I'm not saying that having a blog makes you an "accomplished author" as the original commentator suggests I was implying, I'm just saying that seeing your work is the easiest/only way to screen for talent.
For a design candidate? Curious why you think that...
Would their academic credentials have been more helpful?
I also caveated that comment: I may be missing out on some good candidates, but seeing something they've created is the only way I know how to screen design candidates. Perhaps that does make me an idiot :(
So was the recruiter pulling a spam shotgun, or did that engineer just do a really great job of self-promotion?
Also, of the portfolio sites you linked, Sacha's seems to be the good one. The others make errors ranging from "dies with no JavaScript" (Alex, Zach) to "spends the whole page talking about their childhood" (Zach) to "what is this, I don't even" (Dustin). Alex and Zach pass if we're talking about a junior role, but I'd filter them if it was for a sole or senior role.
What about the Atlassian approach [0]? They give the recruiters a chance to prove that they can deliver excellence and if not, both parties know it won't work out. I think it's a good model for the employer and the job-seeker.
p.s. I found out about this via this video: [1], scroll for transcript.
I live with the founders so I've had Lockitron for about a year. in my unbiased opinion: it's absolutely amazing especially if you have a lot of house guests (hacker sleepovers).
I'd be interested to hear what kind of backups the founders have. My biggest worry would be what do I do if something happens to my phone while I'm out: broken, mugged, or even just the battery died. It would suck if on top of that I couldn't get into my own house. Do you guys still take your keys with you, or keep a spare around?
I haven't met the guy, but now I like him. And I am pulling for him. So he has accomplished at least that.
And don't worry, his investors knew that he had no idea what he was doing when they wired him the money. If they didn't, it's their own fault. At least he knows what he doesn't know, which is more than I can say for most people.
OK Rich, I know it's just good clean fun (especially today), so I'll see your "We Pay Haiku" and raise you a...
Hacker News Dilemma
You work your butt off on your blog
Providing content that's all the rage,
But no matter how hard you try and try
You can't hit the Hacker News front page.
Then someone takes your picture
Goofing off or rolling joints,
And there your are at Number 1
Voted up with 42 points.
What did you think was going to happen?! [in my bed Ed Norton voice]
Folks seeing this might not understand the degree of annoyance this company has caused. I've personally been called at least 40 times, half of those AFTER I shut down Tipjoy.
