Pros
The people at DZone are very smart. These are some of the brightest people that I have ever worked with. Intelligent but grossly uninformed on standard company practices. DZone assuredly rests on the assumption that you do not know better than to be treated how they treat you. DZone's leadership is intimidating, out of touch, and blind & deaf to the needs of its employees. Responsibilities are HEAPED upon these bright people, pretend promotions are given, but it is all to line someone else's pocket. You don't own anything; you are owned. To make it better, here's an analogy: Have you ever had that Uncle, the one who makes you sit on his lap, or give him a kiss on the mouth before you get your birthday present? That's how it works with the upper levels at DZone, you have to kiss up, pretend you are in the presence of God himself, pretend that the Emperor is the smartest man on planet earth, and respond appropriately when he says "Please clap" or you will not succeed at DZone. You will enjoy having a fake smile glued to your face, it may make you feel better about the quicksand you’ve found yourself in. Other people are ok with this precedent, they are pleased to please the Emperor. Complicit in the abuse of power, these are the people who have to say to themselves "Well, I've had worse jobs." Trust me, you have had worse jobs, but who wants to sift through manure to figure out which is the worst?
Kontras
The cons are plentiful and painfully obvious, if not avoidable. DZone is a place bursting with ideas and good intentions, but it is a facade; a place to go everyday to make mountains out of molehills and to pat others on the back. Fear is a motivator and money is a reward. Anyone who threatens the "popularity" of those in power/leadership, are discouraged and unrewarded. You will be given more responsibilities, but no more pay, unless you are liked and management feels generous. How dare you ask for the salary discussion promised in your offer letter. Do you even want your job? You will be talked down to in such subtle ways that you wish they would just yell at you. DZone has a classic small company, family owned complex, in which promises are empty, the rules are made up and the points don't mean anything.