I like the idea – it’s important to recognize that Twitter, HN, meetups, etc. represent only a tiny fraction of working developers – but I think this article does “dark matter” developers a disservice. Not actively participating in the “visible matter” universe doesn’t mean that you’re working with ancient or unusual technology, or that you’re not interested in improving your craft.
There are lots of “dark matter” developers who work with Hot New Tech but aren’t social about it (because they’re shy, or have busy personal lives, or feel alienated by the dominant culture, or whatever).
I like the idea – it’s important to recognize that Twitter, HN, meetups, etc. represent only a tiny fraction of working developers – but I think this article does “dark matter” developers a disservice. Not actively participating in the “visible matter” universe doesn’t mean that you’re working with ancient or unusual technology, or that you’re not interested in improving your craft.
There are lots of “dark matter” developers who work with Hot New Tech but aren’t social about it (because they’re shy, or have busy personal lives, or feel alienated by the dominant culture, or whatever).