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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