Blowhard Jamboree

AntiPattern Problem

The opinions of so-called industry experts often influence technology decisions. Controversial reports that criticize particular technologies frequently appear in popular media and private publications.

In addition to technical responsibilities, developers spend too much time answering the concerns of managers and decision makers arising from such reports.

Many of these so-called experts are misinformed; occasionally, they represent biased viewpoints. Often, the information they are reporting is second-hand. Rarely is there any hands-on research and experience backing up their conclusions.

Refactored Solution

An in-house expert on each key technology is an invaluable asset to every organization. He or she can discriminate between facts, misinformation, and opinions in popular media and other reports.

If your organization does not have in-house experts, appoint staff to follow particular technologies and develop their expertise through reading, training courses, standards activities, and hands-on experiments, such as prototyping.

Electronic mailing lists often contribute to the spread of misinformation. Therefore, avoid forwarding press releases to such lists. Press releases are properly called propaganda; they circulate selected information that benefits a particular organization. As an alternative, direct an in-house expert to disseminate a factual summary of important announcements.