Dark Matter Developers != Bad Developers
mat-mcloughlin.net
Dark Matter Developers != Bad Developers
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Re: Dark Matter Developers != Bad Developers
#2This is the first I've heard the term "dark matter developer", but this type of developer definitely exists. There's probably equal numbers of those who are happy with their jobs as aren't, and who are brilliant as are mediocre. I imagine that the typical dark matter developer is more risk-averse than an "outgoing" developer (intentionally not using the term "regular" because outgoing developers are a vocal minority according to this hypothesis), simply by virtue of the tendency of developers in the startup scene to downplay risk.
I used to be one of these. I never aspired to move to the Valley, or to found a company. I eventually had an opportunity to try it and have never looked back, but the idea simply would never have occurred to me had I not been approached.
Re: Dark Matter Developers != Bad Developers
#3What would you call the middle ground between the two of them? I feel like I spend a lot of time reading, but I just can't bring myself to blog. I've had one for years that has maybe 5 posts. It's a combination of being tired at the end of the day, feeling like I have nothing useful to say (that hasn't already been said), and generally not thinking about it.
It's also a similar story with Stack Overflow. When I think to try and answer questions, they've already been answered by people more knowledgeable than me.
Re: Dark Matter Developers != Bad Developers
#4There are also entire dark matter companies. Small tech companies that just launch, run, and make a comfortable living for the employees. They are not trying to be huge, not trying for a huge exit, not trying to make news. Just trying to build and work for a good company and live a good life.
Those of us who are "dark matter" developers really like working for these small, quiet, solid companies.
Re: Dark Matter Developers != Bad Developers
#5I am always amazed that people who blog, tweet etc. a lot think they are somehow "pushing things forward". Actually, it's people who write a lot of working code who push things forward. Maybe they blog too, but maybe not. Tweeting and blogging does not mean you are productive or on the cutting edge of anything meaningful.
Re: Dark Matter Developers != Bad Developers
#6This is to say, lurkers can be just as thoughtful, as intelligent, and just as competent as those up on stage.
Re: Dark Matter Developers != Bad Developers
#7thanks for introducing me to this term - and also the original blog post. :)
(no, not everybody had heard of it already)
there are a lot of these guys out there - i've worked with some, and whilst the generalisation is poorly motivated it is generally accurate. a good proportion of these kinds are in the job for money, stability, parental pressure etc. and care little to improve themselves or their work. they do a 9 to 5, just like you would if you were stacking shelves in a supermarket.
its a rare person who tries to excel at shelf stacking.
Re: Dark Matter Developers != Bad Developers
#8What would you call the middle ground between the two of them? I feel like I spend a lot of time reading, but I just can't bring myself to blog. I've had one for years that has maybe 5 posts. It's a combination of being tired at the end of the day, feeling like I have nothing useful to say (that hasn't already been said), and generally not thinking about it. It's also a similar story with Stack Overflow. When I think…
Don't concern yourself with labels. Apply yourself, learn new stuff and meet new people who work in the industry :) You'll figure out the rest.
Re: Dark Matter Developers != Bad Developers
#9I am always amazed that people who blog, tweet etc. a lot think they are somehow "pushing things forward". Actually, it's people who write a lot of working code who push things forward. Maybe they blog too, but maybe not. Tweeting and blogging does not mean you are productive or on the cutting edge of anything meaningful.
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Re: Dark Matter Developers != Bad Developers
#10thanks for introducing me to this term - and also the original blog post. :) (no, not everybody had heard of it already) there are a lot of these guys out there - i've worked with some, and whilst the generalisation is poorly motivated it is generally accurate. a good proportion of these kinds are in the job for money, stability, parental pressure etc. and care little to improve themselves or their work. they do a 9…
I'm wary of equating "care little to improve themselves" with "do a 9 to 5". The two are not related.