> DBs I've shunned most of my career.

Database Design for Mere Mortals: https://www.amazon.com/Database-Design-Mere-Mortals-Hands/dp...

This is the book I recommend to everyone who is shy about DB's - I have owned several copies and given every one away. It breaks down not only functionality but how to create a good design in a sensible and easy to understand way. Worth every penny (and now somewhat cheap)

Two of the best resources I've ever seen/read:

Database Design for Mere Mortals - https://www.amazon.com/Database-Design-Mere-Mortals-Hands/dp... (not an affiliate link)

Legend of the Drunken Query Master - http://www.joinfu.com/2008/09/slides-from-drunken-query-mast...

I hear ya, notdarkyet. A post about the price of oil in Yemen will get 200 comments but a post about database design practices will get 5 comments on hacker news. Go figure.

There are millions of references on the subject, but perhaps you could start with a good intro, one of my favorites:

http://www.amazon.com/Database-Design-Mere-Mortals-Hands/dp/...

Hope that helps.

And keep on posting. Sooner or later the crowd oughta pick up on it a get your ball rolling.