Category Opinion
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I was perusing the lastest blog entries (via my fav reader, FeedDemon) when I came across Ed's post about the "passion of Notes" - which he got from Damien's post on the same subject.. Now, many others have been blogging about how good they feel right now - as collaborative technology professionals, as Lotus Geeks, etc. We're on a wave - and it is a great feeling to be on the crest of a cycle. Ed ends his piece by mentioning how we're a family, and that he's excited to be a part of this family:

Passion is why we are a community... a "family".  And it's what I look forward to about every single business day, is knowing that I'll spend my day with other people who care, who enjoy, who relish, who grok, and who want to shout from the rooftops.  Let's keep it going.

Normally I don't do too many "me too" posts, but I wanted to add my own 2¢ to this train of thought as well. I was speaking to Gabriella the other day, and I told her that I realized something - and it felt weird to admit it. I told her that I am actually really, really happy to be an IBMer - and specifically a Loti. It is an exciting time to be in this particular industry segment in general, but it is even moreso for me inside IBM. Management is doing what managers should do - painting the vision, setting the direction, fostering enthusiasm, and then letting their people be creative in fulfilling the vision. I have to tell you that I have yet to work for a single PHB (pointy-haired boss) - every single one of my bosses has been a great manager. I still look to my original boss for guidance and leadership, and consider him a good friend even though we don't work directly together. My current bosses are equally admirable - smart, no nonsense, and great leaders. So, in addition to having managers I can actually work with, I am on a project that I am genuinely excited about - and I have been given the opportunity to shine. I'll be able to talk more about my project soon - but I must say that I am having a blast, and best of all I am working in Notes/Domino, the product that has become such a big part of my professional life.

A year or two ago I was working at a client site. I had been working on a particularly tricky (and kickass, I must say) piece of code. We were working late, and when I finally got it to bend to my will and do what I wanted. I shouted a "Woohoo!!" and thrust my arms in the air in a victory celebration. My client laughed and fed off of my enthusiasm. We then had a short exchange I'll never forget...

"Rocky, how long have you been doing Notes/Domino?"

"I dunno, 13 years or so? Why?"

"13 years, every day - and you still get that excited doing what you do?"

(laughing) "Yeah, yeah I do - I love it."

"Man, don't ever quit doing this - anyone who can still get giddy like a schoolgirl over their job after 13 years is definitely fulfilling their calling."

And he's right - I have been amazingly fortunate to find this career, on this platform, when I did. I love my job - wait, my career, my calling - as much now as I did when I built my first Notes 3 app in 1992, and maybe even moreso. Why more? Because back then I didn't have this community to be a part of - and as much as I love what I do, it wouldn't be half as fun without sharing the ride with you folks.

Rock on, everyone. Rock on.

Rock
**Now, really -- who the hell *doesn't* want to be like Mike?