Cans of Worms, Software, and a Lesson from a 2 Year Old

By scott, on September 11th, 2006

Can of Worms

You can see in the photo that my son is excited and repelled at once upon opening his first can of worms for fishing.

It immediately got me thinking: In software development someone inevitably uses the analogy, “opening a an of worms” for probably half the projects in which I’ve ever been involved.

When I hear that phrase, my enthusiasm for the project drops like a jumper from the World Trade Center. <tasteless>

It’s a Pavlov response. I have no reason to become disenchanted. But I do.

After seeing my son’s simultaneous enthusiasm and repugnance, I realized that the thing to do is stick my fingers as deep as I can into the project and pull those worms out.

(And throw them into the lake to feed the fish when someone isn’t looking.)

Wise Man Say, “Ugly Analogy Needs Apology, If Not Retraction.”

(It’s the 5 year anniversay and it’s been on my mind all day. Sorry if it offends anyone. Definitely not my intent.)