In working with technical professionals, I’m always facinated/concerned by the mythological fear surrounding some technologies. DNS, IPv6, Linux, and even the concept of text interfaces have all sent shivers down the spines of people I know. They’ll say things like “It’s working for some reason, so don’t touch it!” I even find myself saying these things after spending time with these folks. Unfortunately, working with opaque, proprietary operating systems and locked down *nix “appliances” encourages this attitude. When source code is hidden, it’s impossible for anyone outside the developing group to really know the inner workings and quirks of a technology.

Software is written by mere mortals and can be understood and mastered by mere mortals. I’m sick of the idea that it’s some unfathomable mystery.