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Comment by bdr | Hacker News Reader

Hence the footnote. It's a little in-joke that it seems you didn't find funny. I encourage anyone who's turned off by that part of the job post to please apply anyways. My above post was made as an individual, not as a representative of the company, and cannot be taken as a representative sample of Disqus's mean level of seriousness.

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Don't worry, there's no permanent damage, and Disqus does seem like an interesting company. :-)

I think I, and a lot of people, respond to ninja, etc., negatively not because They're Silly Words And This Is Serious Business, but just because they're tired and non-descriptive. I have about the same response to something like, "Senior Solutions Manager". It's not a logical reaction based on evaluating the company, more like just an automatic, "Ugh..."

"I think I, and a lot of people, respond to ninja, etc., negatively"

Unfortunately words like that have become a bit "buzzy" with HR and management (non-techie) types: "Oh, so all we have to do is say 'ninja' or 'rockstar' and we're instantly cool and really talented people will want to work here. Can I be a rockstar too, pls?"

While that might be true, my reaction comes from seeing it overused by techie folks that can't manage to state what they want, and the closest they've been able to figure out is a euphemism for a workaholic with more enthusiasm than expertise.

"a workaholic with more enthusiasm than expertise"

I've spent the last twenty years becoming a slacker with more expertise than enthusiasm, so I'm with you there ;)

It's true -- all serious business here. Smiles are to be left at the door.

Damn. If I weren't deliriously happy with where I am, I'd consider applying just because you said "mean level of seriousness"

Where are you?

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