Instead I've gotten professional help ;)... which is cool, but I'm a *lowly* contractor here *and* too young... hrmmm... so I can't really get in and play the political games to actually fix the problem correctly... I've bugged the guy a few times to help him fix some things, but he's a little put off by having some 'green' punk kid teach him anything. If anything I think it bothers him more that I've been programming longer than him... and more than likely getting paid more. :( ########### This is precisely the culture that I work so hard to avoid, yet landing there seems to be unavoidable. If you have a valid point ( and it looks like you do based on your description of the problem ), then I suggest you become an evil, manipulative bastard by asking the following question: "What am I missing?" This insidious little question is extremely confrontational because it forces them to explain to YOU exactly how their way will work. Their explanation will not make sense, so be sure to ask it in the presence of at least 1 ally. If they dodge, repeat the question. If they dodge, repeat the question. If they dodge, repeat the question. If they dodge, repeat the question. If they dodge again, say "Excuse me, but I really do not understand what you are doing here. Can you please help me understand what you are trying to do and how I can succeed with your code?" If they don't help you, then that is a refusal to help a coworker whose work depends upon their success. At that point, maybe some sort of third party intervention shall be required. Be sure to present it as in the context of how you do not understand what the other person is doing and they are refusing to work with you to solve the problem. Also, be prepared to leave if your company is extremely sick culturally. They will not like this. Having allies present is extremely important. This is a CYA for your presentation to HR...if 3 people complain to HR, it will probably be believed. If 4 people complain to HR, it shall be believed and action will be taken. ########## On a lighter note: while ( $dodge ) { print "What am I missing?\n"; } # while --moo