[mdlug-discuss] The Market for Lemons

[Robert Meier]

Ray,

> Of course, work on open-source projects allows one to convey accurate and
> useful information about one's competency and skill set.

I agree this is true to a much greater degree in volunteer community
(well-correlated with open-source) projects than proprietary projects.

> So that portion of the model breaks down (the 'buyer'/employer
> *can* get information about the 'good'/seller before 'buying'/hiring)
> - *if* employers avail themselves of it.

I disagree that the model breaks down.
I find your use of *'s for emphasis an indication that you have observed
the same as I (stated below).

My actual observations are that current employment decisions are made
nearly exclusively by people who claim a financial background,
and proudly or apologetically deny any technical knowledge.
These people call themselves recruiters or HR.
Even in the relatively cases when testing or technical interviews have
been involved, the test or interview was apparently performed only
for form, and rejected as a consideration in the decision process.

The observation of assymetrical informed hirers and declining skills hired
seems to me to corroborate the model.

My opinions,
-- 
Dr. Robert J. Meier