I *hate* loud releases.

So, 3 versions from now it will be 20% faster.... isn't that kind of a let-down? I saw the headline, it seems to be presenting it like it's an amazing feat.

Then why the hell are you still using it? You are aware that Google makes a browser called Chrome, right? It kicks all kinds of ass.

Yikes!!!! I love the beginning of the last example, "The testing/QA department who had been successfully kept away from a project." Classic. That is a sad story, what happened next. I'm not surprised though!

Well said, and glad you decided to post... interesting example.

I think this is a ridiculous path for the argument to take. I've inherited hundreds of programs, and a majority of them were shitty in my opinion. I did what I had to do, figured them out and maintained them, or made a case to re-engineer them. I never categorically stated that these people should be fired, or that their heads are in their asses. Your whole post is so generic, slanderous and whiny, it doesn't even make sense.

What is this nonsense about the world smelling like shit? I don't get it... I am an extremely positive and helpful person. My StackOverflow profile contains less than 5 questions and over 600 answers.

Sounds good man, a very smart and productive/positive way of doing it, while still accomplishing the desired outcome. I'd work with you.

Hahaha, well said Billco. I'm all about code reviews if that's the point of them.

Oh no... did I say something to make you think this??? *teeth-gnashing*

;)

Like I said, I think it's a very subjective thing. I had to jump in and help fix an issue for someone who was a major 'best-practice' junkie (he was on vacation)... His process was built using wonderful design patterns and everything was made generic and abstract to an extreme level. I thought he was great until this, because it was one of the most tedious things I've ever done, debugging his shit line by line. I get the impression if you had seen it you'd think it was great code, which is what I expected of it to.

Hah... well I'm glad someone sees another angle on this besides good coder / crappy coder. Yes, it is also a process management uses to minimize the importance of any one developer while trumping up their own, eliminate anything resembling pride or ownership of ones work, and reduce any sort of hardships due to turnover.

I can't figure out why you jump to the conclusion that my code is 'crappy'. Cool story though, bro.

I don't have a serious opposition to them, and Pair Programming is one of my favorite things. I will however defend certain things, or oppose certain changes. I am passionate about development. I was just explaining why I have opposed them at times in the past, since the OP tried to generalize.

I contend that you can do all of those things without someone looking over your shoulder... Just like you can be a good and moral person without being god-fearing. (sorry to make another analogy, especially a religious one, but this one is a personal favorite.)

You're right... Over my 13 years of professional experience as a developer in companies ranging from very small to very large, I've never come to appreciate something as ridiculous as 'company-wide' ANYTHING. You don't hire me for my ability to conform! As for my attitude, it kicks ass... I believe anything is possible, and I'm highly motivated to solve problems that others think are difficult. I respect your different opinion and would choose to not work for you.