Z is sexier than A

Mon, Jun 15, 2009

Digital Anthropology

Z is sexier than A

When I want to start a project, I make a B-line to Z. Just straight to the end. Why the heck would I do that?

I find it easier. If I think about something too long, it will a) not get done, b) get done a lot slower, or c) get skewed and I’ll lose the point of whatever the project is.

I did this with the tweetup I planned, the #roofup. It worked out quite nicely, as I had 220+ people attend the event. I put it on the internet – no sponsors, no big-whigs, no nothing. Within time, it got big. It evolved. It was great.

If you consistently go from A to B to C to … Z, you’ll get your project done. I’m not saying linear thinking or projecting is defunct. I’m just trying to point out that there are other ways to get things done, and it may work out. Planning doesn’t always ensure success, so why not just dive right in?

How do you feel about this? What are the pros/cons of NOT starting at the beginning?

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  • Interesting idea, though I feel that you can jump to Z but will likely have to go back and do some of the other letters anyway.

    For instance, take web design. You can sort of jump to Z but doing a rough mockup/photoshop example, but in the end you still have to go in and code everything.

    I'm doing a jump to Z sort of with SP by doing a rough mockup and then going back and redesigning everything and coding all the bits and pieces. But the jump to Z lets me show a rough version of what the real final product will look like.
  • That's exactly why jumping to Z is usually productive if you approach your project correctly. It allows you to see the bugs, the flaws, and the mistakes as you're working inside the project. A lot of tweaks that need to happen can't be found out until you're under way and jumping to Z is a good way to get there quicker.
  • I have an issue with this sort of mentality. I agree with you that when you're planning something, it is often better to get started without having an entire plan settled. HOWEVER, doing so without a clear idea of what your framework will be can be very dangerous/disruptive (in a bad way).

    For example, starting a business without a plan for profit will fail before it gets off the ground and could pull your personal finances into a blackhole if good planning didn't take place well in advance.

    Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
  • I do agree. Maybe I should have said X is sexier than A. Or even R or Q is sexier than A. I should have expanded more to say that some planning, like you say, is necessary. For example, I had a plan in my head and very clear goals/intentions for my tweetup. I'd say that I started at Q for my tweetup and worked my way back.

    Good points James. And I love your saying: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.
  • jamesconnors
    The 7 P's are global and infallible.
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