The reason we enjoy Stack Overflow is because we can be successful very easily and quickly. There are enough questions here that we can find one that we are able to answer - this is a win. Then people up vote or accept the answer, and we feel very successful.

At most jobs you probably don't have a project that can be completed to success in the same amount of time. And if you did then you probably wouldn't have someone come put a big gold star on your computer monitor, or some other instant recognition of your success. Most likely you just get another change request in your queue.

With Stack Overflow there is no feature backlog or deadlines, which makes it significantly less stressful and more enjoyable.

I know Kathy Sierra has written about how much people enjoy feeling smart and like a winner. This was the closest I could come.

rumors http://headrush.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/rumours.jpg

The reason we enjoy Stack Overflow is because we can be successful very easily and quickly. There are enough questions here that we can find one that we are able to answer - this is a win. Then people up vote or accept the answer, and we feel very successful.

At most jobs you probably don't have a project that can be completed to success in the same amount of time. And if you did then you probably wouldn't have someone come put a big gold star on your computer monitor, or some other instant recognition of your success. Most likely you just get another change request in your queue.

With Stack Overflow there is no feature backlog or deadlines, which makes it significantly less stressful and more enjoyable.

I know Kathy Sierra has written about how much people enjoy feeling smart and like a winner. This was the closest I could come.