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Exhibit B: We code in Ruby, but are open to engineers with strong backgrounds in any interpreted or functional languages (Python, Lisp, Scala, Erlang . . .). Even a Java background might be OK, if you can show us that you are still learning and growing as an engineer. No C# /.Net engineers though: there are limits!* Ad for Principal Engineer at Slideshare

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My point wasn't to paint all developers as being bad at hiring. My point is that HR shouldn't be used as a scapegoat for what's wrong with technical hiring.

I understand that it can be frustrating to feel like some non-technical person is blocking you from talking to someone that you can relate to and prove your value to. But it is just as frustrating once you get to someone technical that can understand you, only to find that that person is using equally arbitrary criterion to evaluate you.

I messed up the formatting on that.

I agree with your point, and posted that job ad in support of it: To disqualify someone because they are using C#/.NET is arbitrary and stupid, and apparently came from engineering.

These guys are trying to be funny, but in fact they probably are just limiting their available pool of talent. It's not a big deal - they probably need just one person, so they'd find that person anyway. But it does look somewhat childish.

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