The soloists and populars of the software world
mihaiolteanu.me
mihaiolteanu.me
> Both groups have learned to live with each other in relative peace and harmony. Nonetheless, populars will always return to their parties and fireworks, while the soloist will always prefer the modest blinking cursor.
Very optimistic. They don't live in peace, the populars often hire the soloists to get work done while the populars like to faff around feeling important. Haven't yet met a soloist that wasn't a people person and a good-hearted extrovert who was labeled an introvert just because people like him are in much lower numbers. The populars, on the other hand, like to bitch and moan and backstab. The populars often hate and sabotage any soloist that dares to improve workflow. That's why the only way to really effect change (and really, push back against the decay of society) is to have a lead that's a soloist wearing the skin of a popular. Or he could just be a *path and occasionally stumble upon success as he seeks to devour soloists (this one people don't like to talk about).
The "relative peace and harmony" is achieved by always being aware of the chasm, even when it is not visible, even when it appears we are all brothers and sisters. It is always there, always will be. I make myself no illusions about that.
But the popular groups is usually where the money is while the soloists are usually the keepers of the technical knowledge. Know the chasm, know each other's roles, don't be fooled by The Team and the nice feel-good words and you'll be fine. Or at least you'll start to put a distance where a distance is needed between the two groups.
Take what is best of any given situation, leave behind what is worst. The popular groups do it all the time with their fly traps. You should do it, too. There is no shame in being selfish and looking up for your own good.