…to the show that never ends, we’re so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside…
As many of you are aware, I have updated this blog. I have dropped the SQLBatman brand like a temp table, trading it in for a brand that falls more in line wth my personality and, most importantly, my actual given name.
I got the nickname “Rockstar” well over twenty years ago. With a last name of LaRock you can imagine I had more than a handful of nicknames in my life. Last summer I actually signed up for Twitter as SQLRockstar, only to change to use SQLBatman because (1) I wanted to be anonymous at the time, (2) I thought it was funny, and (3) PASS was doing the whole ‘SQL Server Heros Unite’ theme for the 2008 Summit.
I had a blast with the SQLBatman brand, I really did. But over time it started to become a burden. There was always the hassle from people not wanting to print materials that had anything to do with a Batman theme. The one batch of stickers that were printed were done by mistake. I still intend to do more at some point because I think they are awesome and the more people that have them will make us seem like we are some kind of SQL Server Hall of Justice or something. And honestly, who would ever argue with someone that has the cahones to put that sticker on their laptop?
The other problem was that I felt it would eventually hurt me as a brand, because who is ever going to want to have me work for them in any capacity? They would most likely always be wondering if I would show up in tights or something. So, rather than scare them away with that thought I figured it would be best to have them think of me as a guy that might show up, stagger to his cube, and pass out. Or not show up at all because I choked on my own vomit. Either way, it has upper management written all over it.
But if I get really lucky, then people will make the association between my SQLRockstar brand and the ideas that Brent Ozar blogged about last year. Which is not a bad thing, in my opinion. Plus there is a lot of fun I can have with a Rockstar theme anyway. How many times will people want to hear about the Riddler, Joker, or Egghead anyway?
I have a few ideas in mind for the site, but I don’t want to share them right now in case I never get around to doing them. One thing I will share is the use of a handful of twists on my name, such as “LaSQLRockstar”. So, you may see some new banners that have a different tagline from time to time.
Anyway, thanks for sticking around.
There behind a glass stands a real blade of grass
Be careful as you pass, move along, move along
Now you need a music video, hahaha.
Well, I agree with the sentiments, of course, but I can’t see that the name ‘LaSQLRockstar’ is going to be more endearing to people that you’re going to work for than ‘SQLBatman’. Any manager is going to blanch at the thought of any DBA who is prone to doing the SQL equivalent of heavy-metal guitar solos. No IT department I’ve been in has ever wanted rock stars or heroes, just quiet dependable folks, solid as a Rock.
Phil,
Like a Rock – Bob Seger, 1986. Is that what you meant about finding people that are dependable and solid? I don’t believe that dependable and solid means you need to be quiet, and I am not sure I want to work in a place that would prefer for me to come in, sit down, work, then go home. I do, however, value your opinion, and believe I understand what you are saying. And I would argue that there are plenty of “rock stars” who are, indeed, quiet, dependable, and solid (although their music may be loud, the individual is not). How about Bob Seger as another example? Or a Jackson Browne? Or an Elvis Costello? Solid, dependable output year after year, and you don’t hear about a lot of the mayhem that you would hear from a David Lee Roth, or a Billy Idol, or Steven Tyler.
There are lots of levels to Rockstars, but most nearly all of them can perform, and that is almost always the end result that people want, no?
Hmm – totally disagree with Phil. Fog Creek Software is the extreme example, but everywhere I’ve worked, managers have been desperate to hire people who could really stand out. They fill their lineups with the quiet dependable folks, but they’re dying to get their hands on people who can really bust out of the status quo.
I think, looking at Brent’s comments, that my advice would need a bit more explanation. I am, of course, thinking of the IT departments of large corporates rather than software development shops. It depends very much on the sort of customers you want to appeal to, but I’d hate you to think that the idea of a
Rockstar or SQL hero is going to have a universal appeal in the IT job/consultancy marketplace. In fact it always surprises me when I come across the idea that individual heroics are wanted in an IT professional. I’ve enjoyed a long career as a IT consultant, but I’ve never met anyone who has established a sustained career as a consultant to large companies based on this sort of ‘exceptional individual’ image. I cannot recall an IT manager who has ever said to me ‘If only I had a Rockstar IT professional to sort my problems out’. Usually they just want Rock-solid competence from a good team-player. Go for SMEs if you wish, and they’ll be attracted by the idea and use you as a firefighter, but the real consultancy money is in the larger enterprises.
My role-model amongst RockStars is Billy F Gibbons of course. Jerry Douglas is my current guitar hero.
thanks Phil. As always, you bring up some very good points to consider. as a result, today i will put down my Gibson and instead focus on my harpsichord.
Phil – you and I agree on most of that, actually. I agree that in order to be a consultant to large companies, you need to be a worker bee, not a queen. Or Queen, in this case! I would also agree that most of the “big” consultancy money is in larger enterprises, but it’s just not for me. I’m happier working with smaller companies.
Our two approaches are probably reflected in our blogs, too: you blog under a pseudonym to maintain your corporate marketability to big companies, and I bet that’s very effective for your needs.
I think it is still quite possible to be a Rockstar in any audience. The art comes in the ability to play to your audience.
I have seen my share of Rockstars in a consulting capacity working with large companies that played low key.
But when it came time to rock out on a database problem, they showed the deft of Joe Satriani on an Ibanez JS Series.
Lol.
The best, and most productive, Development Team I ever came across was called ‘The Barbershop Quartet’. The great achievers in IT do so by inspiring and leading teams, not just by acts of individual brilliance.
i am in 100% agreement on that Phil, teamwork will always overcome independent individual efforts.
Since we are in the computer business, and geeks abound in it, the first thing I thought of with this re-branding was Rockstar Games. They are the makers of Grand Theft Auto and other franchises. Just something else to consider when it comes to image.