The Wrong Abstraction

Source: sandimetz.com/blog/2016…

Existing code exerts a powerful influence. Its very presence argues that it is both correct and necessary. We know that code represents effort expended, and we are very motivated to preserve the value of this effort. And, unfortunately, the sad truth is that the more complicated and incomprehensible the code, i.e. the deeper the investment in creating it, the more we feel pressure to retain it (the “sunk cost fallacy”). It’s as if our unconscious tell us “Goodness, that’s so confusing, it must have taken ages to get right. Surely it’s really, really important. It would be a sin to let all that effort go to waste.”

Tags: ruby, programming

Rückzug ins Private

Source: introspektion.antville.org/stories/2…

Die mittlerweile nicht mal versteckt agierenden Oligarchen, die gerne eine Polykratie unter dem Deckmantel einer ausgehöhlten Demokratie etablieren wollen, scheinen gegenwärtig die Oberhand zu haben. Eine Mischung aus Müdigkeit und Enttäuschung innerhalb der Zivilgesellschaft wird gerade nachhaltig ausgenutzt. Und diese Verquickung von Müdigkeit und politischer Enttäuschung ist es wohl, die es den rechten Kräften so einfach macht. Die scheinbare Mühelosigkeit, mit der ultrarechte Kräfte im Moment voranschreiten, ist erschreckend und betäubend. Wie kann man sich einer rasant wachsenden Menge von Menschen entgegenstellen? Was bleibt da nur, als der Rückzug ins Private?

The Product Engineer

Source: randsinrepose.com/archives/…

The article argues that companies building consumer software don’t need Product Managers (PMs) because their role often creates confusion and inefficiencies. It highlights three dysfunctional scenarios:

1. Product Managers as CEOs – PMs assume too much power, making unilateral decisions instead of fostering debate, which stifles innovation and leads to subpar products.
2. Uncompromising Designers – Designers isolate themselves, dismiss feedback, and create products that feel disconnected from engineering and user needs.
3. Disconnected Engineers – Engineers become passive, implementing features without questioning their purpose, leading to uninspired and incoherent products.

The author proposes an alternative: the Product Engineer, who blends engineering, product management, and some design responsibilities.