Re: How to fend off a tech writer
I'm not sure anyone said the work was _better_ when in "the zone" (but it'sNo, but the implication is always that "the zone" is important, and not to be lightly interrupted. I assume that, in terms of writing or coding that importance means the work is supposed to be better or faster.
always possible that I missed something).
I do believe, though, that peopleI'm not altogether convinced of this idea. True, I'm sometimes annoyed when my concentration is interrupted. However, uninterrupted periods are so rare or so short on the job that most of us have to learn to be productive despite interruptions. If we wait for the uninterrupted space that we'd like, we'd never get anything done.
in general are _more productive_ when they can concentrate on one task for
an uninterrupted period.
Besides, a lot of work on the job is collaborative. Whether they like the fact or not, part of a programmer's job is to collaborate with the writers. If they don't know that duty is in their job description, they should.
For these reasons, the hacker claim of the right to uninterrupted space can be unrealistic and uncooperative. It suggests that, because they program, they deserve a privilege that other people would like, but can't have - and I don't accept that. Interruptions and collaboration are part of work, and nobody, even managers, can be escape the fact.
Don't get me wrong - on the job, I try not to interrupt anyone who's concentrating, and I try to communicate using a medium that's acceptable to both the programmers and me. That's both courteous and practical. Nor do I deny that coders have a job that I would find difficult. But the reverse is also true, and I'm not inclined to give anyone special treatment simply because doing so fits into their personal mythology.
harrumph!
--
Bruce Byfield 604.421.7177 bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com
"Come in through the side door,
No need to worry now, the coast is clear,
We can make a little music now the night is ours,
And it'll sure sound sweeter after hours."
-Battlefield Band, "After Hours"
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