RE: What counts as technically slick? -- MIDRANGE-L

Buck,

I definitely fall into the technical camp, and like you I see no value to
"dumbing down" to the least common denominator. I haven't ever been in
management, so I cannot comment on their perspective, but whenever I hear a
programmer complaining about "having to learn something new", I feel the
distinct urge to (edited due to graphic content and adult language). I hope
I never hear something like that from my doctor or even my mechanic at the
auto shop. 

It seems sometimes like striving for excellence is a bad thing. Good enough
is the high-water mark, and barely adequate is the norm. I was told once
that innovation leads to dissatisfaction. Once everyone realizes how much
better everything *could* be, they'd be dissatisfied with what they have.
That's probably true, but why should they be happy with something that only
marginally meets their needs? 

Eric DeLong

-----Original Message-----
From: Buck Calabro [mailto:Buck.Calabro@commsoft.net]
Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2001 3:56 PM
To: MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com
Subject: What counts as technically slick?


I just got re-subscribed after an email domain change and stumbled in the
middle of the "technically slick vs. good enough" discussion.

When I modify an existing 1990 vintage RPG II style program, one of the
first things I do is to convert the code into RPG IV.  After that, I convert
the section I'm working on into a subprocedure.  I've been called bad names
because of this.  Apparently the namecallers think this is just too
technical for their taste.

Is it?

In lieu of my usual tirade on the topic, let me ask this: Why would a
company _not_ want the most technically competent programmers?  What makes
lower standards a Good Thing?  Fiscal expediency?  If so, that's fine, but
the boss that says that to me had better never utter the words Mission
Critical in my hearing.

My view: As a programmer, my main product; _my value_ is that I produce
programs.  The more skilled I am at producing programs, the more value I
provide to my employer.  I fail to comprehend how settling for Good Enough
increases or even maintains my skill level.

Buck Calabro
Commsoft; Albany, NY
"Nothing is so firmly believed as
 that which we least know" -- Michel Montaigne
Visit the Midrange archives at http://www.midrange.com
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