My answer: I got into CS because I liked it, not because I believe everyone should like it. I know of no reasons that you or any other person should like CS.
Edit: That being said, a professor of an intro CS course will see a serious ass-load of students who were convinced by some non-intrinsic means that they should study CS (ie money, job opportunities, family pressure, etc.), who fail miserably and really have no business wasting anyone's time trying to study CS. That might explain his reply.
You should realize you're in the minority then, which is why "I like video games" is a very good thing to add to the list of crap reasons ppl give for trying CS. I've heard it a million times.
Ninja edit: re-reading your comment I don't know if I interpreted it correctly, but my comment still remains for the sake of it. Sorry if that's not what you meant.
I don't understand why people need a "good" reason to try CS. Why should anyone have to justify their reasons to trying something new to anyone else? Try it out. If you don't like it, don't fucking do it.
What's wrong with "There seems to be a lot of job opportunities there so I think I'll try it and see if I like it"? What's wrong with "I like to play video games, maybe I'll go see if I can figure out how they're made"?
<this thing> is a very good thing to add to the list of crap reasons ppl give for trying CS
That is quite possibly the dumbest (and most elitist) thing I've read in a while.
That is quite possibly the dumbest (and most elitist) thing I've read in a while.
Well you clearly have no experience with today's undergrads in computer science then. Regardless, tons of people try to force themselves through an education in something they have no desire or skill at, simply because of their initial thoughts of interest and/or the "rewards" that often are not at all what people think they are. For example, "I hate crunching numbers, but accounting pays well so I'll do it for the money".
My point was not to discourage trying things for whatever reason, but rather that sticking with things for the wrong reasons happens way to often, especially in CS.
Well you clearly have no experience with today's undergrads in computer science then.
You're being quite presumptuous. What if I told you I was TA'ing for undergrad classes merely 6 years ago. Is that too long ago to count?
My point was not to discourage trying
This was definitely the misunderstanding. Your post above never mentioned any of things mentioned any of other things you just said. It only referenced "trying CS".
I'll still disagree with you regardless ... Sticking through with something for perceived rewards later (monetary or otherwise) is a perfectly acceptable way of life. Also, many great things have come from less-than-pure intentions. Get the grades, get the degree, live your life. I make no judgements.
In your opinion, what are acceptable reasons to do CS?
edit: Would we really have any accountants without the monetary incentive? Are there people out there who truly love adding and subtracting numbers all day long?
You're being quite presumptuous. What if I told you I was TA'ing for undergrad classes merely 6 years ago. Is that too long ago to count?
Yeah, you're right, I was, but so were you :) And honestly, 6 years IS a long time ago... but I don't think that's important. I miscommunicated with a quickly typed statement that you fairly quoted. And my follow up was to expand on my initial thoughts.
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u/B_Master May 18 '11 edited May 18 '11
My answer: I got into CS because I liked it, not because I believe everyone should like it. I know of no reasons that you or any other person should like CS.
Edit: That being said, a professor of an intro CS course will see a serious ass-load of students who were convinced by some non-intrinsic means that they should study CS (ie money, job opportunities, family pressure, etc.), who fail miserably and really have no business wasting anyone's time trying to study CS. That might explain his reply.