Gain-maximization debate

[Y2K Moderator <i-y2k-mod@phil.gn.apc.org>]

The moderator decided to post together these two different responses
to David La Chapelle's point that people who build houses along an
avalanche path also illustrate the gain-max. flaw as the Y2K problem
does:

-----------------
David La Chapelle wrote:

> the early programmers built houses which bugs in their foundation
> because the climate of maximum gain defined the "environment" around
> them. To say that the Y2k problem was opaque to corporate policy IS
> exactly why Y2k is an emanation of Max-gain. If corporations were not
> blinded by max-gain they would survey their terrain with more
> diligence and understanding and the widely reported gulf between IT
> and management would have been bridged in a more communicative
> environment. The speed of corporate decision making precluded the
> careful assessment of internal reality necessary for proper
> orientation in the world.
>
> There are houses of IT cards built under avalanche paths all over the
> world precisely because of a climate of productivity which did not
> listen well to warning signs.

Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1998 14:48:15 -0700
From: Glenn Bacon <gcbacon@roadrunner.com>
Subject: Re: [interdoc-y2k 69] avalanches

  Your avalanche metaphor is flawed.  When most of the Y2K problem was
being created, few had any notion that their 2 digit years would be around
at the end of the century.  They did not intend to build permanent
housing.  Your scenario invokes a level of prescience that is totally
unrealistic.  Hindsight can always raise questions that should have been
addressed.  But to attribute this issue to being "blinded" by hasty,
gain-max. decision making descends into a polemic.

Glenn Bacon

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Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1998 14:48:54 -0500
From: "Michael C. Richardson" <mcr@sandelman.ottawa.on.ca>
Subject: Re: [interdoc-y2k 69] avalanches

  David's post is probably the shortest and most clear explanation
that I've heard.  It belongs on a web page!

   :!mcr!:            |  Network and security consulting/contract programming
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