Perpetual motion controller

Thanks! (especially since I ramble on so much).

Don't you worry, I've had my share of *those* people you describe. The trick is to get yourself into a position, or place that doesn't have *those* people. I've had a few jobs in my life that horrified me, while I've had jobs that were the greatest thing since [ insert-your-favorite-thing here ].

I'm currently doing some work with people who have a clue, and boy-o-boy is that nice.

NOTE: All of the military related stuff have the cream of the crop R&D engineers on the teams. At some of these 'primes' an engineer would have to work there for 15-20 years on military/aerospace stuff before being allowed into an R&D team, so by the time they're On The Team, they're gooooood. Believe me, I've felt like the 'idiot' in the room, but somehow have managed to keep my head above water.

Even so, these engineers & scientists get it wrong sometimes. (for example, uh just look around everywhere). So when I see these Code-Monkeys doing their "isn't this the coolest code-fragment ever, cuz I do this thing in which you can't tell its doing it 'cuz I used the side-effect of that to do this and it is so tight nobody but 'smart-people' can figure it out" crap, I fear for my kid's lives.

Yet, while even these 'great places to work' are sweet, they can have their idiotic bosses, coworkers, *them*, etc (ALL of my current co-workers and bosses are super-cool), but you'll still get *them* from time to time. NEVER under-estimate their ability to screw you over though. You might think you're Sittin' Pretty and there is no way they can touch you---and then wow---suddenly 'stupidity strikes' and you get screwed.

NEVER EVER let *them* have the upper hand. Don't give them something to 'catch you on' or allow yourself to be the scape-goat.

Spot *them*, watch *them*, and avoid *them* as much as you can. And when you have to interact with *them*, make sure you are viewed as being a 'good guy' and doing the best you can FOR THEM. *Those* people will stab you in the back--and fast. Make sure your back isn't turned their way or provide them with a target.

I'm doing some live-saving bio-science stuff now. If I get it wrong, they just won't know they'll die... so since--in-effect--that outcome could be changed, I'm doing that whole Human Safety Factor cra--stuff again... Oh, we'll be doing the whole government compliance stuff too. Don't get much more fun than going through the Formal Qualification processes. Almost as much fun as writing the documentation.

--Cpt. Vince Foster
2nd Cannon Place
Fort Marcy Park, VA

P.S. When I fly on airplanes, I'm not worried. I just don't think about the zillion 'oops' that could be flying with me. I've seen these planes being manufactured, and it does make me feel 'more safe' knowing the amount of effort and quality they put into these airplanes. Uh, at least here in the USA. I'm not going to vouch for some "Biafra Airlines" plane though.

Thanks! (especially since I ramble on so much).

Don't you worry, I've had my share of *those* people you describe. The trick is to get yourself into a position, or place that doesn't have *those* people. I've had a few jobs in my life that horrified me, while I've had jobs that were the greatest thing since [ insert-your-favorite-thing here ].

I'm currently doing some work with people who have a clue, and boy-o-boy is that nice.

NOTE: All of the military related stuff have the cream of the crop R&D engineers on the teams. At some of these 'primes' an engineer would have to work there for 15-20 years on military/aerospace stuff before being allowed into an R&D team, so by the time they're On The Team, they're gooooood. Believe me, I've felt like the 'idiot' in the room, but somehow have managed to keep my head above water.

Even so, these engineers & scientists get it wrong sometimes. (for example, uh just look around everywhere). So when I see these Code-Monkeys doing their "isn't this the coolest code-fragment ever, cuz I do this thing in which you can't tell its doing it 'cuz I used the side-effect of that to do this and it is so tight nobody but 'smart-people' can figure it out" crap, I fear for my kid's lives.

Yet, while even these 'great places to work' are sweet, they can have their idiotic bosses, coworkers, *them*, etc (ALL of my current co-workers and bosses are super-cool), but you'll still get *them* from time to time. NEVER under-estimate their ability to screw you over though. You might think you're Sittin' Pretty and there is no way they can touch you---and then wow---suddenly 'stupidity strikes' and you get screwed.

NEVER EVER let *them* have the upper hand. Don't give them something to 'catch you on' or allow yourself to be the scape-goat.

Spot *them*, watch *them*, and avoid *them* as much as you can. And when you have to interact with *them*, make sure you are viewed as being a 'good guy' and doing the best you can FOR THEM. *Those* people will stab you in the back--and fast. Make sure your back isn't turned their way or provide them with a target.

I'm doing some live-saving bio-science stuff now. If I get it wrong, they just won't know they'll die... so since--in-effect--that outcome could be changed, I'm doing that whole Human Safety Factor cra--stuff again... Oh, we'll be doing the whole government compliance stuff too. Don't get much more fun than going through the Formal Qualification processes. Almost as much fun as writing the documentation.

--Cpt. Vince Foster
2nd Cannon Place
Fort Marcy Park, VA

P.S. When I fly on airplanes, I'm not worried. I just don't think about the zillion 'oops' that could be flying with me. I've seen these planes being manufactured, and it does make me feel 'more safe' knowing the amount of effort and quality they put into these airplanes. Uh, at least here in the USA. I'm not going to vouch for some "Biafra Airlines" plane though.