[cells-devel] Re: [Lisp] Rapid prototyping idea rewards crap (README)

[Ken Tilton]

On 20 Apr 2006 13:40:40 -0400, Heow Eide-Goodman <lists at alphageeksinc.com>
wrote:
>
> Actually Kenny, you hit it on the nose.
>
> Here is the process as-envisioned:
>
>   1. A prospective student has a gread project idea
>   2. LispNYC reviews student and idea
>   3. If we determine that idea and student are considered worthy, then
> LispNYC says yeah or nay.
>   4. (if (eq 'nay (lisp-nyc-review-process student) 'adios) (progn ...
> ))
>   5. We think they've got a fighting chance then LispNYC pledges $500
>   6. Student works and works and works
>   7. Google reviews everything and the grants are awarded.
>   8. If they're not funded by Google, then we give them the $500
>
>
> Since our intent is to attract smart motivated students to get a
> head-start on the work rather than motivated shysters, then we should
> carefully consider this.  Everything comes with risks and this needs to
> mitigate our risk rather than increase it.
>
> Please consider this, carefully.
>
> The RCP process is exactly the same review that we use for Google.
> However, for a mere $500, it allows us:
>
>   * More time to scrutinize the student.
>   * Determine whether she is sufficiently motivated to complete the
> project.
>   * Better determine their technical chops, in Lisp or otherwise.


OK, this makes no sense. Why not let Google waste their $500 instead of
ours? We do the same due diligence either way, but if it turns out we
screwed up, we take the hit. And I  have to ask: what problem are you trying
to solve? We did great last year. There was one screw-up, and I am
completely to blame because I had an early warning of exactly what
transpired. We have learned that lesson and will be more careful this time
in the review process. But to be honest, again, I had all the early warning
in the world on the cl-sockets didaster, I just sailed through that flashing
red light.

I thought the angle was "attract more projects". That was at least
plausible. But, again, I doubt the guarantee would do that, I think it would
attract (not reward) more crap.

kt
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://mailman.common-lisp.net/pipermail/cells-devel/attachments/20060420/3ae0a07e/attachment.html>