Woody Zuill Profile picture
Jul 15, 2018 7 tweets 5 min read Read on X
@johncutlefish I’ve managed software development with no estimates. I don’t see how “why estimates” makes sense in that context. #NoEstimates clearly states that I’ve worked without estimates. Like saying “Gluten free” vs “Why gluten?”.
@johncutlefish Or saying “Coke Zero” vs “Why Coke without sugar”. Coke Zero means this drink has #NoSugar. In this context it would be a bit nonsensical to say to say “this drink has Why sugar”. It can have no sugar, or less sugar, or the normal amount, or even extra sugar.
@johncutlefish Once the #NoEstimates hashtag started growing in usage I have used it as marker for a bigger conversation: “Let’s talk about why we do the things we do, with particular attention on the things we do without questioning or verification as to their benefit.”
@johncutlefish But at its heart is this simple start: “I’ve managed software development without estimates, I’m interested in talking with others who have done the same. Let’s compare notes.” It’s worked very well this way.
@johncutlefish I see little value in debating or arguing the usefulness of estimates for software development. Some people believe it has value to them, and I’m pleased for them work in any way they want. There is no benefit to me to convince them otherwise, and I have no interest in doing so.
@johncutlefish On the other hand, I love collaborating with folks who are willing to explore working without estimates. It’s worked well for me, and I’m interested in hearing about how others approach working without estimates in their own environment. What might I learn? #NoEstimates
@johncutlefish #NoEstimates and #WhyEstimates are about two different conversations. #NoProjects and #WhyProjects would also be about two different conversations. I certainly have seen how some folks are “turned off” by #NoEstimates. So as they say, to each their own.

• • •

Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to force a refresh
 

Keep Current with Woody Zuill

Woody Zuill Profile picture

Stay in touch and get notified when new unrolls are available from this author!

Read all threads

This Thread may be Removed Anytime!

PDF

Twitter may remove this content at anytime! Save it as PDF for later use!

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

how to unroll video
  1. Follow @ThreadReaderApp to mention us!

  2. From a Twitter thread mention us with a keyword "unroll"
@threadreaderapp unroll

Practice here first or read more on our help page!

More from @WoodyZuill

Jun 30, 2018
Thanks for writing and sharing your thoughts.
“Ranged estimates” are an integral part of many processes that use estimates, and have been in use for many decades. However, IMO they’re essentially the same thing as an estimate. 1/
An estimate is typically given as an approximation, as in “it will take about 3 months give or take 2 weeks” 2/
Read 19 tweets
Apr 2, 2018
Okay. I didn’t mean to say everyone wants a one size fits all solution - but please understand that many seem to think that it’s that simple.

1/
I’m not proposing that we need an alternative to blink estimation.

If we have a need to make the sort of decisions that blink estimation can try to inform - then there are plenty of techniquesxpeople are using. If they work well, then simply use them.

2/
What I seek is alternatives to the sort things we currently believe is important to decide.

To me, the important consideration, and the discussion that led to the #NoEstimates hashtag, is about why we limit our ourselves to decisions that require estimates.

3/
Read 5 tweets

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!


This site is made by just two indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3/month or $30/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Don't want to be a Premium member but still want to support us?

Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal

Or Donate anonymously using crypto!

Ethereum

0xfe58350B80634f60Fa6Dc149a72b4DFbc17D341E copy

Bitcoin

3ATGMxNzCUFzxpMCHL5sWSt4DVtS8UqXpi copy

Thank you for your support!

Follow Us!

:(