Amitai Schleier
@schmonz.com
Force multiplier.
Outcome improver.
Decision sharer.
Developer, leader, coach.
agilein3minut.es podcaster.
Musician.
Bad poet (award-winning).
Outcome improver.
Decision sharer.
Developer, leader, coach.
agilein3minut.es podcaster.
Musician.
Bad poet (award-winning).
Pinned
Amitai Schleier
@schmonz.com
· Jun 28
Did you know I'm looking for my next employer? Here's what's on offer:
1. Technical breadth and depth
2. Proven delivery experience
3. Thoughtful communication and teaching
4. Bridge-building across roles, silos
5. Team culture and developer happiness
6. Respected industry voice
1. Technical breadth and depth
2. Proven delivery experience
3. Thoughtful communication and teaching
4. Bridge-building across roles, silos
5. Team culture and developer happiness
6. Respected industry voice
Teammate on most recent team gave me this parting feedback: “I learned a ton, we got lots done, our team dynamics were awesome, and I’ve never felt this kind of team feeling before.”
If your business makes software, I might be good for your business.
If your business makes software, I might be good for your business.
If you don’t know how to care for people and don’t care to learn, by definition — no matter how convincingly you write, speak, and code — you are not an #ExtremeProgramming expert. And when you take a power position and try to enact XP among humans, we can see you’re a charlatan.
November 13, 2025 at 2:54 AM
If you don’t know how to care for people and don’t care to learn, by definition — no matter how convincingly you write, speak, and code — you are not an #ExtremeProgramming expert. And when you take a power position and try to enact XP among humans, we can see you’re a charlatan.
2018 Mac mini was already being weird. Then macOS Tahoe dropped support. Usually I'd want NetBSD. But the only option was Linux, and it's pretty darn okay.
Here's my setup: schmonz.com/2025/11/12/s...
(Writing... muscles... loosening.)
#macos #linux #netbsd
Here's my setup: schmonz.com/2025/11/12/s...
(Writing... muscles... loosening.)
#macos #linux #netbsd
Small Macs
schmonz.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:23 AM
2018 Mac mini was already being weird. Then macOS Tahoe dropped support. Usually I'd want NetBSD. But the only option was Linux, and it's pretty darn okay.
Here's my setup: schmonz.com/2025/11/12/s...
(Writing... muscles... loosening.)
#macos #linux #netbsd
Here's my setup: schmonz.com/2025/11/12/s...
(Writing... muscles... loosening.)
#macos #linux #netbsd
Reposted by Amitai Schleier
Got some slack time? Pick a risk to reduce.
Got no slack time? Defer something, then pick a cost to reduce.
#ContinuousImprovement
Got no slack time? Defer something, then pick a cost to reduce.
#ContinuousImprovement
September 30, 2024 at 12:58 AM
Got some slack time? Pick a risk to reduce.
Got no slack time? Defer something, then pick a cost to reduce.
#ContinuousImprovement
Got no slack time? Defer something, then pick a cost to reduce.
#ContinuousImprovement
Most practical experts don’t write a book. Distinct tasks, incentives, skills.
For the same reasons, some published authors are better at describing than at enacting.
Maybe an author really knows, in context, under stress, how to *do* the thing. Maybe not.
#ExtremeProgramming
For the same reasons, some published authors are better at describing than at enacting.
Maybe an author really knows, in context, under stress, how to *do* the thing. Maybe not.
#ExtremeProgramming
September 19, 2025 at 12:51 AM
Most practical experts don’t write a book. Distinct tasks, incentives, skills.
For the same reasons, some published authors are better at describing than at enacting.
Maybe an author really knows, in context, under stress, how to *do* the thing. Maybe not.
#ExtremeProgramming
For the same reasons, some published authors are better at describing than at enacting.
Maybe an author really knows, in context, under stress, how to *do* the thing. Maybe not.
#ExtremeProgramming
Reposted by Amitai Schleier
Unfortunately, even if the person following these steps loves #ExtremeProgramming (and is widely held to be expert in it), they’re no less destructive.
Hate #ExtremeProgramming and want others to hate it?
1. Become Director of Engineering
2. Tell org and stakeholders that XP will fix longstanding problems
3. Regularly interfere with devs’ learning
4. Design projects to delay ROI
5. Find scapegoats
Maybe they’ll blame #XP.
1. Become Director of Engineering
2. Tell org and stakeholders that XP will fix longstanding problems
3. Regularly interfere with devs’ learning
4. Design projects to delay ROI
5. Find scapegoats
Maybe they’ll blame #XP.
September 15, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Unfortunately, even if the person following these steps loves #ExtremeProgramming (and is widely held to be expert in it), they’re no less destructive.
Unfortunately, even if the person following these steps loves #ExtremeProgramming (and is widely held to be expert in it), they’re no less destructive.
Hate #ExtremeProgramming and want others to hate it?
1. Become Director of Engineering
2. Tell org and stakeholders that XP will fix longstanding problems
3. Regularly interfere with devs’ learning
4. Design projects to delay ROI
5. Find scapegoats
Maybe they’ll blame #XP.
1. Become Director of Engineering
2. Tell org and stakeholders that XP will fix longstanding problems
3. Regularly interfere with devs’ learning
4. Design projects to delay ROI
5. Find scapegoats
Maybe they’ll blame #XP.
September 15, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Unfortunately, even if the person following these steps loves #ExtremeProgramming (and is widely held to be expert in it), they’re no less destructive.
Hate #ExtremeProgramming and want others to hate it?
1. Become Director of Engineering
2. Tell org and stakeholders that XP will fix longstanding problems
3. Regularly interfere with devs’ learning
4. Design projects to delay ROI
5. Find scapegoats
Maybe they’ll blame #XP.
1. Become Director of Engineering
2. Tell org and stakeholders that XP will fix longstanding problems
3. Regularly interfere with devs’ learning
4. Design projects to delay ROI
5. Find scapegoats
Maybe they’ll blame #XP.
September 15, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Hate #ExtremeProgramming and want others to hate it?
1. Become Director of Engineering
2. Tell org and stakeholders that XP will fix longstanding problems
3. Regularly interfere with devs’ learning
4. Design projects to delay ROI
5. Find scapegoats
Maybe they’ll blame #XP.
1. Become Director of Engineering
2. Tell org and stakeholders that XP will fix longstanding problems
3. Regularly interfere with devs’ learning
4. Design projects to delay ROI
5. Find scapegoats
Maybe they’ll blame #XP.
If you love #ExtremeProgramming and you see a rare opportunity to be hired specifically for that, you might jump at the chance. I do. I did.
Maybe in your case it’ll be what it sounds like. I hope so. But beware.
Maybe in your case it’ll be what it sounds like. I hope so. But beware.
If the only code you’re ever satisfied with is your own, you’re not qualified for #TechnicalLeadership. Especially if you’re sure you are.
If the only bits of #ExtremeProgramming you’ve mastered are the technical ones, you’re not an XP expert. Especially if you’re sure you are.
If the only bits of #ExtremeProgramming you’ve mastered are the technical ones, you’re not an XP expert. Especially if you’re sure you are.
September 13, 2025 at 12:06 AM
If you love #ExtremeProgramming and you see a rare opportunity to be hired specifically for that, you might jump at the chance. I do. I did.
Maybe in your case it’ll be what it sounds like. I hope so. But beware.
Maybe in your case it’ll be what it sounds like. I hope so. But beware.
If the only code you’re ever satisfied with is your own, you’re not qualified for #TechnicalLeadership. Especially if you’re sure you are.
If the only bits of #ExtremeProgramming you’ve mastered are the technical ones, you’re not an XP expert. Especially if you’re sure you are.
If the only bits of #ExtremeProgramming you’ve mastered are the technical ones, you’re not an XP expert. Especially if you’re sure you are.
September 12, 2025 at 11:58 PM
If the only code you’re ever satisfied with is your own, you’re not qualified for #TechnicalLeadership. Especially if you’re sure you are.
If the only bits of #ExtremeProgramming you’ve mastered are the technical ones, you’re not an XP expert. Especially if you’re sure you are.
If the only bits of #ExtremeProgramming you’ve mastered are the technical ones, you’re not an XP expert. Especially if you’re sure you are.
If you think #ExtremeProgramming coaches have to “know the most” or “be the most technical”, you might not understand coaching, influence, or your own technique-acquisition process.
If you’re still sure of your understanding, regardless of cost to you and others… clownshoes.
If you’re still sure of your understanding, regardless of cost to you and others… clownshoes.
September 12, 2025 at 12:21 AM
If you think #ExtremeProgramming coaches have to “know the most” or “be the most technical”, you might not understand coaching, influence, or your own technique-acquisition process.
If you’re still sure of your understanding, regardless of cost to you and others… clownshoes.
If you’re still sure of your understanding, regardless of cost to you and others… clownshoes.
🤡👞
If you repeatedly fail to perceive or appreciate what reputable #ExtremeProgramming coaches are accomplishing in your org, maybe you’re a great leader who doesn’t know yet what specifically to look for.
If you do this while claiming to be an #XP expert, that’s clownshoes.
If you do this while claiming to be an #XP expert, that’s clownshoes.
September 10, 2025 at 7:54 PM
🤡👞
If you repeatedly fail to perceive or appreciate what reputable #ExtremeProgramming coaches are accomplishing in your org, maybe you’re a great leader who doesn’t know yet what specifically to look for.
If you do this while claiming to be an #XP expert, that’s clownshoes.
If you do this while claiming to be an #XP expert, that’s clownshoes.
September 10, 2025 at 12:27 AM
If you repeatedly fail to perceive or appreciate what reputable #ExtremeProgramming coaches are accomplishing in your org, maybe you’re a great leader who doesn’t know yet what specifically to look for.
If you do this while claiming to be an #XP expert, that’s clownshoes.
If you do this while claiming to be an #XP expert, that’s clownshoes.
Fascinating 1:1 feedback: “I hired you largely on the strength of recommendations from our shared network. But maybe that was just a mutual admiration society.”
What does this feedback reveal about the giver? Would you expect them to be a skilled leader or manager?
What does this feedback reveal about the giver? Would you expect them to be a skilled leader or manager?
September 8, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Fascinating 1:1 feedback: “I hired you largely on the strength of recommendations from our shared network. But maybe that was just a mutual admiration society.”
What does this feedback reveal about the giver? Would you expect them to be a skilled leader or manager?
What does this feedback reveal about the giver? Would you expect them to be a skilled leader or manager?
“We learned a ton, we got lots done, our team dynamics were awesome, and I’ve never felt this kind of team feeling before.”
Leaders are not obligated to value such feedback.
But if they don’t, they oughtn’t claim to value #ExtremeProgramming. They value something incompatible.
Leaders are not obligated to value such feedback.
But if they don’t, they oughtn’t claim to value #ExtremeProgramming. They value something incompatible.
September 8, 2025 at 12:31 AM
“We learned a ton, we got lots done, our team dynamics were awesome, and I’ve never felt this kind of team feeling before.”
Leaders are not obligated to value such feedback.
But if they don’t, they oughtn’t claim to value #ExtremeProgramming. They value something incompatible.
Leaders are not obligated to value such feedback.
But if they don’t, they oughtn’t claim to value #ExtremeProgramming. They value something incompatible.
If you believe the remit of an expert is to (1) know what’s best and (2) push everyone through doing it, you might not understand expertise. #KnowledgeWork #EngineeringLeadership
September 7, 2025 at 12:57 AM
If you believe the remit of an expert is to (1) know what’s best and (2) push everyone through doing it, you might not understand expertise. #KnowledgeWork #EngineeringLeadership
Beware anyone elucidating the workings of great teams who’s almost certainly never been anyone’s great teammate.
September 6, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Beware anyone elucidating the workings of great teams who’s almost certainly never been anyone’s great teammate.
If stakeholders have to wait many months to benefit at all from your project, you have much more to learn about #ExtremeProgramming.
If influential developers of the highest caliber keep not meeting your expectations, you have much more to learn about #EngineeringLeadership.
If influential developers of the highest caliber keep not meeting your expectations, you have much more to learn about #EngineeringLeadership.
September 5, 2025 at 12:47 AM
If stakeholders have to wait many months to benefit at all from your project, you have much more to learn about #ExtremeProgramming.
If influential developers of the highest caliber keep not meeting your expectations, you have much more to learn about #EngineeringLeadership.
If influential developers of the highest caliber keep not meeting your expectations, you have much more to learn about #EngineeringLeadership.
Reposted by Amitai Schleier
Great documentation on how to create a pkgsrc package github.com/TritonDataCe...
August 31, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Great documentation on how to create a pkgsrc package github.com/TritonDataCe...
Beach vacation has concluded.
August 30, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Beach vacation has concluded.
Reposted by Amitai Schleier
PSA for #ExtremeProgramming devotees:
Not all “XP” jobs, authors, experts, or leaders are what they claim. Before applying, ask around your network.
Not all “XP” jobs, authors, experts, or leaders are what they claim. Before applying, ask around your network.
August 30, 2025 at 2:40 AM
PSA for #ExtremeProgramming devotees:
Not all “XP” jobs, authors, experts, or leaders are what they claim. Before applying, ask around your network.
Not all “XP” jobs, authors, experts, or leaders are what they claim. Before applying, ask around your network.
PSA for #ExtremeProgramming devotees:
Not all “XP” jobs, authors, experts, or leaders are what they claim. Before applying, ask around your network.
Not all “XP” jobs, authors, experts, or leaders are what they claim. Before applying, ask around your network.
August 30, 2025 at 2:40 AM
PSA for #ExtremeProgramming devotees:
Not all “XP” jobs, authors, experts, or leaders are what they claim. Before applying, ask around your network.
Not all “XP” jobs, authors, experts, or leaders are what they claim. Before applying, ask around your network.
Three squares a day here. (Not pictured: a wealth of hexagons.)
August 28, 2025 at 3:01 AM
Three squares a day here. (Not pictured: a wealth of hexagons.)
Reposted by Amitai Schleier
We’ve got fresh mirrors of…
- qmail.org
- netqmail.org
- lifewithqmail.org (history reconstituted from RCS via CVS)
All in #Git, mirrored to GitHub, managed by #ikiwiki.
notqmail.org/mirrors
- qmail.org
- netqmail.org
- lifewithqmail.org (history reconstituted from RCS via CVS)
All in #Git, mirrored to GitHub, managed by #ikiwiki.
notqmail.org/mirrors
Mirrors
notqmail.org
August 13, 2025 at 9:50 PM
We’ve got fresh mirrors of…
- qmail.org
- netqmail.org
- lifewithqmail.org (history reconstituted from RCS via CVS)
All in #Git, mirrored to GitHub, managed by #ikiwiki.
notqmail.org/mirrors
- qmail.org
- netqmail.org
- lifewithqmail.org (history reconstituted from RCS via CVS)
All in #Git, mirrored to GitHub, managed by #ikiwiki.
notqmail.org/mirrors