I do think the original[1] is worth a read. Even if I didn't like the style, I can appreciate the message: complexity is a cost, spend your complexity budget on things that matter, take the 80/20 Pareto win, no silver bullet, Chesterton's fence, etc. Importantly, the original is ever so slightly self-deprecating in a way that the intended audience can appreciate.
Compare this quote from the OP.
> Even when new grug shout loudly, important not to give new grug too much shiny rock. Why? First: make sure new grug really want to join tribe, make tribe strong.
Those who have read enough startup executive "thought leadership" probably recognize this idea: don't hire people who care about competitive compensation - those who work for passion will accept less. For the record, I personally think this idea is inherently toxic and exploitative - but let's put that aside for a moment. Even if one were to accept that idea as valid, this framing comes off as infantilizing. The same tone that was at least arguably acceptable for self-deprecation is entirely inappropriate for deprecating others.
I can only imagine this guy's employees are going to have a bad time.
I'd take a freelancer / mercenary who wants to get stuff done, invoice me and afford their own house - over someone from /r/anti-work
I think the point (in the article, at least, and maybe I’m losing something in the way it’s been written) is that a freelancer who offers to do the work for a justifiable/earned amount is better than hiring the guy who wants a VP/C/staff/whatever title and thinks their salary (and their equity) is important as a matter of prestige and because they showed up, rather than output.
This article, past the similar language, has very much a vibe of "this is the way to do it, trust in yourself, don't listen to haters, don't hire HR". Theres 0 mention of listening to customers or your team; the assumption is your instincts and existing skills are definitely good enough and you don't need to learn anything more?!
treve•3h ago
bhaney•3h ago
RealityVoid•3h ago
Loughla•3h ago
I'm not sure what I'm missing.
patcon•3h ago
[1]: "weird" in the sense that it turns it upside down, to make the familiar unfamiliar and give new perspective. As described better in this article: https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2016/09/22/speak-weirdness-to-tru...
airstrike•3h ago
happytoexplain•3h ago
Maybe this one's execution isn't great, and maybe the joke doesn't work at this length - but the origin of the humor? Not to be insulting, but that's akin to a Lieutenant Commander Data question...
treve•3h ago
codeulike•3h ago
mkoubaa•3h ago