> I would think that if your writing code I can't maintain, but if you leave I have to maintain it or get fired, I have a strong incentive to pay you well. If

> I would think that if your writing code I can't maintain, but if you leave I have to maintain it or get fired, I have a strong incentive to pay you well. If you're writing code I can't maintain, my preference is to pay you less. Writing code that is easier to maintain is one sign of a good developer. I don't want to pay you more because its too painful to lose you. I want to pay you more because its wonderful to have you.