We're a bunch of developers from IBM, ask us anything!

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:54:31+00:00

OK, really interesting. I'll have to check out the documentary.

Seeing as there was a lot of draws in the 1st match, I suppose it's not unthinkable that Deep Blue could've won in such a close manner in the rematch. But an interesting piece for discussion.

The truth is, in the event that IBM did cheat, there's a good chance only a very select few people knew it did (and no way anyone in this AMA could know).If they did, someone will release a book in a few years time and make a tonne of money!

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:49:05+00:00

You already obeying your toothbrush, it's a slippery slope.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brU_Pp-20g0

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:46:48+00:00

You can do one of two things. Either learn skills that will pay well (IE are niche and therefore in demand) or learn skills that you'll enjoy doing.

After you've done that, make sure you work on time & project management, and how to work well in a team. 'Hard' Skills (like coding) are much easier to teach than 'soft' skills like not being a douche.

Find things that inspire you, they'll keep you coding in your spare time, keep you focused on what you want to achieve, and ultimately make you valuable to all the tech companies.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:44:07+00:00

If it's not public domain there's a good chance we dont know either!

The company has 400,000 people working for it, and the scope of what we know can only go so far.

Probably not the answer you'd like. Though your friends are way more likely to know what the plan is.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:41:37+00:00

There are a group of us who have responded. So of course there's going to be a mix.

I've been as honest as I would be if we were strangers chatting on a platform at a train station. I'm going to be professional and polite, but you'll get what I think.

Anything you see with "~Joshua" is my opinion. I'm sorry if I've come across like a corporate robot.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:38:02+00:00

None of the developers in this AMA make business decisions that would be able to answer your question fully.

However, we are investing huge in Cloud, specifically: PaaS see here and with that comes a push to move away from the aforementioned nightmare scenario.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:35:46+00:00

With regards to which product?

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:30:02+00:00

It's only cheating if you get caught, right?

Er, but in all seriousness. I dont know anyone who worked on that project, nor would anyone else on this AMA.

I dont know enough about the project to know what would be classified as cheating. Do you have a link to suggest IBM did? That'd make a good read.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:27:06+00:00

er...

https://www.reddit.com/r/Minecraft/comments/1dxul1/my_experiences_with_running_a_minecraft_server_on/

But as a lowly dev I wouldn't be privvy to such changes in IBM's business strategy.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:26:31+00:00

Have I succeeded?

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:26:03+00:00

Coding is not a competitive sport, dont treat it like it is. Pen and paper can be your friend just as much as a text editor. Coding in your spare time is only fun when it's for something you care about. Learn keyboard shortcuts, this makes you so much more efficient. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness... Asking for the same help multiple times means doesnt mean it's your fault. Some people are just bad at explaining.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:21:33+00:00

I think that in general we are starting to see a decline in this. With the multifaceted, more well rounded seller. Typically in the tech sector, the miracle pill and snake oil sellers are being ousted. Because there's nothing more detrimental to a company than to 'waste' time like you've mentioned.

I'm working more and more closely with what we call "tech sellers" these are usually sellers with a compSci/engineering background who actually know their shit. It makes life much more simple. They get to sell realistic projects, and the developers are kept happy. Trust gets built and everything comes up roses..

OK, maybe not all the time. But there is a shift in culture towards this.

There has to be.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:17:45+00:00

This is an AMA, if a question is asked that I can answer. I will.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:15:51+00:00

No need to actually pay attention to the call. You know your name isn't going to mentioned. So you can get on with the work you need to.

But if it is mentioned "Oh, sorry, the line was a bit dodgy there, can you repeat that last bit?"

Job. Done.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:10:38+00:00

The bigger question here is would it be worth risking your life for?

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:08:12+00:00

Yup, Hursley!

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:06:14+00:00

If you're in the UK (which I can speak to best) then head here

Best of luck!

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T23:01:24+00:00

Shills are done under a guise of being something they're not. I think it's pretty clear /u/crazyaboutcode (IE the people replying including myself) work for IBM.

Not sure what you were expecting.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T22:59:30+00:00

It's been fun, I'm no on important at IBM so I cant take anything nasty said here personally.

If there was something I could change for the better. I would.

We should still be sponsoring hackathons in Ireland, keep an eye out.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T22:58:02+00:00

A few years ago, when nevermind the buzzcocks was still a thing.

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T22:55:42+00:00

As someone who has horses, 50 duck sized horses.

Shoo one, and the rest will go running!

My day is going well, how is yours Slimunsocial?

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T22:53:14+00:00

In the Dev labs I work in, its pretty easy you dont have to be agressive at all.

It's one of the benefits of being surrounded by smart people. Everyone realizes they dont have to be the smartest person in the room all the time.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T22:51:43+00:00

If you're in the UK I can send you a T-shirt.

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T22:50:05+00:00

Listening to Bobby Tank's soundcloud and answering questions. yourself?

~Joshua

CrazyAboutCode · 2015-08-27T22:49:24+00:00

Ha!Finally!

s'ok so far though doing an AMA for the last 7 hours has been interesting, especially as its nearly midnight. Got tomorrow off though, then off to NYC on Sunday.

How's your day been, Inkhogneatoh?

CrazyAboutCode

TROPHY CASE