How to reach "dark matter" developers

6 points

12 years ago

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 They're writing applications in VB6, MS Access, ASP.NET and often using outdated software and outdated practices.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?

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