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In software, there are a lot of people who don't know how to negotiate-- at all. Excellent points. Many "computer people" are really good at what they do beca

In software, there are a lot of people who don't know how to negotiate-- at all. Excellent points. Many "computer people" are really good at what they do because they leveraged their introversion into uncommonly high levels of programming skill. In such an environment, the interpreter is "fair", the compiler is "fair" (although often uncompromising and unforgiving). Once you get the "right" answer, it stays right and doesn't change unless external circumstances change (e.g. new compiler, new hardware, something breaks). On the other hand, the human world is not always "fair", and it's often possible to push back against a judgment, using only high confidence and a loose but passionate argument. Belief that the human world operates with the same exact logic and precision as the computer world is a source of many misunderstandings.

nradov 14y ago
I don't know about that. What I've learned is that compilers and interpreters are often ridden with defects, and you have to negotiate hard with suppliers to get them fixed.
Surio 14y ago
In software, there are a lot of people who don't know how to negotiate-- at all. I've seen that. But I've also seen some very very hard negotiators in software as well. So, I don't agree with your generalisation. It's something else, but it is late and I am already depressed after reading some of the excellent comments. I am going to get some sleep and do the soul-searching bit on this with a fresh mind tomorrow. This topic has been food for thought!
- theorique 14y ago
  Oh yeah, no question that the opposite is also true - the big-ego computer geek who will argue over every last little $100 in annual salary and benefits because he believes that he's God's gift to programming. (And everything in between - my post was a generalization of one side...)
  - Surio 14y ago
    > he believes that he's God's gift to programming. Had to lol at that one!

nradov 14y ago

I don't know about that. What I've learned is that compilers and interpreters are often ridden with defects, and you have to negotiate hard with suppliers to get them fixed.

Surio 14y ago

In software, there are a lot of people who don't know how to negotiate-- at all. I've seen that. But I've also seen some very very hard negotiators in software as well. So, I don't agree with your generalisation. It's something else, but it is late and I am already depressed after reading some of the excellent comments. I am going to get some sleep and do the soul-searching bit on this with a fresh mind tomorrow. This topic has been food for thought!

theorique 14y ago
Oh yeah, no question that the opposite is also true - the big-ego computer geek who will argue over every last little $100 in annual salary and benefits because he believes that he's God's gift to programming. (And everything in between - my post was a generalization of one side...)
- Surio 14y ago
  > he believes that he's God's gift to programming. Had to lol at that one!