While not comprehensive, this is a sample of the differences between the ways customers treat programmers and the way they treat plumbers.

	Programmer	Plumber
When they call	Your stupid program broke.	Something’s gone wrong. Maybe it was us…
When you arrive	What took you so long?	We’re so glad you could come. We’re ever so appreciative.
As you begin	Don’t you know what’s wrong? What do you do all day?	We did this… and then that… and it made a gurgling noise and then it started filling the tub…
While you work	Are you finished yet? Are you finished yet? Are you finished yet? You know this is costing us money. Couldn’t they have sent over someone who knows what they’re doing?	We’ll be in the parlor. Just let us know if you need anything. We’re ordering pizza; what kind do you like? Can we get you some lemonade?
When you finish	What took you so long? How do we know it’s working? Did you mess something else up while you were fixing this?	You’re a genius. You figured it out so quickly and knew exactly what to do. You must be very well respected in your circles.
As you give them the invoice	I’m not paying for this. It was your fault, anyway. Call my accountant in the morning. We’ll discuss it then.	Do you take cash?
Before you leave	I hope I don’t have to see you again.	We’re so happy with your work and attitude. We’ll tell all our fiends. Do you have some cards?
When you get home	Start drinking	Shower off the “stuff” from the day. Enjoy life.

I think I’d rather be a plumber. It’s what I’m teaching my son.