Dark Artists

[elfs]

We have an phrase in the programming world, the Dark Programmer. The term comes from the analogy with dark matter: we know it exists because it exert gravitational force on our galaxy, but other than that we have no idea what it is. A dark programmer is like dark matter: we know they exist because someone keeps writing Java-based actuarial

Comments

[matrixmann]

Hm, seems like not everyone in cultural products can be "the great artist".
By the way, as producing a cultural product works in these times, it doesn't look like this ability is something you want to call your own. It stands in your way.
Time for producing is low, as well as great art is not desired. Better produce another product, and another and another. Maximization of profit is the agenda.
Putting lots of creative effort into one product makes another dozen worthless, as it seems.

[lordjulius]

I worked in visual effects for twenty years. I personally did not want to think more about visual effects after working 8-14 hours a day at it. So for me it was mostly a job. I'm now a full time programmer, and I feel the same way. I would be happy to contribute back to the open source projects I use at work if I weren't just sick of programming by the end of the day.

It takes extraordinary dedication to do something as a full time job and then enjoy it off duty as well. Most people have more than one passion or obligation (e.g. kids) so their time is split amongst many interests.

[houseboatonstyx]

not think too much about what they do for a living

Or not share their thinking on social media? Or not share it at all?

Maybe they already have all the jobs they need, and would rather think about the details of the current job than about setting up and tending to such websites.

Ever try to websearch the phone number or address of your tax accountant (or lawyer or doctor) whom you met by word of mouth and has a waiting list of clients already? Lucky if they've listed themselves anywhere, much less set up a website of their own.

[mikstera]

Ever since I first laid hands on a computer I could program (TRS-80 Model I), I've been programming for fun at home, and at school and later work. I can't imagine *not* doing that.

I'm still somewhat surprised by friends who do a lot of programming for their jobs, but don't even own a smartphone.