RE: Re: OT - poor word choice re: Managing Extreme P rogr amming

Dale Emery said:
> > Because "resources" is also (and perhaps primarily in the world as a
> > whole) used for inanimate objects, computers, offices, 
> time, money...
> 
> So "developer" at least implies that you're human (until we 
> can automate the development process!), and "resource" doesn't.

Yes, I think that's the crux of it.

Elsewhere Dale Emery said:
> The name "developer" would offend less.  It more specifically 
> names the particular value I provide.  By calling me 
> "developer," you name the particular value you receive from 
> me.  If that's the value I see myself as delivering to you, 
> the value that I take pride in delivering, life is good.

Yes, but it still has to do with the context.

I don't mind being part of the companies resources, but it's dehumanizing to
use the term resources when you're only talking about people working under
your management.  (The term "human resources" isn't much better, and seems
to be falling out of favor except as the name of the personnel department.)
I don't mind being a developer, but it's dehumanizing to use that term
instead of my name when you're only talking about me.

Elsewhere Steve Ropa said:
> As a manager, I often refer to myself as "overhead".  People 
> seem to enjoy that.

Perhaps, but that doesn't remove the offense of calling someone "resource"
any more than referring to yourself as "massa" removes the sting of calling
a slave "boy."

If I use an insulting name for someone who has power over me and over whom I
have no power, I'm being foolish, but the insult will generally be lightly,
or briefly, felt--if at all.  If I use an insulting name for someone over
whom I have power and who has no power over me, the insult will generally be
deeply felt and linger a long time--perhaps forever.

 - George

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