Shiny Objects

keeping up with the joneses - software style

The Silver Bullet fallacy (or magic bullet syndrome) refers to the odd tendency of people to seek a single, simple solution to complex problems, often believing that this solution will solve all their issues effortlessly. In reality, these solutions are as rare as my pet unicorn (which incidentally, requires much more upkeep and effort than you’d expect).

Didn’t Work, Did It

I spent a chunk of my life playing and making music. Time and time again, I’ve watched mediocre musicians buy hugely expensive instruments, expecting that a $5000 instrument would magically make them better, only to struggle even more with a professional instrument. In fact, I’ve recently been playing my Buffet R13 clarinet fairly regularly, and it’s been a bit of a struggle - partially because I’m rusty, but partially because pro instruments require better technique, and I’m rusty.

Also from the music world are the folks who pay hundreds of dollars for a master class when a few pointers from a $50 lesson with local …