Why It Is Important That Software Projects Fail (2008)

> As the primary net effect of software is to facilitate bureaucratic complexity it is therefor essential that software projects fail I love this conceptualization of what software is for. But I have the complete opposite moral interpretation. Unstated is the presumption that bureaucratic complexity is bad. I think increasing it is the goal of society, and ethics constantly demand us to increase it. For example, it’s easy for banks to simply reject loan applicants who were convicted of felonies…

> As the primary net effect of software is to facilitate bureaucratic complexity it is therefor essential that software projects fail if society is to function effectively. This is a short-sighted and overly pessimistic view of the role of software. Let's bring in some sorely needed optimism that's especially relevant to the current pandemic: https://blog.cleancoder.com/uncle-bob/2020/04/05/ANewHope.ht... Another area where software is actually good for the world is accessibility. Lots of people with disabilities…

The author argues that failed software projects are nonetheless beneficial: Their development employs many bureaucrats, consultants and contractors and their expenditure supports an even larger number of people throughout society. ... by the same argument I should stroll around the city and burn some cars, thereby offering employment to many firefighters, car producers, actuaries and all their suppliers. The point about ever-expanding bureaucracies is well noted however. Perhaps it is our duty to design really bad…