gun”). Eight years since I joined 35 new colleagues in a training room and found that despite my opinion, I knew nothing about Active Directory (“Replication of Absent Linked Object References – what the hell have I gotten myself into?”).
Eight years later, I’m a Senior Support Escalation Engineer, a blogger of some repute, and a seasoned world traveler who instructs other ‘softies about Windows releases. I’ve created thousands of pages of content and been involved in countless support cases and customer conversations. I am the last of those 35 colleagues still here, but there is proof of my existence even so. It’s been the most satisfactory work of my career.
Just the thought of leaving was scary enough to give me pause – it’s been so long since I knew anything but supporting Windows. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity though and sometimes you need to reset your career. Now I’ll help create the next generations of Windows Server and the buck will finally stop with me: I’ve been hired as a Program Manager and am on my way to Seattle next week. I’m not leaving Microsoft, just starting a new phase. A phase with a lot more product development, design responsibility, and… meetings. Soooo many meetings.
There are two types of folks I am going to miss: the first are workmates. Many are support engineers, but also PFEs, Consultants, and TAMs. Even foreigners! Interesting and funny people fill Premier and Commercial Technical Support and make every day here enjoyable, even after the occasional customer assault. There’s nothing like a work environment where you really like your colleagues. I’ve sat next to Dave Fisher since 2004 and he’s made me laugh every single day. He is a brilliant weirdo, like so many other great people here. You all know who you are.
The other folks are… you. Your comments stayed thought provoking and fresh for five years and 700 posts. Your emails kept me knee deep in mail sacks and articles (I had to learn in order to answer many of them). Your readership has made AskDS into one of the most popular blogs in Microsoft. You unknowingly played an immense part in my career, forcing me to improve my communication; there’s nothing like a few hundred thousand readers to make you learn your craft.
My time as the so-called “editor in chief” of AskDS is over, but I imagine you will still find me on the Internet in my new role, yammering about things that I think you’ll find interesting. I also have a few posts in the chamber that Jonathan or Mike will unload after I’m gone, and they will keep the site going. AskDS will continue to be a place for unvarnished support information about Windows technologies, where your questions will get answers.
Thanks for everything, and see you again soon.
We are looking forward to Seattle’s famous mud puddles
- Ned “42” Pyle
Your article "Accelerating Your IT Career" pushed me to change my career and my life.
Thank you so much Ned "I'll miss you" Pyle
I'm apparently a little late to the news and conversation, but still wanted to chime in...
Ned, thank you for all of the knowledge and laughs through the years! You definitely kept us all engaged with just the right blend of tech and humor, and not to mention your outstanding art skills. I've never seen such a life like canary before.
I wish you all the best in your new role! I'm sure the community hasn't seen the last of you, but you presence will be missed. Just make sure to keep everyone else entertained in all those exciting meetings. :)
Thanks and take care...
Steve
Wow, congrats on the move Ned, all I can say is I hope Jonathan and Mike will be able to match your sharp wit and humor :p. You will be missed!
Congratulations Ned!!!
Keith Combs
Microsoft Server and Tools
Ned,
Thank you so much for your work on this blog -- AskDS is the first blog I check every morning, even before Dilbert.
On the bright side, now you'll get to learn how to correctly say 'Puyallup'. Don't worry, Seattle isn't so bad. We just claim it is rainy all the time to keep the traffic down ;). Maybe I'll see you around since you'll be in my neck of the woods.
What a great way to start a week. Thanks so much for the well wishes everyone, they are very humbling and highly appreciated.
Ned, I'm sorry to hear you're leaving the askDS team, but it sounds like you have a much bigger opportunity ahead of you as a Program Manager.
I'll miss your posts and ramblings in your posts, and I must say, they are fabulous ramblings!
Good luck in your new role. I hope to interact with you again in the future.
All the best Ned !
Going to miss your amazing posts for sure.
Good luck mate. I know PFE in AU will miss your posts. I'll work on my appetite and find a reason to visit ;)
Very sorry to see you leave AskDS, Ned - your posts have been a huge help. All the best for your new adventure!
Thank you (and askds) for all of your help with enhancing my (at least perceived) understanding and knowledge with your in depth coverage and detailed yet clear explanations of AD and related topics. . . all completed with personality and humor. . . AskDS is surely a quality reference repository and will be for a long time to come.
All the best to you on your new adventure . . . the future is in your (trusted) hands.
Congratulations Ned. AD community and ASKDS is going to miss your blog!.
Ned- hope you're just now waking up at your new Mercer I. palatial environs with a 'hidey-ho' to neighbor Bill. ;-)
Thanks for making us part of your 'farewell tour' with DTR15 last month- the Two Days of Nedness were something I had hoped for prior to the rotation and you did not disappoint.
Hope the management 'lobotomy' left enough over for a guest spot here and there, or a whole new series of blogs from the meetings circuit- wouldn't that be fun. Hope you'll still be teaching at some point down the road.
George@Dell
Congratulations on your new role Ned. Thanks very much for all of your highly informative and highly entertaining blog posts over the years. It has been an invaluable aid, an excellent learning resource and a great timesaver. Wish you all the best in your new role.
Geez! I was really floored that you were really "moving on", but at least you're still a Softie. I hope you don't stop blogging? You have a real talent for writing and you have a rare ability to weave humor with technology which makes it all that much more fun to read (and learn!). I wish you the best on your new endeavor!
Thank you!
Dave