New Rule: Newer, Not Better

I’ve never really enjoyed Bill Maher as entertainment, but his segment on tech deserves some introspection by us tech workers.

You [tech folks] keep improving things because A) let’s be honest, it justifies your job, and B) it’s fun — for you. I get it. It’s what you’re good at: tinkering with shit…you like over-engineering stuff, but don’t tell yourself you’re making anyone’s life better.

What constitutes progress?

Is it progress that we’re moving ever closer to where we never engage with other human beings? Is it progress that CEOs used to brag about how many people they employed but now they brag about how many people they’re throwing out of work?

Silicon Valley’s motto:

If it ain’t broke, fuck with it.