title: Why not use varchar(max)?
body: <p>I'm a bit old school when it comes to database design, so I'm totally for using the correct data sizes in columns. However, when reviewing a database for a friend, I noticed he used <code>varchar(max)</code> a lot.  Now, my immediate thought was to throw it back to him and tell him to change it.  But then I thought about it and couldn't come up with a good reason for him not to use it (he'd used a case type tool to generate the db, if you're wondering).</p>
  
  <p>I've been researching the topic of <code>varchar(max)</code> usage and I can't really come up with any good reason for him not to use it.</p>
  
  <p>He doesn't use the columns for indexes, the application that sits on the db has limitations on the input, so it won't allow massive entries in the fields.</p>
  
  <p>Any help would be appreciated to help me make him see the light :).</p>