[Clug-work] clug-work Digest, Vol 49, Issue 2

[Andre Truter]

On 07 Jul 2009, at 12:53, Julian Gordon wrote:

> I agree wholeheartedly.
>

I don't agree totally.  I think he stereo-typed geeks and sysadmins  
too much.
Geeks comes in all shapes and sizes.
I know some brilliant sysadmins that could pass easily for a normal  
person from afar.  Normal clothes, normal habits, etc.
It is only when you start to chat with them and get to know them that  
you see the quirks.

I also know multi-skilled OSS passionate people who can administer a  
Windows Domain very well.  They don't particularly enjoy it, but they  
do have the skill and will do it if it is part of the job.

There are, however some points that I do agree with:

Geeks tend to prefer flexi time.  I don't think I have ever met a  
geek that keeps normal office hours.  Normal office hours just is not  
enough time if you are really into your work.

Geeks generally run on caffeinated drinks, so mentioning lots of free  
coffee and even free caffeinated soda tend to draw the correct  
people.  (A previous employer had the kitchenettes stocked with lots  
of coffee and cola beverages.  That is until a big corporate bought  
them out and things went downhill a bit.  Lost a lot of good people)

PS:  I pack lunch (even salads) and I do know a number of geeks that  
pack lunch, but a cafeteria is a good selling point.  You never know  
when you need a sudden boost of carbohydrates and caffeine.

PPS:  Another thing to mention is that a very strict dress code tend  
to make your chances of getting the good people smaller, although I  
know at least one serious geek that changed job and after that I have  
seen him in a tie. Might have been a special occasion, did not have  
time to ask him.

-- 
Andre Truter  | Software Consultant | Registered Linux user #185282
Tel: 082 785 7615   |  http://www.trusoft.co.za
~ My code is so stable, it keeps on running even after the computer  
has been shut down ~