The best tool for the job, isn’t always

https://medium.com/@bentlegen/the-best-tool-for-the-job-isnt-always-6ed364f3f775

by mattrobenolt • 12 years ago

14 2 12 years ago

anigbrowl• 12 years ago

Learning an exciting new tool is frequently a way of postponing a difficult or unexciting job. Getting to grips with the new tool is stimulating, you can accomplish many otherwise tedious tasks in much less time than before, you produce things that you would never have thought of making or complete tasks in ways that you would never have thought of trying, and you feel like you have received a large boost in productivity and confidence.

You see the same thing in other fields - be more productive/ creative/ awesome with this brand new product or accessory for your camera/ synthesizer/ motorcycle hobby...often referred to as 'gear acquisition syndrome,' a substitute for doing more with what you already have (and which you would probably have happily given an arm and a leg for a few years ago). These are all (IMHO) special cases of the Hedonic Treadmill, where some great new thing in your life makes you happier...for a while, before the inevitable reversion to the mean.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedonic_treadmill

I think this is a great article, and the basic point that continuity and consistency with existing infrastructure is probably far more valuable than the (hypothetical) marginal gain from some exciting new tool is an important one. The 'greater good' section - can anyone else read this code? Have you made something complex with it? Will it outlast your low tolerance for boredom? Will it blend? - ought to be written in 20 foot high letters of fire at the (metaphorical) entrance to Silicon Valley.

bentlegen• 12 years ago

Wow. I'd never before heard of Hedonic treadmill. Much appreciated.

The best tool for the job, isn’t always

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