[wmccullough]

>A LOT of companies think what they're doing meets that definition when it really doesn't.

Can you back that up with data? The majority of companies in the US have zero problems hiring developers who aren't rockstars even when their business model is unique for their industry. My evidence is the disproportionate number of questions from developers on Stackoverflow asking things that they would know if they had a decent amount of mastery in their field.

[GVIrish]

I'm saying most companies that think they're doing something groundbreaking that requires one-of-a-kind talent are wrong. These are the companies that put out silly job ads about how they're looking for ninjas/rockstars/geniuses and they only hire the best of the best in the field. Then they want candidates to jump through their ridiculous interview hoops.

[chrisco255]

Honestly I think this is just a symptom of over optimism on any company's part. This is sort of like how everyone thinks they're better than average at driving. All companies want to believe they are better than average at hiring. They also "choose the best" when, really they're just choosing the best from their limited talent pool.