I read your article linked from Slashdot. Being in IT software dev for over 10 years, the arrogance and condescension of the industry has on several levels alienated me from many of my co-workers. Since most of my friends and peers outside of work are artists (who can be every bit as condescending in their own right) or in other professions (medicine, sales) I have a lot of perspectives about technology from non-industry users.
I found your article dead-on and clearly exposed the haughty air of IT. I believe it comes from the immaturity of the industry in the way it interacts with the client-base. I don't believe that other industries have any less condescension. For example, many car mechanics are less than impressed with the average suburbanite who can't change their own oil. They just know enough within the industry to smile and nod to the customer while they are forking over the cash. I believe most people within industries have a level of "industro-centrism", but the smart ones conceal it for thew sake of professionalism.
I believe your article is pretty much saying the same thing. I believe you are already seeing that the software, service centers and web sites that are easily used by the 'lusers' are the ones that are coming out on top. Just like with any industry, there are some really poor examples of customer service. This will continue in IT, but the ones who get it and can respectfully interact with customers will succeed.
The ones who maintain the 'lusers' mentality will simply end up as the 'lusers'. The smarter you are in IT, the more respect you will show the clients and the further you will go in your career.
Slashdot Mirror
I read your article linked from Slashdot. Being in IT software dev for over 10 years, the arrogance and condescension of the industry has on several levels alienated me from many of my co-workers. Since most of my friends and peers outside of work are artists (who can be every bit as condescending in their own right) or in other professions (medicine, sales) I have a lot of perspectives about technology from non-industry users.
I found your article dead-on and clearly exposed the haughty air of IT. I believe it comes from the immaturity of the industry in the way it interacts with the client-base. I don't believe that other industries have any less condescension. For example, many car mechanics are less than impressed with the average suburbanite who can't change their own oil. They just know enough within the industry to smile and nod to the customer while they are forking over the cash. I believe most people within industries have a level of "industro-centrism", but the smart ones conceal it for thew sake of professionalism.
I believe your article is pretty much saying the same thing. I believe you are already seeing that the software, service centers and web sites that are easily used by the 'lusers' are the ones that are coming out on top. Just like with any industry, there are some really poor examples of customer service. This will continue in IT, but the ones who get it and can respectfully interact with customers will succeed.
The ones who maintain the 'lusers' mentality will simply end up as the 'lusers'. The smarter you are in IT, the more respect you will show the clients and the further you will go in your career.