I skimmed a bunch of passages in this, but I honestly don't get the whole "software craftsmanship" movement. all I see is common sense ideas dressed up with vapid motivational speakerisms. what am I missing here? am I just lucky because I've never worked in a dysfunctional software sweatshop?
I agree, but it is still a comforting entrance sign for those who fear programming. It is common sense, yes, but the interest of it is to show that general principles also stand for software development.
I guess I can see some value to the complete beginner, but I don't see the point of conferences dedicated to the topic (aside from the usual networking, vendor schwag, and food and travel paid for by your employer, of course)