4 ms·

Pretty much this. He pontificates from a position of authority that has nothing to back it up.

mattgreenrocks 5y ago
"Pontificating from a position of authority with nothing to back it up" is what every thought leader does though; it's practically a requirement for amassing "influence" as everyone calls it. Why does Uncle Bob get a larger amount of ire?
- nescioquid 5y ago
  Authority and influence are conflated here, especially where you understand authority as expertise (i.e. an authority on a topic). Such an authority should be able to produce credible evidence in support of their claims, else they are possibly not an authority in this sense. The implication of your question though, is that you do not think Uncle Bob is an authority in this sense, merely an influencer?
- lowbloodsugar 5y ago
  In the Karate Kid, the Karate Expert Mr Miyagi teaches youngster Daniel the martial art of Karate. My Miyagi begins by having Daniel paint his fence and wax his car. Daniel doesn't understand how this helps, and has a tantrum, at which point Mr Miyagi demonstrates that Daniel has, in fact, been building the muscles and reflexes necessary for Karate. They situation here is simply one where Daniel is not qualified to evaluate Mr Miyagi's methods. Conversely, had Daniel the necessary experience to evaluate the method, he would not have needed instruction. The internet is full of Daniels, and gives them the ability for their tantrum to reach a large audience. The internet is far more full of Daniels than Miyagis. Further, to tell the difference between a Daniel and a Miyagi, one has to be a Miyagi (see Dunning, Kruger). Finally, there are legitimate differences in approach between different masters. Sensei John Kreese has very different methods compared to Miyagi, that are, nevertheless, clearly effective. Kreese also has turned his experience into a business and this influences his decisions, such as breaking agreed rules. Bob might be Miyagi, and he might be Kreese. Most of what he says is good advice, in my opinion. Some of it isn't. Which parts are which depends on who you ask. But most of the complaints come from Daniel.
  - mattgreenrocks 5y ago
    Agree. I always suspected that Daniels are everywhere with the fact that few people wish to talk seriously about software, instead preferring to talk about fashionable software. Bob also speaks highly of teaching developers to design software well. This is unpopular right now, we prefer to believe that tools alone are all we need.

"Pontificating from a position of authority with nothing to back it up" is what every thought leader does though; it's practically a requirement for amassing "influence" as everyone calls it. Why does Uncle Bob get a larger amount of ire?

nescioquid 5y ago
Authority and influence are conflated here, especially where you understand authority as expertise (i.e. an authority on a topic). Such an authority should be able to produce credible evidence in support of their claims, else they are possibly not an authority in this sense. The implication of your question though, is that you do not think Uncle Bob is an authority in this sense, merely an influencer?
lowbloodsugar 5y ago
In the Karate Kid, the Karate Expert Mr Miyagi teaches youngster Daniel the martial art of Karate. My Miyagi begins by having Daniel paint his fence and wax his car. Daniel doesn't understand how this helps, and has a tantrum, at which point Mr Miyagi demonstrates that Daniel has, in fact, been building the muscles and reflexes necessary for Karate. They situation here is simply one where Daniel is not qualified to evaluate Mr Miyagi's methods. Conversely, had Daniel the necessary experience to evaluate the method, he would not have needed instruction. The internet is full of Daniels, and gives them the ability for their tantrum to reach a large audience. The internet is far more full of Daniels than Miyagis. Further, to tell the difference between a Daniel and a Miyagi, one has to be a Miyagi (see Dunning, Kruger). Finally, there are legitimate differences in approach between different masters. Sensei John Kreese has very different methods compared to Miyagi, that are, nevertheless, clearly effective. Kreese also has turned his experience into a business and this influences his decisions, such as breaking agreed rules. Bob might be Miyagi, and he might be Kreese. Most of what he says is good advice, in my opinion. Some of it isn't. Which parts are which depends on who you ask. But most of the complaints come from Daniel.
- mattgreenrocks 5y ago
  Agree. I always suspected that Daniels are everywhere with the fact that few people wish to talk seriously about software, instead preferring to talk about fashionable software. Bob also speaks highly of teaching developers to design software well. This is unpopular right now, we prefer to believe that tools alone are all we need.