Don't be afraid to make connections with other programmers, even if you might consider them a "rockstar." Those connections can make you a much better software developer.
That's the point Chad Fowler makes in this week's chapter of
MJWTI.
After relating the concept to the music scene (with which at one time I was also familiar), Chad (not surprisingly) sums up the matter in a few well-chosen words:
The most serious barrier between us mortals and the people we admire is our own fear. Associating with smart, well-connected people who can teach you things or help find you work is possible the best way to improve yourself, but a lot of us are afraid to try. Being part of a tight-knit professional community is how musicians, artists, and other craftspeople have stayed strong and evolved their respective artforms for years. The gurus are the supernodes in the social and professional network. All it takes to make the connection is a little less humility.
One of the reasons I started blogging was to make connections with other programmers. I enjoy it. Before I started reaching out to
my fellow code-enthusiasts, I sucked. I still suck (don't we all?), but I suck progressively less each day. Part of the reason I'm on the road to Notsuckington can be attributed to the connections I've made with all of you.
Some of you taught me better design. To argue better. To write clearly, in code and prose. The value of being a wishy-washy flip-flopper.
Some of you helped me find flaws in
my own work. Some helped correct them. The list could literally continue much further. However, in the interest of not publicly proclaiming myself a leech, I'll stop there.
Boo! Are you scared? Am I a zombie who wants to feed on your brain?
Ok, so I
am a zombie who wants to feed on your brain. Luckily, it's not a zero-sum proposition. You can retain your thoughts, knowledge, and memories while also
sharing them with me.
Feel free to
drop me a line any time. You might be able to teach me something, even if you're asking a question. I might be able to teach you something too. I won't be offended at you contacting me if you won't be offended if I don't always have the time to respond.
Let's travel to Notsuckington together.
Have you any stories of how connections with other programmers have made you better? Please, share them with the rest of us! (You can leave the names out, if you want.)
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