Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

October 16, 2008 4:13:09 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Programmers Take on Rock Star Status

Posted Jan 23, 08 12:45 PM CST in Technology 

(Newser) – A growing number of computer programmers aren’t content to be anonymous code monkeys: Today’s most talented tech nerds are paid exorbitantly well to turn out brilliant code, and can even earn a small amount of fame doing it, ComputerWorld reports. “Some developers base their careers around eventually becoming rock stars,” while others “practically worship” at their “virtual altar,” said one writer who rates programmers.

Coding contests give the would-be software gods a way to make a name for themselves – one frequent winner, known as Tomek, is treated like a celebrity in Poland, even appearing on a billboard and inspiring a rap song. At the same time, deep-pocketed tech companies are desperate to find the most brilliant developers, and will pay to get them.

Source ComputerWorld

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Want to Vote, O'Connor? Think Again

    Feb 22, 08 4:00 PM CST
    Want to Vote, O'Connor? Think Again The Information Age has been bad news for O'Connors, D'Angelos, Al-Husseins, and Van Kemps everywhere. Apostrophes in Irish, French, Italian, and African last names; hyphens in Arab names; and spaces in Dutch ones cause their owners endless headaches when computer systems reject or mis-record them, reports the AP, blocking them from voting, booking flights, and taking college exams. More »

TopCoder Inc offers $50,000 to first place winners at its annual TopCoder Open in Las Vegas.   (topcoder.com)
The Top 5 competitors pose for a photo at the 2007 TopCoder Open.   ((c) Luís Guilherme)
If you're a rockstar of the coding world, the TopCoder competition in Las Vegas is prepared to offer you fame and fortune.   (Shutterstock.com)
Competitors break for "Guitar Hero" at the 2007 Topcoder Open.   ((c) mecruns24)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
TopCoder Webcast   (FouQuoi (YouTube))

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 1)

Tags

software  • computer programming  • programmers


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Technology Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »