A Different Dimension of Tech Commentary
Writing is an intensely satisfying way to communicate, but it lacks the nuance of body language and vocal tone. About three weeks ago, Leo Laporte and I recorded the very first episode of a new monthly show on the TWiT network. We briefly considered putting the name to a community vote, but we quickly landed on the title "Off By One."
The show is nearly two hours of pure joy from start to finish. We wanted to create something completely devoid of standard internet negativity. Instead, we focus on low level insanity, prop comedy, computing history, and the broader open web. Thanks to an introduction from a mutual friend, Leo and I now have a dedicated space to share our enthusiasm for the genuinely positive aspects of technology.
Advocating for Survivable Code
During the second episode, we touched on what it actually means to be a good programmer. I have never considered myself an elite coder by any stretch of the imagination, but I am undeniably persistent.
My primary advocacy revolves around what I call "survivable code." Good engineering is fundamentally a human process. It requires recognizing our own humanity and building processes that allow us to work together without burning out. Ideally, the best code is no code at all. But when we do have to write software, we should strive to create environments where we actually like the people we are building with.
Fixing the Second Gilded Age
We also ventured into heavier systemic issues. The tech industry has created massive financial windfalls, but it has also accelerated a second Gilded Age. We currently see more money concentrated in the hands of fewer people than in almost any other historical period.
I have researched this extensively and posted about it across various platforms. The math is relatively straightforward. If the United States collected a fair tax specifically targeting billionaires, we could literally eliminate all poverty in the country at the 100 percent federal poverty level threshold (roughly 15,000 USD per year). We possess the capital required to achieve zero poverty, we simply lack the political execution.
We essentially won capitalism, and now it is time to use those resources to improve the system for everyone else. I am deeply thankful to Leo and the TWiT network for giving me a venue to discuss these ideas. The show is free for everyone to view, and I hope it brings a bit of chaotic good into your monthly routine.