@shanselman maybe? https://blog.codinghorror.com/we-are-typists-first-programmers-second/

also some Aztek related trivia came up, so I updated that post as well. See second comment, with EDIT 2025 in it. https://discourse.codinghorror.com/t/the-pontiac-aztek-and-the-perils-of-design-by-committee/1078/3?u=codinghorror

I corresponded a bit with Steve McConnell and he added some really interesting historical background for Code Complete and Code Complete 2. He gave me permission to post his reply as a public comment (scroll to comments): https://blog.codinghorror.com/code-complete-2-the-revenge/

“It’s time to take it to the next level. That’s why we’re launching a 2 million € plan to scale our impact and go beyond plastic.” https://www.preciousplastic.com/v5

I like to embroid my backup codes.

OK so, long story, but in a previous life I worked on E911 software. Due to the nature of the work, they did standard background checks on all new hires, including programmers. I got access to those as an interviewer, and it was truly shocking to me how many people came through with felonies... and most of those felonies – the vast majority – were domestic violence. Keep that in mind as you read this. https://c.im/@cdarwin/115175514527647092

In a completely unsurprising turn of events, Nate Silver continues to suck https://www.garbageday.email/p/nate-silver-s-big-list-of-grievances

@thomasfuchs basically it is a research assistant who is enthusiastic and never gets tired, but is not completely reliable.

@thomasfuchs that's the thing to warn people about. Sourcing (label the ingredients) and warning that you need to double-check and build upon this starting point YOURSELF, not use it as a magical "do my work" button.

@thomasfuchs I am just one data point, but I look VERY CLOSELY at these outputs, and it's rare for the LLM to screw up a summary of a scientific study in my experience over a few hundred data points.

@thomasfuchs right, it always requires centaur -- human review. But I ardently stand by the words "using only well regarded scientific studies from reputable sources in the last 10 years"

@thomasfuchs the Internet Explorer releases (or non-releases) did FAR more damage to the web

@thomasfuchs don't piss off my mom

@thomasfuchs well, if many people willingly use it, it is doing SOMETHING they need, yes? Whether that "something" is good and useful is a different discussion.

@nuintari @thomasfuchs "everything is broken"? How are we getting anything done, then?

@thomasfuchs who the fuck needed all this infinite content is the better question to ask

@thomasfuchs not quite. I've found using language like "using only well regarded scientific studies from reputable sources in the last 10 years" can be pretty magical. Basically, can you summarize and aggregate scientific study results properly? This is one of LLM strengths. Slightly lossy compression for words, just adjust the quality slider up to around 97%.

@thomasfuchs I brag about how many Substack newsletters I have unsubscribed from permanently until they switch to Behiiv or some other sane alternative. Substack company leadership is broken beyond any chance of possible repair.

@stroughtonsmith build webapps instead, my friend. Much better ROI.

@grishka "no plan survives contact with users"