This post originated from an RSS feed registered with Java Buzz by Marc Logemann. Original Post: the problem with Joels Blog Feed Title: Logemann Blog Feed URL: http://www.logemann.org/blojsom/blog/default/?flavor=rss2 Feed Description: Marc's thoughts on Java and more Latest Java Buzz Posts Latest Java Buzz Posts by Marc Logemann Latest Posts From Logemann Blog

To be honest, i like reading Joels Blog. Even though their technology of choice is definitely not in my focus. You cant say Fogcreek is a java shop right?

The problem is that you have to filter out the marketing sections from Joels posts. Take for example the current FindingGreatDevelopers blog entry. He makes some very nice arguments and its well written too (something i will never achieve as a non native speaker) but one third of the entry is about how cool the interns benefits at Fogcreek are. By the way, not the first entry in that flavor about exactly this topic. Cant think of something more boring. Its quite likely that even at Fogcreek there are the normal office problems you have everywhere. I also dont think you can keep up the startup spirit over years, especially not when you get bigger.

The idea of impressing the interns by packing them into a nice hotel and renting a limo for the airport-hotel transit seems smart. Of course this is not applicable to hiring "full-fledged" developers. I can remember a situation where a company flew me to italy with a very nice dinner with the owners and a nice hotel. It was snowing and i could see the Alps that were right next to the city. Most likely one of the most geographical appealing regions in europe (south-tirol). Everything was fine, even the payment was extraordinary. But something was wrong with the position and the company. I wasnt even able to tell exactly but i have not taken the offer. Bottom line: You really cant impress mediocre developers like me with a good hotel and a nice flight. Even the salary is not the main issue. It all depends on the impression you get from the company and the people running them. Even better would be an additional meeting with the current developers and architects. Nothing is more frustrating to realize on the job that your colleagues are even more mediocre than you are.