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Classic Gerald Weinberg Essay Reprinted

Posted by timothy on from the talking-to-fatso dept.

danielread writes "Programmer abuse has been a popular topic recently, especially within the gaming industry. However, excessive overtime and overwork are not new problems for software professionals. Twenty years ago, acclaimed author Gerald Weinberg wrote an essay called 'Personal Chemistry and the Healthy Body,' which is as relevant for programmers today as it was two decades ago. Given this topic's recent resurgence, Mr. Weinberg was generous enough to let developer.* Magazine reprint this classic essay."

8 of 178 comments (clear)

  1. I read it... by Icarus1919 · · Score: 4, Funny

    I read the essay, but I couldn't find the passage where it talks about how essential caffeine is to programming. I think I'm going to have to go back and look harder...

  2. Self abuse by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I would have thought self abuse would have been more of a worry for geeks.

  3. I don't know about programmer abuse... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    but there is definitely some sys admin abuse going on here.

  4. It was implied. by wasted · · Score: 2, Funny

    The author talked about the importance of personal chemistry. I guess he means that we need to be aware of our own personal chemical compositions, and make sure that we do not suffer from deficiencies of caffeine or other essential chemicals.

  5. Weinberg on Fun by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    Well, let's be honest with ourselves. It's fun to abuse our bodies once in a while. Who can honestly deny the seductiveness of a candy feast, a beverage binge, or an all-night work orgy?

    WTF? Once in a while I like to blow 300 bucks at the titty bar. Work all night? No way in hell.

    1. Re:Weinberg on Fun by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      That can't be right - when you become very, very old you will sleep forever.

  6. Re:Long hours != good software by stefanb · · Score: 4, Funny

    There was a bug in his salad?

  7. Re:Long hours != good software by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    the bug is an excuse he uses because he really despises you and wants to avoid having lunch with you? then he bitches in the car about it because he needs to release his frustration caused by your persistent nagging?