change size of two fields without increasing size of file

[Fairlight]

Confusious (Dennis Malen) say:
> JR,
> 
> I have been doing this long enough not to rely on a small sampling to test 
> and rely upon my hypothesis.

You got what, four people responding?  Still a pathetically small sampling.
Of course, the answer was so inane as to barely warrant answering.  But
don't talk about it not being a small sampling.

Not relying on your hypotheses -is- a good idea, IMHO, given your past
demonstrations of computer literacy on this list.

> That's what the list is for. 

Actually, not so much.  This list is meant as a resource for people that
actually RTFM and try things themselves, yet still have problems or
questions and could use an extra hand.  It's -not- a substitute for
hiring/contracting your own personnel.  It's -not- a way to save money on
support costs.  Contrary to popular belief, we're not your personal support
staff, Ken doesn't work for you (TTBOMK), and none of us are responsible
for your systems' upkeep.

Your history of not helping yourself before demanding that others do your
homework for you is abysmal, IMNSHO.  It's a waste of the resources of
those that actually contribute to the -solution- side of the list, not to
mention a slap in the face to them.  Why?  Because you're getting your
answers for free, rather than doing what you -should- be doing, which is
hiring someone competent enough to do what you are apparently not able
to--or you'd have done it yourself without comment in the first place.

If you had to ask this last question, it's my personal opinion you
shouldn't be trying to "administer" a database at all.

> Since this is a large and important file I would find it most prudent to
> ask the list.

As JP said, back up your files.  Nuff said.  If it's important enough, make
five backups and take three offsite, plus back the file up over the network
to multiple offsite storage locations.

> You may choose to be more cavalier. Certainly that is your prerogative. I 
> chose to make sure the odds are as much in my favor as possible.

...By taking advantage of the goodwill of others, rather than hire or
contract an individual to do the job properly.  I'm sure you're very proud
of yourself.  You shouldn't be, but I bet you are.

And what the hell...you're cavalier enough to be doing things you're
obviously not qualified to be doing in the first place; why do you feel
better having someone's rubber stamp blessing before doing them?  One of
these days, someone's going to get fed up enough to give you a completely
bogus answer, and you'll follow it blindly because, "Hey, I asked the list,
it -must- be okay because they said so."  

News flash -- Lots of people ask lots of thing in many venues and get
anything -but- a straight answer.  Do you know how many times people have
told others the solution to their problems in Windows applications are
Alt-F4?  Or that the solution to their linux/unix problems is a `rm -rf /`
command?  I've lost count.  I can easily see you falling into such a trap,
as you appear not to think for yourself, but instead rely almost soley
on the advice of others for your confirmation/denial of risk rather than
learning -how systems work-.

So don't trot out some line that you're not that cavalier.  All someone
needs to do is play the "yes man" at the wrong time because they're
sick of being used, and you're in for a rude awakening to just how
vulnerable you've made yourself by your overdependance on others and your
unwillingness to do your own homework.

> Your suggestions are noted and appreciated.

Riiiiight.  Funny, but I distinctly thought I heard the buzzing of his
words flying in one ear and out the other from way over here.

mark->