5 comments

  • emil-lp 15 minutes ago
    Cannot cite Chesterton's fence too often.

    In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one plain and simple principle; a principle which will probably be called a paradox. There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, "I don't see the use of this; let us clear it away." To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer: "If you don't see the use of it, I certainly won't let you clear it away. Go away and think. Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it."

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G._K._Chesterton#Chesterton's_...

    Related: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38653711

    • throw8484949ii 4 minutes ago
      > a fence or gate erected across a road.

      Except in many cases it is your responsibility to ask. If something has indefined legal status, and no documentation, it is a major red flag. Very often corruption, drug or people trafficking or other shady stuff.

      If you want gate in middle of the public road, show the paperwork! Or I will call authorities!

  • jgable 34 minutes ago
    OT: This is the first time in a while that I’ve seen the phrase “load-bearing” used in a natural way. :-)
  • iSloth 51 minutes ago
    Solid approach, although I’ve certainly seen many managers/staff that never actually break out of Phase 2

    It’s critical to start showing some Phase 3 impact, even if not with a sledgehammer, before peers quickly loose faith