It's got some concepts like Scrum, right down to sprints and backlogs and burndown charts... but we're not really doing Scrum

Basically, if you're in a shop that says it follows a methodology you're not in a reasonable shop.

I'd be less annoyed by all of the meetings if half of them weren't superfluous and half the remaining never cover the important information.

First of all, there is no silver methodology, so any company that follows a methodology is ignoring the fact that different products require different strategies.

Second of all, no one likes methodologies.

This is universally true about meetings, Okuu.

The best way to avoid meetings is to just not go.

Honestly, even the 30 minute stand-up meeting in the morning is worthless.

@SidMeier I can't not go to a meeting that takes place inside my cubicle.

30 minute stand-up is intended to clear up what was done in the past day, and what is planned for the next day. But this is already established because we practically do hourly updates over the phone or on email as things get done.

There was a time when we were having these little stupid get-togethers that were right in the middle of when I was in flow. I just stopped going and complained at the organizer when she wanted me to go and also wanted me to get my work done. I said my work was more important and I don't work as well when I'm interrupted (this is true, not just a lie to avoid meetings).

You can ask people to leave your cubicle.

Programming work is nigh impossible to get done when interrupted.

Yes.

Which is why cubicles are BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD KAGUYA SHINÉ

But that's another problem entirely.

Honestly, I could use much better working arrangements than what I currently have

But I was the first programmer they even had at the company, so there was never really any preparation for the different class of work.

Hmmmm

Give them a copy of Peopleware.

Explain what flow is to them.

These things are well documented.

Peopleware?

Peopleware is that book Spolsky doesn't stop penissing over. It's the one that covers how interruptions cause massive performance delays in programmers and whatnot.

Basically it's what programmers all understand that managers never seem to understand.

Ah

All well documented with supporting evidence and psychological studies and things.

If that can increase the speed at which I get a better seat, I should get it

I have to get it, too. I haven't actually read it yet.

Because being JUST PAST THE RECEPTIONIST'S DESK is horrendously bad.

Not to mention, open and facing towards the general hang-out table that people use during lunch breaks, while waiting for copies, or generally anything.

Basically, the argument is really simple: programming is best done in flow. The degree of "best" is several factors faster-written code, better designs and fewer bugs.

And flow is ruined by interruptions and takes time to reacquire.

Those two facts together mean that programmers need to have quiet offices with doors to keep interruptions out.

Every programmer knows this, but managers never do. I work in a cube. :(

I really wish I had a door. I'm not exactly the type to enjoy people just springing up.

But I can accept not having a door if I can be in a much quieter spot that isn't the main route of traffic.

You were ISTP, right?

ISFP

Right. F. That F.

THAT F

Anyway.

Ahaha~

The I is the important part when it comes to interruptions.

A lot of managers, almost by necessity, are E.

E people have trouble understanding how I people need privacy and aloneness to work best.

Just like how I people have trouble understanding how E people can be so fucking annoying.

So E managers don't see putting I people in high-traffic areas as a problem.

Which is greatly unfortunate

And unfortunately, my relative youth both absolutely and within the company doesn't give me much to bargain with.

Yes.

...did I just call my relative youth absolute?

However if your managers are smart (and T) or just strongly F you should be able to appeal to him (them) with logic (if T) or emotion (if F)

Peopleware will help you with the logical argument.

And just looking sad will help the emotional one.

I tried that. I forcefully conquered an empty office. I got moved back after they cleared out a slightly less horrible cubicle when hiring the second programmer.

But for those 3 weeks I had that spot, it was blissful.

Best part was that people actually have to come towards me in the direction I'm facing.

So nice

Hello Jefffffff

Someone tell Fallout New Vegas to download its patch faster.

I want to kill mutants, damn it.

Doing much better than before?

Same boat as I was before because I've been at work all day and then doing cleaning/laundry when I got home.

Also I got distracted by immortality philosophical discussion, as you know.

I am easily nerd sniped with immortality discussion.

Also I'm having trouble not listening to Ranko's wonderful voice.

Ah, I see

Beroberoberoberoberobe

Singer from that album?

A thousand times yes.

Buta Otome's only singer.

She has such a wonderful voice.

OK. One more listen to this song and then I will murder mutants.

I think I'll opt to play Sora, then.

I have had enough terribly buggy game.

I hope they fix this thing soon.

Jakka jakka jan jan jakka jan JAKKA JAN