<i>In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.</i> - Thomas Jefferson<p>It's (intendedly) a simplification, but one that aptly describes how to respond to a situation like yours.<p>There is value in both style and principle, but there's a <i>distinction</i> between the type of value each provides. As a member of Society, Style has obvious social value.<p>Programming is a society as any other. The social value of following trends (swimming with the current) is that often many of the most creative & adventurous of us are early adopters of trend. Being the best people is so important, that it's often worth taking a leap based on that.<p>Usually genuine programming trends starts with a small group of bright hackers imagining a different future. They've probably got at least a couple inspiring ideas and it's worth taking a risk that these are <i>the right ideas</i>.<p>Every good hacker (or scientist, engineer, founder, writer, artist, thinker) has first principles. Whether they've explored their own intellect as much as say Paul Graham, unlikely, but if your moorless at sea, your simply at the mercy of every current that comes along. You simply wouldn't get anywhere.<p>To wrap up this wordy spiel, here's an summary:<p>> Use the current (Style) to arrive at your rock (Principle)