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> The notion that tools exist in some sort of vacuum away from users baffles me

This x1000

Software is developed and used in a social context. We can't disavow responsibility for the effects our Software cause.




The thing about software is that it enables us to do things we do well faster and more consistently by a large factor, it also causes the things we don't do well to multiply their damage.

My previous workplace everyone had tight deadlines and goals to meet, they were pressured both internally and externally to act in their best interest, this means that everyone believes their problem is top priority even when it's not a priority at all, and Slack makes communication a billion times faster so they bother whoever they can on Slack.

This usually means one of two things, either going to someone directly or blasting everyone on the channels that contain the entire company, this became the default for us and it was hell, at some point people would notify the entire channel because they couldn't find their mug.

IMO what Slack does, in this case, is expose much bigger issues within the structure of the company, these can't be fixed by switching chat apps.

My current company the communication channels and prioritization are very clear, Slack is not a problem, it is a helping tool.


Here's why someone may disagree:

Your company has hammers and screw drivers as your tools. If your employees only know how to use hammers, they are going to hammer screws. If your team only knows how to use screw drivers, they will shrug at nails. Hence, the tool is not always at fault for end user error.

Learning how and when it is appropriate to use the tools at hand is important.


Nobody actually hammers screws because it's obvious how the tools are intended to be used and that isn't it.


Counter-point: percentage of emails marked as urgent that are actually urgent.




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