This post originated from an RSS feed registered with Java Buzz by Carlos Perez. Original Post: Do You Want To Remain A Sharecropper? Feed Title: .:Manageability:. Feed URL: http://www.manageability.org/blog/stuff/rssDisabled?portal_status_message=Syndication+is+Disabled Feed Description: Random thoughts on the manageability of complex software. Latest Java Buzz Posts Latest Java Buzz Posts by Carlos Perez Latest Posts From .:Manageability:.

Tim Bray has a very insightful piece about the economics of being a "Sharecropper". Unfortunately, he digresses and talks a lot about the value of simplified interfaces. 

Strategically speaking a software product developer isn't in a good position if he's a sharecropper.  However, it doesn't mean it's a bad tactic. Many times its the only way to get a start.  Not everyone has the money to buy a farm when they start out.  The key though is to remember as a sharecropper you're working on borrowed time. 

On the otherhand,  Eric Sink's provides a very compelling strategy of how look like  a sharecropper but actually not be one.  Find the area that your haciendado isn't doing well at, and then build an alternative business based on his weakness.  Of course, never try to take away a lucrative part of your haciendado's business.  Concentrate only on the small enchiladas, the places where it's not worth his while or beneath him.  Yes, like collecting the garbage, someone needs to do it and almost everyone I know pays someone else to do it. 

So in short, maybe being a garbage collector is better than being a sharecropper.  Of course, don't ever work for a garbage collector, that's like being a sharecropper and a garbage collector at the same time, don't know if anyone would enjoy that!