C# 2008 Programmer's Reference

Acknowledgments

Writing a book is like running a long race — you need stamina, training, and perseverance. But these are not the most important factors that ensure you reach the finishing line. The most important factor is the motivation that keeps you going, on and on, even though you may be physically exhausted and don't think you can move any farther. While this is not the first book I have written, I am always very excited when embarking on a new book project. After the excitement comes a lot of hard work — coping with missed deadlines, changing work schedules, writer's block, and so forth.

For this book, I am extremely lucky to work with two very important people — my acquisitions editor, Katie Mohr, and development editor, Maryann Steinhart. Both Katie and Maryann have been very patient with me when the going gets tough. Katie has always egged me on, and offered many suggestions to scope the book to what it is today. Maryann has been the studious timekeeper, with a gentle but firm voice telling me to press forward when I missed the deadline. Maryann has also painstakingly read and reread every sentence I wrote, and I am always surprised with her attention to detail which has definitely made this book a better one. With heart-felt sincerity, I want to say a big thank you to both of them!

I would also like to thank the technical editor, Andrew Moore, for giving me many suggestions for improving the book. Writing this book has made me learn a lot of things I never knew. Thanks, ...