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Dungeons & Dragons and IT

Posted by samzenpus on from the expedition-to-the-barrier-peaks dept.

boyko.at.netqos writes "An editorial in Network Performance Daily tries to take a (1d6) stab at explaining why geeky engineering types are also typically the types that enjoy a rousing game of D&D. From the article "The greatest barrier to creativity is a lack of boundaries. Counter-intuitive — almost zen-like — but we've found it to be true. This is why people play Dungeons & Dragons (and similar games), and why network engineers often spend time putting out fires when they could be improving the network."

12 of 243 comments (clear)

  1. We wouldn't have to put out as many fires... by LordEd · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... if somebody would please take their dragon and keep it outside where it belongs!

    1. Re:We wouldn't have to put out as many fires... by MillionthMonkey · · Score: 5, Funny

      The problem is usually that most companies don't hire any more D&D players than it takes to just barely put fires out. You wouldn't be putting out fires all the time if your employer would hire more wizards, although wizardry doesn't come cheap.

      You can get four or five wizards for the price of one, but the catch is, the wizards come with the curse that Rutger Hauer and his girlfriend Michelle Pfeiffer had in that movie Ladyhawke. He was a wolf at night and his girlfriend Michelle Pfeiffer turned into a hawk during the day. A simple email conversation would have taken them days and days!

    2. Re:We wouldn't have to put out as many fires... by plover · · Score: 4, Funny

      A simple email conversation would have taken them days and days!

      Just like working with overseas teams. Except neither of us look like Michelle Pfeiffer OR Rutger Hauer.

      --
      John
    3. Re:We wouldn't have to put out as many fires... by arivanov · · Score: 4, Funny

      You are obviously working with the Asian countries. Switch to Eastern Europe for outsourcing will solve your problem.

      There, you can get both stunning blonds and werewolves in IT. Whichever you prefer.

      --
      Baker's Law: Misery no longer loves company. Nowadays it insists on it
      http://www.sigsegv.cx/
    4. Re:We wouldn't have to put out as many fires... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      It's not a werewolf, it a guy with a "unix beard(tm)".

      The way to check is that you say "say, what's your opinion on packaging systems?". If they growl and try rip your throat out, use the silver bullets. If they start to tell their grand view of how packaging should work, use regular ammo.

      If ever a werewolf were to evolve that has a fur pattern that looks the same as a short sleeved shirt with pocket protector, the human race is doomed.

  2. Wait...? by The+Orange+Mage · · Score: 3, Funny

    If IT guys are the pen & paper RPG guys, what profession are those LARPers (Live Action Role-Players) belong to?

    1. Re:Wait...? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      Sorry, but you and your 'friends' are out of the loop.

      Most people in IT have skills that are subpar anyway. Why do you think companies are always complaining about a lack of good candidates. Lemme guess... you decided to get into IT back in the late 90's when it was all the rage. Chances are, you and your 'IT friends' all into this category due to your poor THAC0.

    2. Re:Wait...? by subl33t · · Score: 4, Funny

      They eventually become mimes.
      Sad but true.

  3. Hmmm... by Black+Parrot · · Score: 4, Funny

    I always wondered why Dispel Barriers and Dispel Creativity had the same material components.

    --
    Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
  4. Re: this guy has it backwards. by Black+Parrot · · Score: 5, Funny

    D&D helped me be a better engineer by:
    1. learning and working with a complex rule set.
    2. Reading and comprehending specifications. The rulebook is several hundred pages long.
    3. Problem solving within a strict set of boundaries, both individually and as a group
    4. Failing a quest gracefully, without a hissy fit or seppeku, and without blaming the Damned Managers! (DM) 5. Carrying a +5 Bastard Sword, for cutting through the red tape when it gets in your way.

    --
    Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
  5. Re:I used to be a Level 12 Programmer/Analyst by SleepyHappyDoc · · Score: 4, Funny

    Cheer up! Once you become a Level 12 disabled person, you regain the abilities of your old class with no experience penalty!

    --
    Stasis is death. Embrace change.
  6. Re: this guy has it backwards. by raehl · · Score: 4, Funny

    D&D helped me be a better engineer by:
    1. learning and working with a complex rule set.
    2. Reading and comprehending specifications. The rulebook is several hundred pages long.
    3. Problem solving within a strict set of boundaries, both individually and as a group
    4. Failing a quest gracefully, without a hissy fit or seppeku, and without blaming the Damned Managers! (DM)
    5. Carrying a +5 Bastard Sword, for cutting through the red tape when it gets in your way.
    6. Limiting time wasted talking to members of the opposing gender.

    Reminds me of an old saying:

    "D&D: Where every girl there is the hottest girl there."

    --
    paintball