>As software developers we are always in the same business, it never changes. That really is one of the subtle aspects of the drills and holes story. If you think you are in the software development business you are making the same mistake that B&D and the railroad companies made. The business of software developers is not developing software; its solving problems and creating solutions. If you could solve your clients problems by, for example, buying software off the shelf then you would become a software buyer/seller, not a developer.
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>Personally I don't consider myself as a software developer at all. I'm a business person that currently uses software (bought and made) to solve problems my customers have. if tomorrow I could solve those problems more efficiently and effectively in a completely different way I would do so.
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I can certainly relate to that part. I tell people I solve business problems and use computers because that often helps, but I would just as readily do it with voodoo dolls if I thought that would work better.

But in regard to my original ranting, I was speaking more on the psychological level as one whose life experience has been shaped by ADD and dilettantism. And that causes me to step back one step further - away from the profession itself.

I am only attracted to computers, software and solving business problems because I find it very challenging and ever changing and often requires quickly assimilating a lot of information on a big-picture level and somehow coming up with a solution. I like doing something that is very fluid in its requirements, components, personnel and outcomes.

And I found that when I did not put those kinds of challenges to myself mentally I would seek validation in less mental and often (well, ok, always) more dangerous pursuits in an attempt to stave off boredom.

I realize this is more attempting to exorcise one's personal demons ( or at least channel them ) than it is an adult approach to pursuing a profession but knowing me, that hardly surprises me. Those who knew me 30 years ago marvel that I am alive and even more so that I am doing something so ... normal. <bg>



>>The classic comment on this topic was by Tom Watson, the early leader of IBM. (Not the golfer). He said the railroad companies went wrong thinking they were in the railroad business, not the transportation business.
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>>I guess as software developers we are in the ultimate ever-changing business. A year ago is a long time ago in software.
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>>>I generally agree with what you have said except for me creativity, learning and expanding one's world lies not in the development tool or platform but in the application of those tools to solving the problem. I really couldn’t care less about the tool per se. I have no attachment to development tools, including VFP. I care about the solution I end up with.
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>>>There is a classic management tale about Black & Dekker, the power tool company. When the management were asked by a business consultant what business they thought they were in the management resoundingly said electric drills (this was back in the day when they only did drills). The consultant replied that this was, in fact, not their business at all. B&D are in the business of selling holes. If tomorrow they invented a device which made those holes with a laser they would be selling lasers and not electric drills. They are in the hole making business. Similarly for me. I am not in the development tool business and learning a new one does not enhance my life per se. The solutions I put together with whatever development tools I use enhance my life and business.
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