>Well, I have an advanced degree, but probably pretty rare on this group. I've got an MFA with an emphasis in painting. Wife and kids didn't like the starving artist gig.
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>In 20 years of developing software, and over 10 of managing software projects, I've only had to fire one programmer. He had MS in Computer Science from a reputable engineering college in Indiana. The best developer (once you understood his personality quirks) that I ever had working for me was a high-school drop-out. Guy named Dave Haxton - and yes it was the Dave Haxton on the Apple commercials.
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>Wonder if there is a pattern here?

Mark;

I created a examination to give to prospective employees. It was a rough test and the best anyone had done was 25% correct. 20% was considered a passing score. One fellow took the test and got 100%! He would only talk to you by facing his body and head away at a 90 degree angle, regardless of whom he talked to. After introducing myself to him he said, “My name is ‘Ocean’”! That was it! That was also the name on the application. This fellow was brilliant, spaced out and possessed a few anti social traits I will not go into. I suggested he would be happier elsewhere so he left.

Tom