As part of my plans to take over the universe, I thought it would be a good idea to make a list of frequently asked questions and answers about the book. After all, not all of you know me, and a certain range of questions is also repeated quite often. That’s why I wrote them here, so you don’t have to wait for me to answer your emails 🙂
Who is the author of the book?
The author of this blog is Michal Chmelár, a leading Slovak expert on the DAX and M languages, Power Query, PowerPivot and Power BI. More info on this page.
Is this an official Power Query publication?
No, it is an independent publication. With permission from Microsoft. Hence the sentences in the book’s imprint.
Can I study this issue sufficiently from a book without previous experience?
Yes, even from a book you can learn Power Query quite decently. Although it will take you a little longer than if you attend a training, but if you have the time and desire, it can be easily managed.
Do I need to have any experience or knowledge to master the book?
No, you don’t need any previous experience. You just need to know how to run Excel or Power BI Desktop, and the book will teach you the rest step by step 🙂
Do I have to read all 764 pages? Who has time for that?
It depends on you how you want to learn Power Query. If you only want to learn simple data loading and processing, the first chapter may be enough for you. However, if you don’t want to get stuck at the first problems, and you prefer to work confidently with Power Query and the M language, it is recommended to study the entire book.
Where can I use this book?
You can use the book for Power Query in Power BI, in Excel, in Power Query Online, in SSAS Tabular, in cloud-based Azure Analysis Services, in Power Automate, in the Dataverse database, Power Apps, MS Teams, MS Dynamics, or in other Power Query clones. That is, wherever Power Query technology is used to retrieve and process data.
Can I see the contents of the book before I buy it?
Yes, you can find it in our book guide to the galaxy 🙂
How heavy is the book?
Exactly 1187 grams. Just for the purse, heh 🙂
Is the book printed in good quality? Won’t it fall apart when I read it?
You can be really confident about it. It’s printed in excellent quality. It is printed on 80-gram premium paper, pure white, bound in a strong adhesive binding, in a full-color laminated cover. Both the binding and the cover of the first copy of the previous book, which were printed and bound using identical technology, were in the same condition even after 5 years. Very few books use such quality paper and durable binding. This was also reflected in much higher printing costs. However, I wanted the best for you, so I chose the best option. It won’t withstand the flames and the singing of Justin Bieber, but if you don’t regularly beat a colleague over the head with it, it should last quite a long time.
Is the book also sold in bookstores?
No, and there are no plans to do so yet. Since bookstores want 60-90% cut of the price, and to pay all fees including postage, it won’t happen anytime soon. I would have to be a charity to be able to sell it at a loss… If anyone can arrange better terms, I can consider it. The only exception is Amazon, which was able to offer serious and fair business model.
Is personal collection also possible?
No, unless you are physically present in the Slovak Republic.
How quickly will the book be delivered to me?
You will usually receive the book within 2-3 working days from placing the order, within the entire Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic. In the case of payment by bank transfer, this period is calculated from the date of receipt of payment.
Is payment by card possible?
Yes, it is possible to pay with all payment cards, except American Express cards.
In what currency will we pay if we have the book sent to the Czech Republic on cash on delivery?
You will pay cash on delivery to the courier in Czech crowns. The courier will calculate the amount according to the current EUR:CZK exchange rate.
Is an electronic version also planned?
Not.
Is the book also available to natural persons?
Yes, the book is available to everyone.
In which publishing house was this book published?
In my own – Smart People, p.r.o.. I didn’t want to be dependent on a third party that would cut the book down to 200 pages or less, and limit me with all kinds of nonsense, because it is said to be a custom in the industry. And last but not least, I didn’t want to find someone to publish it and then wait a year for it to be published, because in a year I could be rewriting the book again at the rate things are changing in Power Query. I rather devoted the saved time to properly writing a book.
Why did you write a book when there are already a bunch of books in English?
Because I wanted to be a billionaire, buy a villa in the Caribbean and then rule the universe. And then commit holy jihad and get 100 virgins from Allah as a reward after death. Unofficially, however, it is said that I wrote it simply because I enjoy it. So I did it.
Do you speak at IT conferences and events?
I perform only occasionally, either at own events or only where I am invited. I will not push myself everywhere. However, any suggestions for cooperation are welcome. At non-IT conferences, I have already managed to give lectures to audiences of up to 400 participants, so I have a lot of experience.
Can the book be used as a paperweight under the door?
Yes, if you also have that light door. But the massif probably won’t be able to hold it anymore. However, it also fits perfectly under the monitor, or as a mat under your wife/girlfriend, if it is 5 cm lower. The possibilities of use are wide.
I want to order a larger quantity of books, but the order form won’t let me continue. What about that?
Contact us via one of the contacts and we will resolve the situation.
Didn’t find the answer to your question here?
Ask me by email at books@powerquery.sk. Our intergalactic customer service will take care of you.
