This blog post responds to Hugo’s latest post, titled Game Over. On Bluesky, an initiative was started to share how Hugo inspired, helped, or otherwise touched your work or community life. Add your response using the hashtag #ThankYouHugo. There are no specific date, format, or length requirements.
Hugo,
First impression
Let me go back a long while. I started my current job in 2011 and knew next to nothing about SQL Server. I started reading things online because I wanted to understand what was happening. A few years later, I found out that the people I read posts from were coming together at an event called SQL Saturday. I managed to sign myself up, woke up at much-too-early-o’clock and took the train to Utrecht.
The first sessions I had selected taught me a few things that could come in handy. Next up: Hugo Kornelis with his session “Hash Match: the operator”.
I could follow along at the beginning, where you explained what to expect from the session, introduced yourself, and ran the first query. After that, darkness fell. I had no idea what you were talking about anymore, yet I was deeply fascinated. About 10 to 15 minutes into the session, you started asking us questions. At that moment, the majority of the audience sank a little deeper into their seats. You noticed and responded, “You did realise this is a level 300 session, right?” Honestly, that was the first time I heard the term ‘Level 300’, and that’s also when I learned that brain cells will fry.
In that session, I learned I had a massive amount to learn about SQL Server. But that wasn’t the most important takeaway (even though every session I’ve attended since has left me with the same lesson: I have more to learn!). The other thing I took with me was something that would surface much later: a foundation for experimentation.
Execution Plan Reference
I’d wager you’ve spent an inordinate amount of time doing what Microsoft could have done: documenting the SQL Server execution plans. Every operator you’re likely to run into is documented in detail. In your sessions, I’ve seen how you pick everything apart. Now, I’m nowhere near being smart enough to reproduce this, but the way of working is a huge inspiration. Tinkering with tech, taking things apart as much as possible. But also, having fun with it; doing silly things and seeing how it reacts. And not blindly trusting the documentation.
It’s safe to say my blogs on Azure SQL and Fabric, where I try to break things, are my way of putting these learnings into practice.
More training days
After the first session, when I was part of your baffled audience, I knew your sessions should be at the top of my list. Without exception, they were amazing. No matter if it was a regular session or a full training day, the notes I made are still useful.
I distinctly remember a rainy evening in Lingen, Germany. After the first day of Data Grillen, we sat down together in one of the rooms and had an amazing conversation; not only about SQL Server, but also about community and life. Part of me was a little shocked that a rockstar like you wanted to talk with me. This added extra fuel to the smouldering embers of what would become.. Well… this. Blogs and talks, essentially.
I still look up to you as one of the SQL Server rockstars, and I never will. It’s the natural order of things.
Events
We kept running into each other more and more at events across Europe. Whenever we did, you were the kindest person I could meet. Always genuinely interested and willing to help where needed. I’ve enjoyed your company at speaker dinners, sharing laughs and drinks.
When I attended my first MVP Summit, you helped me navigate the maze that is the Microsoft NDA. For instance, you helped me understand when not to respond to a question. You were there when I had questions and were a welcome support during lunch breaks.
I couldn’t be prouder when you accepted my invitation to my local meetup and shared cool things about SQL Server.
Thank you for all you have done for the worldwide community of SQL Server users, for the events, and for your lasting inspiration.
Thank you for being an excellent example.
You are one amazing human being.
