The problem with working in any particular industry is that you get caught up in the echo chamber that surrounds it.
While the rest of the world goes about its’ daily business, you find yourself swimming in the jargon, drama, politics, and boring minutia of whatever professional realm you happen to be in.
Lately I’ve been surrounded by chatter about social media, mobile applications, and web technology. It’s fascinating stuff, and I really enjoy these subjects, but I fear that I’m losing perspective on the bigger picture.
Lean app startups are fine and dandy, but do we really need another Instagram for X, or Pinterest for Y?
There are other problems in the world just waiting to be solved. And I’m not talking about getting involved with global politics or humanitarian crises around the world. They’re noble causes, sure, but I feel that there are far more pragmatic (and local) things for developers — novice and experienced alike — to sink their teeth into.
