Are you saying then that SA should provide the framework and then concentrate on specific (and a limited number of) ‘verticals’ (such as software development) and how to implement in those environments in greater detail? Would each of these ‘verticals’ evolve independently and/or do you envisage a point where they would inevitably ‘merge’. Or do you see evolution in different directions – albeit with common ancestry?

Sorry for all the questions!

I’m not sure we are so far that the SA is in position to *define* and *teach* those changes. Seems to me that supporting ideas and building communities where ideas are developed, exchanged, tested, scrutinized, etc. might be the best that can be done right now. And I would love to see that happen!

My new CFmera isn’t about a slightly different control. It’s about fundamentally altering your identity as a photographer. You still have to know some basics (framing) but even those have changed slightly (you don’t have to wait to have all of the picture framed just right before starting to take the picture).

But you’re right – analogies only go so far. Scrum isn’t the one to blame here. All I’m saying is that if we aren’t looking for ways to /modify/ Scrum (which has been pretty clear) then it would seem like the Scrum Alliance’s goal should be to help people /adopt/ it.

And if we’re about helping the adoption, then we need to help with the organizational change part. It’s very similar to the CSD efforts – you could create a “Certified Scrum Developer” program which was a class where someone learned about TDD, small stories, Simple Design, etc. But if they go back to their jobs and are still measured on how many lines of code they right and how fast they get the crap out of the door; and every one of the other developers are working 10, 12, 16 hour days – what’s the point?

It goes back to Jesse’s comment. Would a CSD class be, or is the CSM class, worthwhile? Sure. People would see an improvement in what they are doing. An incremental improvement. But if we’re really going to “transform the world of work”; if we’re /really/ going to tell everyone that by adopting Scrum, or XP, or Lean, or “Agile” you’ll see faster releases, higher quality and more money – we’ve got to see an effort to change the fundamental way we teach people how to run and organize business.

If the Scrum Alliance is doing *that* then imagine the impact we could see in the entire software community. That could be truly amazing. Instead we have to bicker about whether someone taking a two-day CSM class should have to take an exam. And, to me, that’s just sad.

A camera is just a tool. No photographer should expect a camera making him a better photographer. Sure, a company might sell a camera that gives you exceptional control over how to take photos. It might give you some new kind of helpful feedback, or some suggestions. But in the end it’s the responsibility of the photographer to learn how to use that information to make good photos. And a successful photographer will probably have done it by not just reading the camera’s manual and/or taking some workshops. He will have looked at the work of other photographers, got in contact with a community, and practiced for years and years.

The whole notion that it’s ok to take something that could make teams wildly better and settle for “a little bit better” is bullshit of the highest order. It’s a great way for lazy CSTs and consultants to make a pile of money, but it results in a classic tragedy of the commons: everybody ends up thinking that Agile only gets you “a little bit better”, and having tried it once, they may never try again.

So thanks for speaking up on this.

So, at the risk of making you vomit, I’ll put a fork in this one for now. Instead, I’ll go add some more stuff into my Scrum curriculum about the CFmera.

Cheers,
-jesse

I believe that to be more successful implementing Scrum, it needs to become less risky and more palatable for the people involved. We need to get top-down buy in and support, and it needs to be publicly stated.

Also we need to start gathering many more metrics on projects (post coming on that today) so we can show solid improvements in the business.

Also, everyone that is fanatical about what is and isn’t “agile” needs to stop doing that. I remember when Chad Fowler told the Ruby on Rails community to stop being a bunch of jerks so the community could grow. I think the same needs to happen here. I understand branding, but seriously, the “you’re not doing agile if you aren’t doing [blah]” needs to stop. If you’re adhering to Agile principles and working to improve, then who cares? Only people trying to make money on selling the mythical silver bullet.