DEV Community

Discussion on: Is coding a work-for-free popularity contest?

Collapse
 
josegonz321 profile image
Jose Gonzalez

Good question. My answer, as of today, is yes. It's usually done to impress your peers NOT your customers/clients (e.g. current/future employer).

Popularity doesn't translate necessarily into $$$.

(On a related note: I don't have a positive vibe on hack-a-thons either. I feel like an employer is trying to get some free work because devs want to nerd out and work on something "cool" and "modern").

Erik Dietrich wrote a wonderful article about this topic in much more detail: daedtech.com/turning-tech-hobbies-...

Collapse
 
makiten profile image
Donald

I haven't done a hackathon in awhile. I did one at my last job, but for sure all the other ones I know are definitely looking for free work.

I guess I feel the customers/clients aren't impressed with devs at all. As a consultant, I target HR, and even though I know how to speak their language, they're either willfully ignorant/oblivious or timid.

Collapse
 
josegonz321 profile image
Jose Gonzalez

Your path is very intriguing (from dev to sales). I believe you are a double-edge sword now, in a good way!

Have you written down your path talking about such transition? I'd love to learn out more.

Collapse
 
andreybleme profile image
Lucas Bleme

Why don't you write about it? I'm very curious to know your thoughts on this transition.