On Making Things

Here’s Neil Gaiman on Terry Pratchett:

He constructs novels like a guildmaster might build a cathedral arch. There is art, of course, but that’s the result of building it well. What tthere is more of is the pleasure taken in constructing something that does what it’s meant to do — to make people read the story, and laugh, and possibly even think.

And a quote by Richard Stallman:

I would describe programming as a craft, which is a kind of art, but not a fine art. Craft means making useful objects with perhaps decorative touches. Fine art means making things purely for their beauty.

Interesting parallel between writing prose and writing programs.