Evil programmer's tip: avoid “easy” things (2016) (yosefk.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the idea of avoiding 'easy' tasks, as they can be perceived as unremarkable if completed successfully and shameful if failed. Instead, it suggests working on 'hard' tasks, which can bring more recognition and help. The author also shares a strategy called the 'postponing gambit', where one delays working on an 'easy' task until it becomes urgent, making it more noticeable and valuable. This approach can help individuals gain more recognition and priority in their work.

Main themes

• task prioritization
• perception of difficulty
• recognition and praise
• maintenance vs heroic fixes
• workplace culture
• strategic planning

What commenters say

• Prioritizing tasks based on difficulty and perceived value can lead to more recognition and help in the workplace.
• Management's perception of task difficulty can greatly impact the resources and attention allocated to it.
• Some argue that working on 'hard' tasks is more valuable than doing maintenance or preventative work, as it brings more recognition and praise.
• Others counter that maintenance and preventative work are essential and should be valued and recognized equally, if not more, than heroic fixes.
• The 'postponing gambit' can be an effective strategy for gaining recognition and priority, but it requires careful planning and execution.
• Some commenters disagree with the article's approach, arguing that it is better to focus on delivering value and quality rather than seeking recognition and praise.
• The article's ideas are seen as a reflection of a broader cultural issue, where heroic fixes are often praised more than preventative work.
• There is a need to find ways to recognize and reward preventative work and maintenance, rather than just heroic fixes.