There is ALWAYS a Trade-off
I've written many times about trade-offs (you can read a bunch here). In short, every decision you make, whether you realize it or not, involves a trade-off. And recent news reminded me once again, that not only are there always trade-offs, but often they are unseen.
This article explains how the reduction of acid rain (less sulfur, a good thing!) is now creating problems for wheat farmers (a bad thing!) because the wheat needs the sulfur to create the gluten that makes for good bread.
You can read the details in the article, but suffice it to say, nothing comes without a trade-off. For example, if you choose to stay with your current AMS, you'll save money and you won't have any staff major disruptions. But you'll also have less functionality and maybe your staff has to work harder (e.g., create workarounds).
If you choose to switch to a new AMS, it'll cost you more money and be disruptive for many months, but at the end you'll likely have more functionality, less work for staff, and even a better experience for your members and customers.
But there's always a trade-off.
![]()
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
Be aware of unintended consequences
Be aware of unintended consequences I’ve written before that every decision involves a trade-off. When […]
Positive change is harder to see
Positive change is harder to see Humans are wired to see negative change because we […]
MVP: Minimum Viable Product
MVP: Minimum Viable Product In product development there is a concept known as MVP, or […]
You always need a reason for collecting data
You always need a reason for collecting data When you ask for data from someone […]
If you’re unhappy, speak up!
If you’re unhappy, speak up! My clients will often ask me something along the lines […]
Does it advance the mission?
Does it advance the mission? Because associations are mission-driven, everything you do should be seen […]
How should you start a new data project?
How should you start a new data project? When you’ve got a new data project […]
A Data Integrity Report…for Reports!
I’ve written elsewhere about the value of data integrity reports. But one of the most […]
Simple rules for complex systems
Simple rules for complex systems I first heard the phrase “simple rules for complex systems” […]
Accentuate the positive
Accentuate the positive I’ve written before about the importance of database public relationsand celebrating success. I’ll add […]
