"We chose node.js for a few reasons. The first was, we simply wanted to play with a new technology."
Well at least he's honest, but this seems like an exceedingly bad reason to choose a technology stack.
Well at least he's honest, but this seems like an exceedingly bad reason to choose a technology stack.
That sounds like a good reason to me.
It depends on the context. If it's a developer's side project, why not? If it's a businessperson's project that you are under contract to build, then yes, it's a bad reason.
Additionally, you can exploit the python paradox to get amazing developers.
No it doesn't. If you see the promise and potential value of a new technology that solves a problem, you jumping aboard to play could mean the difference between a problem being solved or not.
A lot of very powerful influential projects were started by people who wanted their end users to "play" with their technology.
It's good to see these Django guys having to use questionable tactics to challenge node.js.
I sat in on his speech "Why Django Sucks, and How We Can Fix It" at Djangocon last year:
http://djangocon.blip.tv/file/4112452/
And he gave a lot of tough love to Django in front of most of the establishment and people who are hardcore Djangonauts.
Speaking of questionable tactics, why create a HN account just for the express purpose of attacking him?