Management Toolkit

Story: Berners-Lee challenges 'stupid' male geek culture

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Addressing the issues is a job for?

Andrew - I did state that there are a host of reasons why women arent in the industry. I simply didnt list them.

The reason I didnt list them, is because its largely pointless (in my opinion). I'll explain why in a minute, but let me first discuss your point about "snobbish culture".

In my experience, most software is written to solve a business problem. It is rarely written as a cerebral exercise by engineers who want to have fun.

I'm not saying that software is user friendly, simply that its function over form. If I was paying someone out of my pocket to build an interface, as soon as it did the minimum required, it would be "job done". There is no way I'd spend more money on it to tart it up and make it look good. If thats snobbish, then so be it. When I'm paying for something, its my choice how the money gets spent. And if I choose to solve problems rather than make things look good, then thats my decision.

As regards to the issues of why women arent in the industry, the fact is there are many competing things. Namely, other professions, and other interests.

I have never believed in forcing or cajoling people into a profession. If someone believes in it enough, they'll join of their own free will.

I also believe in people advancing through their own merit. I cant speak for others, but I have 9 years of university, and have sat 15 professional exams (between MCSE and Citrix). No one has paid me, subsidised me, nor offered any support whatsoever to me. In short, I come from a very working class background. It is purely off my own back, due to the desire I have to try and achieve something. Whatever that may be, it is an internally driven thing.

I dont discount that it can be made easier for women (in a positive discriminating way), but I frankly support an even playing field, with discrimination neither for, nor against, anyone.

In short, I believe it is up to the individual, and their own desire. If they choose to do other things with their life, rather than throw my hands up and say "woe is me", maybe we can say rather, "best of luck with whatever you choose to do", because you know what, IT isnt the be all and end all of careers.

Something you may want to ponder...In a recent survey, I noted that the worst career for maintaining a spousal relationship was the police force. Would you care to guess the second worst? IT.

Perhaps its a good thing that the house doesnt have 2 partners in IT. Divorce might not be too far away...

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