[benjvi]

This post highlights something that can be a problem with the contracting of workers. Namely, that Albert will be more in demand than Zip, despite having built an inferior system. The failure of the business, in real life, is probably not attributable to him - there are many other variables that one could point the finger at (low demand, location, infrastructure, sourcing prices, etc..). And, the manager will often not understand what truly constitutes a "best-practice", maintainable solution. So, by default, he probably ends up being paid more, and is seen to be more important and accomplished as well.

So, where is the incentive for the handyman to act like Albert? And how do you identify these people?

[twic]

Reminds me of Fred and Jane:

http://groups.csail.mit.edu/mac/ftpdir/users/mrb/Hacks/Plans...

Jane came to us with a great reputation. We thought she was going to be as brilliant as Fred. But she hasn't really proved herself yet. We've given her a few problems that we thought were going to be really tough, but when she finished it turned out they weren't really difficult at all. Most of them turned out pretty simple.