A Candid Letter to the Tech Snobs of the World
Written on
Chapter 1: The Call to Action
Dear Tech Snob,
Recently, I posed a question in a Cybersecurity group on Facebook. The reactions I received were enlightening, to say the least:
Photo by Dmitry Ulitin on Unsplash
While many offered valuable insights, there was one response that stood out for all the wrong reasons: yours.
I went through your comments multiple times and thought, Seriously? Is this how you choose to spend your time—venting your frustrations about me publicly?
There’s a lot to unpack in your comments, and I could easily go on a long-winded rant about it, but I want to focus on a few key points that you seem to overlook regarding the essence of sharing knowledge and supporting others.
Section 1.1: The Basics of Tech Knowledge
“Learn all the basics of how a computer actually works; that’s where to start.”
I’d genuinely like to know how you acquired all your knowledge about computers. Did you glean it from books, or did you learn through practical experience?
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in information systems, and during my academic journey, I was exposed to very little hands-on experience regarding the inner workings of computers. I skimmed through a textbook on hardware components, but that was about it.
I hadn’t even built a computer or installed an operating system until my first IT internship in my senior year.
Moreover, I’ve been tinkering with computers since I was in third grade. While I may not know every intricate detail, I consider myself quite tech-savvy compared to many of my peers—and possibly even you.
Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding and Asking for Help
“Regardless of your knowledge level, if you don’t fully comprehend what you’re doing, you’re a noob.”
As an engineer, I always ensure I understand the task at hand before proceeding. And when in doubt, I ask for assistance, which is precisely why I posted my question in that Facebook group.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with seeking help. I’ve learned this through experience. There have been numerous occasions where I could have saved a significant amount of time had I not been preoccupied with the fear of appearing foolish.
Now, I prioritize asking questions when I have them. Who cares what others might think? We can’t all possess complete knowledge—except for you, apparently.
At the end of the day, exceptional leaders hire individuals based on their character and drive, rather than their current knowledge. They recognize that while technical skills can be acquired, intrinsic motivation and the desire to learn cannot.
So, Tech Snob, I pity anyone who has worked or will work under your supervision. You’re certainly not a leader if your pastime includes belittling “noobs.”
Section 1.2: The Embarrassment Factor
“It’s almost embarrassing.”
You know what truly is embarrassing, Tech Snob? You. After reading your comments, I felt a sense of embarrassment for you. Amongst the many individuals who provided constructive feedback, you were the sole one to act in such a distasteful manner.
This behavior says a lot about your character. I can only imagine that many others who read your comments thought, “Wow, what a jerk.”
It’s also disheartening to realize how many people share your mindset, spending their free time disparaging others simply to boost their own egos. I hope you felt a sense of accomplishment when you were banned from the group.
So, Tech Snob, if you happen to read this, I urge you to reflect on your behavior before it leads to your own downfall. No one appreciates a know-it-all.
Have you heard the saying, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all”? It might be worth considering from now on.
Sincerely,
The Security Engineer Who Doesn’t Claim to Know Everything
Chapter 2: The Importance of Kindness in Tech
In this amusing video, Woody Harrelson reads a whimsical letter about a particularly grumpy cat, highlighting the importance of perspective and humor in our daily lives.
Benedict Cumberbatch discusses the significance of letters and fan mail on Newsnight, emphasizing the value of communication and connection in our digital age.
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