How to reach "dark matter" developers

by AussieCoder on 12/29/2013, 10:33:46 PM with 9 comments
Scott Hanselman has talked about "dark matter" developers (http://www.hanselman.com/blog/DarkMatterDevelopersTheUnseen99.aspx) - the ones working in companies everywhere writing the software that keeps businesses running. They're writing applications in VB6, MS Access, ASP.NET and often using outdated software and outdated practices. They work 9-5 and when they go home at the end of the day the only technology they use is their TV remote.

I'm not disparaging them. I work with them. For them, writing code is just a job and that job helps keep the businesses we depend on working.

But they could be so much more productive if they updated their skills and had opportunity to gain new experience.

There is no shortage of educational information and opportunities on the web, but these aren't the type of people to go looking for it. It needs to come to them, in their workplaces, ideally during their working day.

So, my question is this - if we want to help them enhance their skills and experience, how do we reach them?

  • by dkuntz2 on 12/30/2013, 12:13:20 AM

    I think the real question is: do they want "help"?

    They're doing perfectly well. They fill their role, they do their job, they do what they want during their free time. Who are you (or anyone) to say that needs to be changed?

    The last paragraph of Hansleman's post captures it perfectly:

    > The Dark Matter Developer will never read this blog post because they are getting work done using tech from ten years ago and that's totally OK. I know they are there and I will to support them in their work.

  • by punkghetto on 12/29/2013, 11:38:48 PM

    i'm a total newbie at technology and programming. I'm an accountant, but in the last year I've developed a passion for computing and learning to code. I was never exposed to coding or making growing up, everything was a dark hole or a black box that just worked (most of the time). My answer to your question is that if you want to 'reach' or 'help' them your energy will mostly be wasted. You can't install curiosity, motivation, or a lust for knowledge in a person. They have to want it, there is already enough resources to keep anyone's head spinning. (at least there is for me)

  • by rpietro on 12/29/2013, 11:29:46 PM

    not sure whether this will come out the wrong way, but for some people programming is a career while for others it is and will likely always be a job.

    again, don't get me wrong: the ones who do it as a job might well have other things that they love and that for them would be a dream come true type of career. doesn't mean they lack passion or are not really good at something else, but programming might just not be the thing that they are passionate about

  • by czbond on 12/29/2013, 10:46:36 PM

    A newsletter like the startup digest.