The summary captured quite a number of things we had to say.
It was a summary of what we said, not a recording or a transcript. So, I hope anyone reading is educated to take things in context.
Cedric was eager to take this out of context and bash agility and us.
He says:
"...In my experience, nothing makes users happier than delivering on time..."
Sure I agree that it makes them happier delivering on time, but I hope what you deliver is relevant and satisfies their need. It is an industry wide hypocrisy that we set strong deadlines way ahead of knowing the requirements. In my talk I spoke at length about adaptive planning and how to constantly work with customers in getting their feedback on relevance of what we develop. I insist that a demo is not enough, but we need to have users start exercising the application from the beginning. When users participate in this manner, they become realistic about functionality, scope, and the schedule as well. You don't have to go debate to the customers, they are in with you on the planning.
It amuses me when I read his comment "Do you notice anything in the last sentence above? The users are nowhere in the picture." That has been said, the emphasis has been made about user participation. Surely the intent was not to exclude users, why would it be after such an emphasis?
"A good developer can give you an estimate of the time needed to complete a task."
OK, anyone with realistic project development experience knows what a true good developer's
capabilities are. A good developer is the one who is realistic about his ability to
estimate based on the given set of requirements and input.
As far as the rest of his comments, he simply does not find any technical grounds to talk further so he resorts to personal attacks. I will simply end this by saying:
Cedric, I have never met you, but I assume you are a great developer who estimates
accurately on all occasions and delivers always on time and you do it free of charge
to make sure you have no vested financial interest. Someday I hope to quit my snake
oil sales business (which you helped me start here) and be as wise as you are.
