writing vs. programming

I’m struck by a difference between writing and computing as careers. The #1 advice to wannabe professional programmers is Know Your Stuff. For writers that’s only the #2 advice. The #1 advice to writers is Be Persistent. Writing is a more competitive field. I guess it’s because everybody thinks they can write, but a few people realize that they can’t program.

Originally written 1993.
Posted here April 2011.