nixCraft 🐧Nov 9, 2023
HOFSTADTER'S LAW: things usually take longer than we think. For example, If you think you'll finish your project in 10 days, it might actually take 20 days. Often, the last 10% of a task takes as much time as the first 90% did.
Show threadNick

@nixCraft whenever someone asks me how long a project will take, I triple the first number to come to mind.

I have never missed a deadline

Nov 9, 2023 at 7:22pmWeb
Show threadkkellerNov 9, 2023

@nicky_james @nixCraft I double the number, then move up to the next time unit. For example, if my initial estimate is 2 hours, I tell people 4 days.

It's disturbingly accurate. Obviously part of that is I'm not doing just that one task in those 4 days, but I doubt that's the full explanation.

Show threadNickNov 9, 2023
@kkeller @nixCraft can't wait to tell my boss the quarterly reports will take 6 years to complete
Show threadkkellerNov 9, 2023

@nicky_james @nixCraft oh, for bosses you have to apply the rule twice!

So your quarterly report will be ready in 12 decades.

Show threadNickNov 9, 2023
@kkeller @nixCraft 😂