I saw a link posted this morning to Steve McConnell's blog about common programming mistakes, and many of them were very applicable to a project I am working on currently. Programmers being typically helpful people, and wanting to please their customers, I think we often get ourselves into trouble trying to stand up to un-realistic goals and ideals, simply because we dont want to disappoint anyone. This list really puts into words some of the no-no's to remember when you are gearing up for a large coding project. Just because the customer wants it in X timeframe does not always mean that it can be done in that time. I think most of my customers would have rather had a realistic estimate than a 'can do' on the front end, and a pushed deadline near the end!
So check it out: www.stevemcconnel.com - Classic Mistakes Enumerated (from 1996 no less!)
Let me know what you think, I believe he hit the idea's square on the head.
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