Remember the strop • Hacker News Board

Re: Remember the strop

#21

Post by [deleted] » Tue, Feb 03, 2009, 4:17 AM UTC

axod wrote: post #17

jacobscott wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I suspect that the delivery is probably the problem for you, rather than the content. To me, the core of it reduces to: * If you disengage your brain periodically (e.g., get enough sleep, have fun, etc) you will find you work better * Occasionally one should look at their life on a macro-level, and evaluate their long term goals I don't think many people would disagree with this advice, it is pretty common sensical.

precisely. It's ridiculously obvious common sense wrapped up in a parable. I guess if that floats your boat though :/

[deleted]

Re: Remember the strop

#22

Post by TrevorJ » Tue, Feb 03, 2009, 5:06 AM UTC

quoderat wrote: post #6

Reminds me of something I'd see on Oprah. I'm sure it's useful to some people, but this kind of advice -- for want of a better word -- just doesn't do anything for me. Perhaps I am too old and jaded.

This article made me realize how much the internet has changed our expectations of what makes a good analogy. I seemed almost odd to base an analogy on an actual, physical process as low tech and fundamental as carving. I'm more used to hearing abstract qasi-buzzword laden analogies built on some ethereal technology illustration. Here's to returning the the real world in our online literature.

Re: Remember the strop

#23

Post by wernerv0nbraun » Tue, Feb 03, 2009, 5:22 AM UTC

sctb wrote: post #14

10ren wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What is your strop? For me, it's physical exercise. And, concrete coding (as opposed to reading specs, designing, modeling or proving). It's easier for me to not do them than to do them, but I'm always amazed at how refreshing they are.

My strop is a strop, and I use it on my razor before shaving. Coincidentally, the practice of straight razor shaving tends to put me in a state of relaxation and reflection that has a positive impact on the rest of my day.

yes a strop is more meaningful on a delicate foil-like edge of a straight than something like a chisel

shaving with a straight is a real challenge and fun. it also teaches you to chill out, relax, and pay attention. one slip of the wrist and...

Re: Remember the strop

#24

Post by jff » Tue, Feb 03, 2009, 7:30 PM UTC

sofal wrote: post #20

fuzzmeister wrote: post #15

Brigham Young to 37signals - now that's a culture shift.

I worked on the same team as Jamis Buck at BYU (I was a student). He introduced me to Ruby. If you think you know something about the culture there, I'd be very interested to hear about it.

I hear they have a very good MRS degree :)