Technical Happenings

It’s all about Slack

Its the new year and I’ve not posted for  while, why? lack of slack, so after finishing the excellent book ‘Slack’ by Tom DeMarco,  I have decided to make myself and the people around me some.  The book is a must for anyone involved in running projects and it should be compulsory for anyone who is involved in the running of a business.  Like many books of this type and in this case time (2000-2001, a time of downsizing)  there are cringe worthy moments; when its all a little to American focused.  But, throughout there are gems for the taking.  Rather than list them i just give one that sets the tone for the book:

‘ Slack at all levels is necessary to make the organisation work efficeintly and to grow.  It is the lubricant of change.  Good companies excel in the creative use of slack.  And bad ones con only obsess about removing it.’

Google immediately springs to mind, i would not be surprised if they had read this book

The God Delusion

I have always been a fan of Richard Dawkins books, they are always impeccably written and this is in my opinion his best and also more accessible than some.  I recommend it to anyone with an open mind, and will leave it there rather than comment further.

A post about Joel on Software

I have had this book for many years and often use it for referance, but over the last week i read it from cover to cover (again). It really is a great book, with good insight for software professional. The posts printed within are mainly from 2000-2002, but none the less the messages and thoughts still hold true. Although he does amusingly get a few predictions wrong. If your into software this is a must have book. Also don’t forget to visit Joel on Software