I heard it AGAIN last week. “Programmers are ROCK STARS!’
Ive been playing rock as a musician since I was fourteen and have been programming computers pretty much the same amount of time. So, with about forty-mmmph years of experience, let me explain why programmers are NOT rock-stars:
Rock-Stars are rock-stars. While computer-programming and music share common aptitude, being a rock-star is completely at odds with being a Programmer. Rock-Stars are (supposed to be) rebellious, anti-social beings but if you act this way as a Programmer, you’re just being a jerk.
- Rock-Stars have Groupies. In all my years as a Programmer I’ve never been approached by a groupie. Not even close.
- Rock-Stars have fans. Programmers have customers. It may really just be a slight difference, but NEVER mistake your customer as a fan.
Rock-Stars have roadies. I would love to have someone carry my laptop around for me, but it just isn’t going to happen.
- Rock-Stars wear funky clothers and jewelry. Many Programmers try to do this but it really doesn’t work.
Rock-Stars have to show up at the gig. Programmers can pretty much pick their work hours and environment.
- Rock-Stars die much younger than Programmers. It’s a fact.
- Rock-Stars have to play the same music, over and over and over again. Programmers have much more diversity in their setlist.
- Rock-Stars get encores. Programmers get change-controls.
- Programmers ultimately, based on career longevity, make a LOT more money than rock-stars.
So there.
P-Cz