To have good taste is one thing (the ability to recognize good from bad) but to be able to produce good work is another. As many good writers (and the author of this post) suggest, the best way to get better at writing is to read good writing and to write more. This method (of observing masters at work and practicing the craft yourself) works for many disciplines. Should it be surprising that it applies to hacking as well?

The post reminded me of an Ira Glass interview where he comments on having good "taste" (5 min) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI23U7U2aUY which in turn reminds me of PGs essay "Great Hackers" http://www.paulgraham.com/gh.html Good stuff!!