The Metaprogrammer
This effect is observable not only in the programming community, but in many others. Best example would be photography, where people spend much more time discussing their equipment and the newest lenses instead of going out and actually take pictures.I had to experience this for myself when searching for new hobbies. With most of them, I spent most time with the meta, e.g., which fountain pen to use for my writing or what the best ball bearings for my skateboard are.I think in comes down to "I want to be a writer, but I don't want to write. I want to be a photographer, but I don't want to take pictures. I want to be a skateboarder, but I don't actually want to skate." Why I want to be something but not actually practice the trade is another question (prestige, self-identification?). I wonder if others have experienced the same.