Peopleware - A New Selfhood

Recognition is everything. There is no more pretending and walking around the periphery.  I can now call myself a techie and truly embrace the geek culture! I have just stumbled upon this new term – peopleware.  At least it is a new term for me, and interestingly Microsoft Word spellcheck does not recognize it.  But the techies do and that is all that matters, although, they do not necessarily agree on a set definition. But for the moment, I am going to revel in the recognition.

Before I go further, here's the peopleware definition (actually more of an explanation) from TechTerms.com. “Computers operate using a combination of hardware and software. However, without user interaction, most computers would be useless machines. Therefore, ‘peopleware’ is sometimes  considered a third aspect that takes into account the importance of humans in the computing process. Peopleware is less tangible than hardware or software, since it can refer to many different things. Examples of peopleware include individual people, groups of people, project teams, businesses, developers, and end users.” End user is the key factor for my newfound feeling of inclusion and identity.

We (those of us not in the tech world) have been on a constant climb to keep up with technology and all things computer – mobile devices and accessories I cannot begin to list. There has been no rest. Ahhh, but now there is recognition, “without the interaction computers would be useless machines.” (Note that I deleted the word “most.”) I realize, of course, the most important interaction is consuming – knowledge and product. I am well versed at one of these, which is why I am so pleased to be recognized as a part of this new age of technology - this renaissance, as I have a vested interest, as well.

In exploring the peopleware definition further, I found other considerations that imply a creative tension in process. Techopedia’s definition was similar to TechTerm’s and others, but added this statement. “The use of the term peopleware has led to a vibrant debate about how companies view human talent. Many individual IT specialists, bloggers and others see this type of classification as demeaning, and argue that human workers are not resources but independent parts of a team structure.” The article continued to say that this issue (this concept in the midst of being created) would become more prevalent as certain sectors (corporate and techies identified by Techopedia) of our culture clash.

As if perfectly programed, this situation loops right around to SELF Search. We should each have a vibrant debate within ourselves to explore the value of human talent and our personal talents. This goes beyond our ownership of products and knowledge of technology. It goes to the vast creative aspects of ourselves that dare to go beyond what is, to what could be. It goes the insights and inspirations that create computers and cultures – world cultures and personal cultures.

And so, I have created a new self-hood, one that includes identifying as peopleware. 
Of course, you are peopleware, too.

The Search is on, so is the revelry.  Join me.