[magic_hamster]

Programmers have low IQ? That's a first. The common stigma as I see it is that programmers (or "computer people") are socially awkward.

And in that regard, I think there's a lot to be said for the medium here. There are certainly clever and highly technical people lurking around, but the ability to articulate your thoughts before posting anything is extremely helpful in conveying a clear, well put message. You have the time to really think about what you're saying.

However, this does not immediately translate to interpersonal abilities - charisma included. Talking in meetings, arguing in real time, and most of all being in a leadership position, those are totally different skills. If you're already there, though, it is easier to sound confident, and lots of people around here are at least somewhat experienced in the tech world.

[roland35]

I _think_ the OP means "EQ", not "IQ", i.e. Emotional Quotient. Engineers certainly have a reputation of having lower EQ but I haven't seen this in practice. Just like any group of people there is going to be a range.

[magic_hamster]

I can see how OP might have meant to write EQ. Oh well. I think overall, the days of stereotypical genius engineers lacking in social skills are mostly a thing of the past. People are on a social spectrum regardless of their technical skill.

[bitshiftfaced]

> Well, if I couldn't sell propane, like, like if I hit my head and went dumb and just couldn't be trusted with it then, yeah, I might consider going into systems [analyst].