The Incomplete Image

I find it remarkable how the same piece of music can touch me deeply at one time and yet barely affect me at another. The recording hasn't changed, so it must be me. This ties into the idea that art is not just what is created by another, but also depends how it is received at a certain time.

That's all.

On Anonymous Bugs

Anonymity is a wonderful thing for many serious matters in this world. But posting unexceptional comments anonymously on a bug (or webpage) because you just can't be bothered to fill in your name is not wonderful. It just makes the anonymous author appear to lazy to register. And then the person reading the comment thinks less of the comment because it was made anonymously.

It's not just what you say, it's how you say it.

Filing a bug doesn't fix a bug

"I filed this bug a year ago and it isn't fixed yet".
"Other bugs were more important than your bug"
"But, but, *I* filed it!" (tantrum follows)

I'm always surprised by the number of people who think that that a bug should automatically be fixed just because they bothered to file it. All that can be expected is that the reporter is thanked, the bug is looked at, and possibly moved to the next stage of its life. That might be closure or marking as ready for more work.

A better approach is for the project to explain prominently how their bugs are triaged and how limited their resources are. Details of how to provide more cash resources and what that buys is also helpful.

~Matt