Justin SearlsJul 12, 2023

Remember some of the hot-button issues in tech over the last decade? People angry over the use of the word "passion". The merits of "craftsmanship". Whether the "10x developer" is a myth.

Something connects all of these debates, and nobody's really talking about it. That's why I wrote this essay: https://blog.testdouble.com/posts/2023-07-12-the-looming-demise-of-the-10x-developer/

The looming demise of the 10x developer

Tech's most contentious debates end with people talking over each other, but they make way more sense viewed through the lens of inter-generational conflict.

Test Double
Show threadWogan MayJul 13, 2023
@searls Looking forward to reading this one! Just from a quick skim though, it reminds me of an Uncle Bob lecture from a few years ago, where he pointed out that software used to be a true profession (since it was introduced into existing engineering professions as a new tool). I think your overall thesis that the "hobbyist" era might be coming to a close is right, but let me read the full thing first :)
Show threadJustin SearlsJul 13, 2023
@wogan yeah, this is not that.
Show threadWogan MayJul 13, 2023

@searls I see that now, having actually read the thing - like I said, I skimmed it at first :)

I’ll need to dig it out, but a few years ago I read a very interesting essay on the formation, evolution and eventual extinction of subcultures - as they grow, they attract less-aligned people until they’re overrun with “normies”.

Whatever “club” “we” (I got my first PC at age 7, self-taught BASIC) belong to is not likely to happen again, on that I agree. I’ll give this more thought.

Show threadGerbrand van Dieyen
@wogan @searls I think 'we' are people with above average adhd, add or autism aka nerds. We grew up with no to little internet or other distraction, so programming was all we had to get stimulus.
A big problem for younger generation with similar traits as 'us' is the unlimited distraction of games and social media.
Modern-day nerds play games or watch short videos all day instead of programming
#actuallyadhd
Jul 20, 2023 at 4:14pmWeb