Endorsements

It's hard, looking at a website or a resume, to tell if the individual is good, or just good at making themselves look good on paper. I offer up these endorsements in an attempt to demonstrate that this is "the real deal".

What People Who've Read My Book Say

A Review, by Glen Lewis of the Utah Java User's Group

New England Java User's Group did a review of the book shortly after the Utah JUG did.

DevX: JavaZone did a review, too, and needless to say, it was a pretty nice one:
"It's fairly rare for a book to take an angle on a broad topic that yields meaningful new insights. Ted Neward's Server-Based Java Programming is clearly targeted at server-side development, but it doesn't tackle the topic in the traditional Web-based, servlet, JSP, EJB, app server angle that you might expect. Instead, it provides a look at critical techniques that developers should know but are rarely communicated concisely or effectively. Reading this book can make the difference between being a good Java programmer and an excellent one. If you work frequently with Java, you owe it to yourself to expand the breadth of your existing knowledge by reading this book." (More at the review webpage.)

Martin Crawford emailed me on 8 April 2001 to say:
"Just picked up your book last week. It has opened a whole new world of understanding. Many books of this genre tend to spew out features and quick code excerpts that do not necessarily improve ones software architecting skills. Although this may bring many new developers up to speed it emphasizes a quick hack mentality. Your book contains none of this, and has presented me with exactly what I've been looking for solid server software design solutions.
"Oh and it was very well written, which is also unusual in this genre.
"Many congratulations, and thanks. Please write more!!!"

(By the way, errata for the book can be found at http://www.javageeks.com/SBJP/errata.html.)

What People Who've Heard Me Teach Say

(These are in response to the question "What did you like best about the course/instructor?")

From my Boston, 2/12/2001 Essential C# class:

"It was absolutely great. I had never met anyone who knew the ins and outs of the languages like Java, C#, C++ as the instructor. I'm particularly impressed by the instructor (Ted) and the course material in general, especially since I've been incolved in designing courses on "COM and ActiveX programming" in the past."

"Even though C# was virtually new to the overriding majority of the delegates to this event, Ted managed to emit the material in a very comprehensive, yet light fashion. This was reflected in the array of dynamic examples he constructed foreach of the more abstract ideas. These examples often sealed the concept in my head.
"His attribute of exceptional patience manifested itself when I would try and catch Ted privately during labs. Ted would never garbage a question from my collection of GACky (oh, I mean wacky) questions, but rather would explain until I finally understood.
"It is clear that Ted knows his stuff and enjoys teaching it."
(Can you count all the C# puns in this eval? :) --TKN)

From my Portland, 1/29/2001 Essential C# class:

"Ted was very knowledgable across platforms and languages and that helped in his explanations of where C# and .NET fit into our industry. Ted is also very enthusiastic, which helps in keeping attention. I also liked his occasional soapboxing."

From my Torrance, 7/18/2000 Essential Java Web Applications class:

"Actually, what was most of value was the instructor's own comments and opinions about the technology or trends within the industry. Too many times, instructors attempt to remain neutral without understanding that students really like well thought out positions or arguments about current issues."

"Ted is very enthused about this stuff. He likes Java and is able to share it. This makes for a better learning environment. He understands Java very well and can talk outside of the curriculium."

From my Torrance, 6/6/2000 Essential Java Web Applications class:

"He looks like he's a Harley Davidson fanatic but he sure knows his Java."
(My personal favorite. --TKN)

What People Who've Heard Me Speak Say

"Ted Neward, a C# and Java instructor for DevelopMentor, gave an excellent presentation on the comparison between Microsoft .NET and Java during the February 2001New England Java Users Group meeting. He started by describing some of the features of the .NET platform, complete with code examples to illustrate his points. Ted then went on to discuss the differences and similarities between the two platforms. During the meeting Ted was inundated with questions from the 300+ members attending the meeting. He did a good job fielding questions and keeping on track with the discussion, which is not an easy task. During the meeting Ted provided the audience with a fair and technically accurate assessment of both platforms, and also brought out many interesting points regarding the effects that the Microsoft .NET platform will have on Java and the industry as a whole, particularly with regard to competition and innovation. Ted is a great speaker, and kept the audience interested during the entire presentation. We look forward to having Ted speak on another topic at a future New England Java Users Group meeting."

"Ted came to PJUG (Portland Java Users Group) and presented an excellent talk on EJB (Enterprise Java Beans) to our largest meeting ever, nearly 60. He is very well informed and a clear and entertaining speaker. One of our best - we would be pleased to have him back again anytime."