In my new blog post, I have discussed a problem that I usually encounter in merging two datasets on a key variable that is not precisely the same in the two datasets. I have first elaborated the problem and then presented two solutions: One without using an ado program and the other using an ado program. The program is initially called smerge, which of course is in beta stage and shall need a major overhaul and testing before making it formally available on SSC. Any comment or suggestions are welcomed. The blog post can be accessed from here http://fintechprofessor.com/2018/12/...ing-criterion/