6 October 1997: Hashing It Out

Monday, 6 October 1997:

Hashing It Out

Well, I talked to my boss this morning about the stuff I brought up here on Friday, and we seemed to be on the same page, that we should be focusing on developing the basic project and not worrying about all the nitpicky details when there's a good chance that no matter what we decide a customer will want something different. It's a sticky situation, trying to decide who has the authority to make the final decision about a project.

Cliff seems to be inclined that in the case of the more experienced developers (like me) that we should be able to make our own decisions. Which is basically my feeling, although I'd have been happy with some other option so long as I knew that the buck stopped somewhere. Arguing and 'negotiating' is more aggravating and demoralizing than productive, I think. Eventually, someone has to have the authority to say, "This is how it is."

So I feel better, partly for just having talked it out. We'll see how things progress over the next couple of weeks.

I finished my other bookcase today, and a pretty crummy piece of work it is, too! But it should be pretty sturdy, if not all that nice-looking. Well, okay, it looks fine unless you look closely. I'm just too much of a perfectionist. As a bonus, I learned that the shelves can hold hardcovers as well as paperbacks!

Karen called tonight and asked if I could help her retrieve some boxes she'd shipped to herself, which showed up at the Greyhound bus terminal. So we did that, and then I introduced her to some fans who live across the street from her new place. (I persuaded Karen to join the local APA, and one of these guys is the Official Editor thereof.) Also got to hold and pet their beautiful new Siamese cat, Kang. What an adorable critter!

Then I came home and sat and watched the Yankees-Indians game, which was a real nailbiter. They may only have two starters. One of those starters may only be 21 years old. But the Indians beat the defending world champion New York Yankees and earned a ticket to face Baltimore. If rookie hero Jaret Wright and company show as much heart there as they did here, it ought to be a great series.

Don't you just love the postseason?

Michael Rawdon (Contact)