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When did estimates turn into deadlines?

(domainanalysis.io)
318 points alexzeitler | 3 comments | 19 Nov 24 20:03 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source
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nextworddev ◴[19 Nov 24 22:00 UTC] No.42188568[source]▶
Multiply your original estimate by 3, works most of the time
replies(6): >>42188708 #>>42188717 #>>42188735 #>>42188830 #>>42189092 #>>42189098 #
1. rectang ◴[19 Nov 24 22:19 UTC] No.42188717[source]▶
Multiply by π — it's more accurate.
replies(1): >>42189446 #
2. Moru ◴[20 Nov 24 00:05 UTC] No.42189446[source]▶
Accurate and precise is different things :)
replies(1): >>42189945 #
3. rectang ◴[20 Nov 24 01:27 UTC] No.42189945[source]▶
Of course you’re right, however:

1. If we’re talking about bamboozling people who are either ignorant or willfully obtuse, excess precision is a stupid but useful tool for getting a realistic multiple of 3x-4x past them.

2. If the target audience understands excess precision, the excess precision is a nice little in-joke to flatter them and acknowledge their cleverness.

3. The absurdity of the precision illustrates tha very imprecision of the estimate.