[quote=AN]
The negative perception might be true for young and impressionable people. But does it really matter if you write SQL queries for Walmart.com or Amazon.com? I personally don’t care. If I’m in server side stuff, I would totally apply, especially with that kind of compensation.[/quote]

I agree. I would apply here myself if I wasn’t already satisfied with my current role.

I guess I should have made the point more clearly that perception and reality are different, and I’m not arguing that the perception is correct. But it’s undeniable that Wal-Mart has a more negative perception amongst the general population than, say, Amazon (rightly or wrongly). Obviously, people who know how these businesses work or software development happens would realize there is very little difference in the work environments. And people who are a bit more knowledgeable can rightly point out the poor working conditions in Amazon warehouses, etc. But when you talk to your non-technical cousin about where you work, it’s sexier to be able to say “Amazon” than “Wal-Mart”. They’re not stupid; they pay a little more to get the same caliber of developer. And of course, they can afford to, given that they’re a ~$500 billion revenue company.