Howard's got some excellent points in his post--especially with regard to
the fact that even though you haven't passed a particular exam doesn't mean
that you're not qualified to develop material for that exam...
Although I can't find any information as to exactly what certifications Todd
has, I wouldn't dismiss the lack of formally presenting his certifications
as that he doesn't hold those certifications. I would strongly suspect that
he does. Like Todd, I too write certification material for Sybex. Anyone
who developed the original Sybex "Virtual Test Centers" was required to
write the corresponding certification exam. I'd suspect Sybex expects the
same of Todd -- that they expect him to write the corresponding exam for
each book.
With respect to your dismissing Todd based on the CCDA book--Todd's listed
as a "contributor". That doesn't mean that he put the book together
himself... exactly what his role was in the production of that book is
vague.
Some people like Todd's books because he approaches things differently than
Cisco Press books do--and that's what Sybex offers that's different from
Cisco. If you have nothing unique to offer over your competitor, you have
no product. Some people like Sybex best, others like Cisco best.
Personally, I like being able to get the guts of the information while also
getting background as to why things work the way and anecdotal stories about
how things may have been implemented. Howard B's definitely a great
resource when it comes to history and experience - not only because he's so
incredibly knowledgable, but also because he enjoys sharing his experiences
with others which enhances their knowledge bases. I don't think you'll ever
find a Cisco Press (nor Sybex) book talking about 1's and 0's being like
smoke--the 0 bits float in the air like cigarette smoke, while the 1 bits
fall to the floor. Or what about the problems associated with running
telephone lines on farmer's fence posts? And when I write, I try to
incorporate things people might not be aware of and that's what makes what I
have to offer different than anyone else. I have my own unique
experiences... And for some topics, I've got more experience than others,
so you'll find some of my material better than others. Welcome to
"authordom" (as I like to call it).
-- Leigh Anne
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of
Oletu Hosea Godswill CCNP, CCNA.
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2001 3:35 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Cisco Press Vs Sybex Which Way Forward ===> [7:13243]
Hi group,
(Please contribute to this trend from you own experience.This is my own
experience and perception and I will accept responsibilities for been wrong
and will learn from my errors through your contribuctions)
I wrote my last CCNP exam 23rd of last month and that was BCRAN, all through
my CCNP series I used Cisco press except for BCSN ---I did not use any book
for this exam, I depend on the internet, CCO and many white papers on RIP,
RIPv2, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPF and BGP.
I wrote my CCDA exam two days ago and I used Sybex cos I could not lay my
hands on Cisco press. Guess what, I saw hell in the exam hall. At the end of
the day I passed not because I have read the sybex book but because of the
residual knowledge I had gathered from my CCNP series and other things. From
then I made a decision never to read sybex. Even 20 minutes before the exam
at
the exam centre I saw cisco press book displayed on the bookstand,
curiousity
made me to pick it and just flip through it, on going through it, I
discovered
that I was not yet prepared for the exam going by the standard set by Todd
lammle in his sybex book, but it was too late to cancel the exam, I had to
write it anyhow and thank God I passed.
I will be taking my CID to obtain my CCDP by the end of this month, I have
taken the extra effort to comb the whole town and have secured a Cisco press
book for that exam.
Todd Lammle would do us in the networking field a lot of good if he go and
get
his CCNP. He can't be writing CCDA, CCNP and CCIE books gear towards the
exam
proper, without passing through the examination process. Good, he might be a
good writer and also might have some wealth of experience. But you would
agree
with me that, the exams are different scenerio from the day to day hands-on
job and it is a different ball game from one having experience. Many who
boast
of tons of years of experience can go in for these exams and still fail it.
Let Todd Lammle at be patience and only write books for which he is
certified,
by this he will gain more popularity. I like his books for their simpilicity
and easy of understanding, but what am against is that do not use that to
shield me from difficult and complex areas the exam would be bordered on.
Am sorry, not against Todd Lammle in any sense, I appreciate his great
contributions to us the networking folks, am only trying to suggest ways
through which he can really be of more immense surpport and help to us.
Please you are free to confirm or otherwise contradict what I have just
said.
I wish you all well.
My 2 cents
Regards.
Message Posted at:
http://www.groupstudy.com/form/read.php?f=7&i=13259&t=13243
--------------------------------------------------
FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/cisco.html
Report misconduct and Nondisclosure violations to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
