[drelihan]

Most of the comments seem to read a lot more into this that what the author of the article was proposing. The algorithm is sound. Talk to one person, get some knowledge/opinions and a list of other people to talk to. Repeat until no one is suggesting anyone new. The goal of the algorithm is to get a base sample of the project or organization so you can figure out where to start contributing and/or learning more. I have seen ( similar approach ) work in both individual contributor, manager, and investor role.

What the interviewer does with that information is another story ( likely multiple other stories ).