Joel on Software on Developers
I’ve followed Joel Spolsky’s writings since before there were blogs. There was a time when he seemed like one of the only people writing interesting stuff about software development. Lately, however, I’d become rather disenchanted with his output. His writing got pretty sparse for a while, and then he became downright prolific. With each new article I found myself thinking, “Who is he to think he knows so much about the perfect way to deal with developers, etc. etc. etc.?”
But then he published A Field Guide to Developers, which is basically a discussion about what developers want in their work, and now I find myself thinking, Maybe he does know what he’s talking about after all. There’s some really true (I think) stuff in there, things that had surprising relevance to the company I work for, both past and present.
He’s particularly right about the value of Herman Miller Aeron chairs (I prefer the Mirra myself). After a few batches of crummy office store $100 chairs, we bought a set a couple years ago and they’ve really been great.
September 12th, 2006 at 3:52 pm
I find myself agreeing with your earlier sentiment. This guy should help himself to a nice warm cup of reality. Or maybe I just take exception with anyone who actually likes Herman Miller chairs. I had one for a month–infinitely adjustable, never comfortable! :)