Sam is actually a very gracious gentleman.

Listen to the lads. Is this a linux server you are on?

Use a db or something db-like to store and retrieve your data. Do not edit a log file. Extract data from a log file to some kind of store, then edit that. Log files are records that in most cases should remain records of activity, and not edited directly.

You will benefit more from heading in the right direction than not. Try to learn skills that will lead you to greater confidence. It looks like you need to help your users define and service their needs. The more skill you develop the more authority you will have to help them. Wisdom appears to be a little wanting in your realm. It is up to you to help.

The tools are free, there are ridiculously over-skilled people like sam out here trying to give free software and enlightenment away, and who cannot afford it?