[mduerksen]

Fearlessness of being controversial could indeed be a good charactistic of both a rockstar and a programmer who wants to make a difference. Yet, I can't image that's the quality a company is looking for when they search for a rockstar programmer. And if they do, I can't image that's what they will get.

Being egomanic and making a difference for the better is hardly the same.

[rorymarinich]

Well, that's why looking for a "rockstar programmer" probably isn't the best thing to actively seek in an employee. Not unless you're only looking to be a "cool rad" company and not an efficient company that gets things done.