Programmer's conundrums - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

3 Apr 2006

My experience indicates that anyone who is very good at what they do, regardless
of the field, would qualify in your description. It is the mediocre <insert
profession here> who seems to be more interested in talk than doing.
Unfortunately, our society is becoming more talk rather than action oriented.
Getting the job done seems to be less of a priority with new people to the
workplace from everything I've heard. BUT to be able to get the job done quickly
under trying circumstances does take experience and the work ethic to gain that
experience, and that does leave the future in doubt.

...
  You needed special people for that kind of work. 
People who might grumble
 a bit, but who would go the extra mile.  People who could think on their
 feet.  No internet or email or laptops--just the telephone.  Anything--even
 gimmick tests--to separate the wheat from the chaff was useful.   As I've
 stated, the outcome of the gimmick test is unimportant.  What is important
 is the way it was approached and the emotional reaction of the applicant.
<snip>
...

 Like the Conestoga wagon, those days are gone and won't return.   Now, it's
 get a bunch of Peecees (or something that looks a lot like them internally)
  and modify some off-the-shelf solution.  More cost-efficient, I suppose,
 but less romantic.

 Sorry for being too old,
 Chuck 