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I think your criteria sound very fair. I would be curious to know how many generalists - which is what you seem to be describing - are able to produce the kind of 1000x returns that PG was describing though. Perhaps your definition of a great programmer is simply more reasonable and accessible?


I believe 1000x is likely a combination of luck and a bunch of pre-conditions. Something like this: 1. you got a 10x-person or a bunch of 2x-5x ppl. 2. your organisation doesn't drag down this constellation; but actually supports it. 3. the right problem arrives and the right tools are close to be at the needed level; but before it's obvious to anybody but a few.

A note regarding the "right" problem. I believe there are a lot of problems that a "10"x won't achieve his/her true potential "10"x speed. I think the "right" problem is more like a problem that matches the skills of the tea very well. The match might not be that obvious.




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