The programming talent myth [LWN.net]

The programming talent myth

Posted Apr 30, 2015 14:46 UTC (Thu) by NAR (subscriber, #1313)
In reply to: The programming talent myth by anselm
Parent article: The programming talent myth

Interestingly the "rock star" programmers I've met were usually friendly and easy to work with. I've felt more unpleasantness from manager-types (who should have people skills) than from "rock stars". Actually the stereotype (great programmer is an asshole) seems over hyped to me (or it was just me being fortunate with colleagues).

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The programming talent myth

Posted May 1, 2015 0:36 UTC (Fri) by sjj (guest, #2020) [Link] (2 responses)

I despise the whole "rock star" label. The whole metaphor is wrong - it makes young smart guys (always guys) want to be Bonos when they should be trying to be Ringo Starrs (the person who makes the team gell, works well with both prima donnas and roadies).

Somebody who is very smart and truly accomplished is usually easier to work with than the guy in the next cube who *thinks* he is a rock star. I've had the bad luck of meeting a bunch of these (mostly sysadmins). They play the asshole genius stereotype to the max to gullible HR and management types. They constantly proclaim their superiority to anybody within hearing distance. I've actually seen a guy I worked with describe himself as a Rock Star in his own LinkedIn profile. Yeah right.

The programming talent myth

Posted May 1, 2015 8:28 UTC (Fri) by anselm (subscriber, #2796) [Link] (1 responses)

I've actually seen a guy I worked with describe himself as a Rock Star in his own LinkedIn profile. Yeah right.

There is an iron rule in hacker circles that says you don't get to unilaterally declare yourself a “hacker” – it is an honour that others bestow on you. The same would presumably apply to labels like “rock star”.

The programming talent myth

Posted May 2, 2015 1:24 UTC (Sat) by allesfresser (subscriber, #216) [Link]

That seems like the rule that whoever wants to be president probably shouldn't be.