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Ever since someone posted an article on “The XY Problem” nerds on all mediums have been assuming it’s always an XY problem
by corobo 7y ago
Ever since someone posted an article on “The XY Problem” nerds on all mediums have been assuming it’s always an XY problem
- rocqua 7y agoIt might even be the XY problem, but even if it is. Answer their question, and explain why maybe they should be considering something else after you answered the question. At that point, one is being extra helpful by adding context. Which is in stark contrast to 'that is probably the wrong question, and here is why'. Which is hard to distinguish from being willfully obtuse.
- corobo 7y agoAfter this came up elsewhere here within 5 days of this comment thread I’m giving it the name “The XYZ Problem” https://cohan.io/the-xyz-problem/ https://cohan.io/the-xyz-problem/
- scarface74 7y agoI don’t answer questions on SO, but I occasionally answer questions on r/aws. Half the time after further digging, it is an XYProblem.
- corobo 7y agoThat means the other half the time, with the same further digging, it is not. That's the problem.
- scarface74 7y agoAs a question answerer, that’s why I prefer Reddit. It’s much less formal, more conversational and you can actually have a discussion. I’ve never had the need to ask a question on SO, I have found a few answers on it of course. Luckily, I’ve had plenty of complicated questions about AWS, but for those, our AWS Business support plan where we can talk to live support who can look at your environment has been invaluable.