I can't speak for all of you... The engineers, the developers, the analysts, etc. But from my own point of reference, the 1990s were a time of "unbridled" NEW hope for technical companies... The number of IPO's, Yahoo and companies offered a time with very prosperous growth. If you would the beginning of the Bell Curve and the entrepreneurs who were "early adopters". All those technical folks felt like they were a part of a "revolution" ... a source or way to a better life.
But as the years moved on and the "revolution" slowed in the 2000s... Every technical person felt for the most part that the "revolution" had ended (even thought it's still not 100% true... there have been more companies emerging from Silicon Valley). The industry (in my opinion) used to have a lot of "good people" that hoped technology would free them and allow them to live substantially "better lives". More "open", more "freedom", etc. And I talk about this is terms of freedom from "financial burdens".
But as time has progressed into the 2010s, the bell curve has moved on the people involved in the industry has "changed". In my opinion, from what I have seen work-wise (and I've seen over 20 years worth of it), people have become "dispassionate" (clique-ish), controlled (like dogs mawing for a bone), guarded (self-protection) and the worst filtrated (where your experience no longer matters... it's like a "club" and they are keeping good people from reasonable jobs).
Here's a DILBERT "example" of what I mean:
And so we've all learned that Kickstarter is like the "late 2010s" REVOLUTION. A chance to recapture the "Glory Days" which require a lot of technical know-how... Bringing "good people" together again. In the attempt to "flourish" as we once thought was possible in our "day jobs". And I'm not the only one who feels this way, my previous boss the CTO talks about how things ARE DIFFERENT.
If those "early adopters" have tried to "move on" to better pastures, I might (I say "might" because not everyone has the same motives or motivation) have to say a lot of "good" technical folks want to find "SOMETHING" which will allow them to lead BETTER LIVES.
Anyway just some "ramblings" from a person who has SEEN a lot in his years working for other people. Remember a lot of people have moved on to better lives, and are now pursuing their OWN ambitions. However there are a good many of us who were not as fortunate... And so this is like a Second or Third or many Fourth chance...! LOL I don't want it to feel like everything is so gray.
And I didn't want this post to feel "un-genuine"... And too serious. It's just one person's experience and perspective. Maybe you do associate with some of what I say, maybe it is completely foreign to you.
Note: I know I mentioned "financial burdens" and "better pastures" and you must be thinking that ALL I am talking about is monies. Actually it's only partially true, I talking about "doing things YOU LOVE!" I can't believe how I used to wake up in the morning and LOVE to go to work. And I'm a Software Engineer. Completely LOVED IT. The people have changed and well I'm not so PASSIONATE "about IT work" as before.
But I am VERY passionate about "TableTop Game Design". Be it what may be a "Hobby", it is very serious for me. I'm no Jamey Stegmaier ... but I feel I understand his ambitions. Now I "LOVE" "Game Design"... Fuck SOFTWARE... Let the a-holes and their club ... you know where they can go! LOL
So in reality it is NOT about only monies. It's about exploring ideas, sharing thoughts on "Game Mechanics"... Talking with the other "Good people"...! People who in some amount UNDERSTAND what it is you LOVE to do!
Cheers everyone... I hope I don't sound like an "Old Fool"!
