Are we trying to reinvent the wheel?  If not, then is there anything wrong
with the definition of System Administrator at Wikipedia?

"A *system administrator*, *systems administrator*, or *sysadmin*, is a
person employed to maintain and operate a
computer<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer>system and/or
network <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network>."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System_administrator

If that isn't sufficient, then perhaps it can serve as a starting point for
fine-tuning?

Mike

-- 
http://www.lostinthedetails.com

On Tue, Jan 11, 2011 at 11:17 PM, Aaron McCaleb <[email protected]> wrote:

> Dammit, Brad!  You caught me!  Yes, I deliberately ducked out before
> giving an answer.
>
> *sigh*  I really don't have a good answer.  That's complicated by the
> fact that my current job isn't _strictly_ system administration...even
> though it taps all of the same skill sets.  So when I'm just being
> categorized, I start off saying "system administrator", but usually
> have to follow that with "I work with computers"...which sometimes
> leads to them asking me about their Windows PC...and then I have to
> explain further.  (I really do need to get a set of shirts that say
> "not on the clock" or something.)
>
> When I'm being weighed and measured...I guess I'm more likely to
> follow Steven's example, but not necessarily to tell them what they
> want to hear...but hopefully to tell them what they need to know to
> accurately make their judgement...most of the time.
>
> When introducing myself, I usually just describe my experience
> relevant to whatever I am presenting.  I don't really use a label for
> myself.  Or if I was requested to give the talk then I don't bother
> introducing myself much beyond name.  I guess I figure if the asked,
> then I don't need to tell them why I'm the one giving the
> presentation.
>
> I really don't like my usual answers.  But I think I'm usually
> confident enough that it isn't an issue.  Yes, I feel like I'm
> completely bullsh!++ing the person that asks...but I guess as long as
> they don't know I'm bullsh!++ing them...or the do know, but accept it
> because it's all part of the dance...then I guess it works.
>
> However, it doesn't help our _profession_ gain a clear identity.
> That's the part that bugs me about most all of our answers in this
> thread, so far.
>
> On Tue, Jan 11, 2011 at 18:05, Brad Knowles <[email protected]>
> wrote:
> > On Jan 11, 2011, at 4:01 PM, Aaron McCaleb wrote:
> >
> >> Perhaps there _is_ a third level, as well:  When we introduce our
> >> selves, in which we have need to clearly define our role, our
> >> expertise, our qualifications...such as just before delivering a
> >> presentation at a conference, or to management, etc.
> >
> > Okay, so to summarize, what is your answer to this question, on each of
> those three levels?
> >
> > --
> > Brad Knowles <[email protected]>
> > LinkedIn Profile: <http://tinyurl.com/y8kpxu>
> >
> >
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