Everything is analogous to everything else, just as everything is different from everything else. So, what I'm going to do is create an analogy, an admittedly bad analogy, to explain something I think about Alt.NET.
Have you ever known anyone who has quit drinking (or smoking or eating fast food, etc.) and has 'gotten religion' about it? To the point that they point to every use of alcohol as abuse? Alt.NET people tend to be like that.
Okay, bad analogy created. Explanation please.
As far as it has a definition, Alt. NET is about attempting to improve software development, usually by taking an 'Agile' approach, e.g., using Test Driven Development, sprints, etc. And all that is well and good, to the extent that it actually does improve software development (for the most part, in more situations than not,I think it does).
And as part of trying to improve software development, it follows that you will tend to discuss development practices that you think are not so good. And this is fine as well.
To build the bad analogy, suppose someone decides that they need to quit drinking, for whatever reason (it's impacting their life negatively, it's causing health issues, they just sold their first-born for Scotch, whatever). In and of itself, this is a good thing.
But for some, it's not just enough that they stop drinking. No, every use of alcohol by other people becomes a symptom of the other's problems. Everyone is an alcoholic because they are (or something like that).
Some of the Alt.NET community are that guy. It's not just enough that they stopped using designers or wizards or, god forbid, UML (or whatever), everyone else must stop as well to be a good developer. If you don't, you are stupid, a Mort, or, god forbid, an architect. The level of contempt and disdain can be overwhelming.
Now, there is nothing wrong with quitting drinking. In almost all instances, it is a good thing. But there isn't anything inherently wrong with drinking itself. In fact, it is good for you, when done in moderation (which is usually the problem, of course....if one glass of wine with dinner is good for you, surely twelve must be that much better).
Similarly, it is okay to use a Visual Studio designer. It is even okay to use drag and drop. There, I said it. Let me say it again, with feeling: IT IS OKAY TO USE DRAG AND DROP. In moderation. When it is appropriate.
Did you get nauseous when I said that? You might be that guy.
Now, keep in mind, I actually agree with much (most?) of what is categorized as Alt.NET. And I find that well-written contempt can be really damn funny. And reading blogs is a *great* way to learn.
But the lack of, for lack of a better word, 'perspective' in thinking that you *have* to use MVP everywhere (to make up an example) is just silly. More than silly. It's bad for you. Bad for business which is the greater sin.
Some people have wondered what it will take for Alt.NET to be just .NET and not 'Alt.' Losing the attitude and gaining perspective would go a long way.
Time for a drink.