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Besides that, as a contract programmer there have been a few times I've posted my StackOverflow profile in a cover letter and have had very positive reponses.

Besides that, as a contract programmer there have been a few times I've posted my StackOverflow profile in a cover letter and have had very positive reponses. One interviewer went so far to say he didn't bother asking technical questions since he'd seen my answers on SO. Obviously I wouldn't recommend that tactic, but it's nice to see my online rep actually translate to the real world like that from time to time.

malnourish 15y ago
Online reputation, when contextually appropriate, should be a very strong defining attribute related to an interview or judgement of knowledge and expertise in a field. I imagine a world, reminiscent of Ender's Game, where online discussion holds much sway and credence, and the separation between it and "the real world" exists only to differentiate physical properties. It would seem that we are slowly approaching this more transparent mesh of societies. If a person can empirically show their value and experience with a topic, as you did with your SO profile, it should hold the same regard as similar measures.
- untog 15y ago
  Yes and no. I might have a fantastic SO profile, but be utterly unable to communicate face-to-face, or in stressful situations. I think it's important to remember these possibilities...
  - malnourish 15y ago
    So an attribute used in tandem with others? Another problematic aspect is that someone may be very good at formulating an answer but requires the use of internet resources e.g. google, other SO answers. This coincides with your face-to-face example. Such a talent would have its uses, but may not be as useful in certain situations as someone whose answers may be slightly less quality but composed without exterior information.
neves 15y ago
Or, instead of working, you would spend all your work day playing StackOverflow to win new badges and points. :-)
- djtriptych 15y ago
  Or, instead of calling it "playing", you could call it "sharing your knowledge".

malnourish 15y ago

Online reputation, when contextually appropriate, should be a very strong defining attribute related to an interview or judgement of knowledge and expertise in a field. I imagine a world, reminiscent of Ender's Game, where online discussion holds much sway and credence, and the separation between it and "the real world" exists only to differentiate physical properties. It would seem that we are slowly approaching this more transparent mesh of societies. If a person can empirically show their value and experience with a topic, as you did with your SO profile, it should hold the same regard as similar measures.

untog 15y ago
Yes and no. I might have a fantastic SO profile, but be utterly unable to communicate face-to-face, or in stressful situations. I think it's important to remember these possibilities...
- malnourish 15y ago
  So an attribute used in tandem with others? Another problematic aspect is that someone may be very good at formulating an answer but requires the use of internet resources e.g. google, other SO answers. This coincides with your face-to-face example. Such a talent would have its uses, but may not be as useful in certain situations as someone whose answers may be slightly less quality but composed without exterior information.

neves 15y ago

Or, instead of working, you would spend all your work day playing StackOverflow to win new badges and points. :-)

djtriptych 15y ago
Or, instead of calling it "playing", you could call it "sharing your knowledge".