Stupid Human Programming
Talk on software development.








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Thursday, March 28, 2002
 

The group dynamics of important software projects under heavy development and release pressure is a lot like that of squads in battle. I've read where soldiers say after a while it stops being about country, it stops being about what they are fighting for, and becomes just about surviving. All that matters is your squad members helping each other stay alive.

In the crucible of a critical release the same narrowing of focus happens. All that matters is supporting your team memebers and getting the job done. You long ago stopped caring about your company, customers, and even whatever they hell you are making. You do whatever it takes to help your friends and make the product work.

It's an irrational process, like being replugged into ancient survival behaviours. Only with the perspective of time do you realize what an idiot you were. It probably has something in common with the madness of crowds behaviour that has been observed throughout history.

comment[]

7:41:58 AM    



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