Agreed. However at some point, the best programmers I know have all tried to build their own product - ownership (with varying degrees of success and failure).

Agreed. However at some point, the best programmers I know have all tried to build their own product - ownership (with varying degrees of success and failure). Obligatory patio11 articles: http://www.kalzumeus.com/2011/10/28/dont-call-yourself-a-programmer/ http://www.kalzumeus.com/2011/10/28/dont-call-yourself-a-pro... http://www.kalzumeus.com/2012/01/23/salary-negotiation/ http://www.kalzumeus.com/2012/01/23/salary-negotiation/