Just in case people are browsing the comments trying to decide whether this is worth spending reading time on: it is. The headline is rather off-putting, but the article is a somewhat qualitative and nuanced discussion of a number of failed and successful software projects, and contributing factors.<p>An overview: any project can succeed or fail regardless of the design/development methodology used; more successes using lighter, iterative techniques. Individuals have a huge impact on project outcomes. Furthermore, individuals are inconsistent and your rockstar/ninja developer may turn into a plodding average Joe and visa versa depending on management style, methodology and other circumstances beyond your control.<p>Very good review and still highly applicable (published 1999)
is alistair c still active? he wrote my favourite process book (cooperative game) and i was looking at his wiki just today (to be sure i had the difference between user stories and use cases right), but i don't seem to hear his name mentioned much these days.<p>he's a smart guy, who seemed to be right more often than most. i hope he's still around.