I read a lot of articles that talk about programming being "low social status" or unappreciated.<p>I can't say that I see that in my daily life at all. Usually, when I'm around non-technical people, if I mention what I do at my job, or what some of friends do at theirs, most people are interested, and want to hear more.<p>Perhaps this is just an artifact of living in the Bay Area. Do others hear this same sentiment?<p>That being said, I think this article is right on about considering programming a craft, and is very well said.
Here's how I gain respect as a programmer. I complete my work on time, I do brilliant work, I don't abide cheesehead managers wanting to set unrealistic schedules, and I maintain a certain level of deliberate eccentricity to keep everyone guessing. Now, nobody wants to piss me off because they're too afraid I'll quit and leave everyone in a lurch. How you are perceived in your career is entirely up to you.