I Will Dropkick You If You Use A Spreadsheet

Summary

In this passionate discourse, the speaker vehemently opposes the use of spreadsheets in automated processes, sharing war stories from Netflix's past reliance on Google Sheets. They humorously recount the evolution from temporary solutions to entrenched practices, like using spreadsheets for categorization, and the inevitable complications that arise. The speaker advocates for modern tools like SQL databases and Squeal Light, while also expressing a fondness for the scrappy, inventive spirit of early programming solutions, despite their long-term drawbacks.

Takeaways

• 😡 The speaker has a strong aversion to using spreadsheets in automated processes, finding the idea repulsive.
• 📺 Reference is made to an episode of Star Trek Voyager that was particularly distasteful to the speaker.
• 📈 There was a time when a critical part of Netflix's operations was run off a spreadsheet, highlighting the versatility of spreadsheets.
• 🚀 Despite general disdain for spreadsheets, they can be effective for quick, stop-gap solutions in certain scenarios.
• 🗂️ The speaker humorously threatens severe consequences for anyone suggesting the integration of spreadsheets into processes.
• 💡 Spreadsheets can empower non-technical staff and democratize data access, which is seen as a positive aspect by some.
• 🔥 There's a passionate argument against the long-term use of spreadsheets in complex systems, advocating for more robust solutions like databases.
• 📊 The narrative includes a personal anecdote about using VBA macros and the potential for these to become unmanageable over time.
• 🗂️ SharePoint and Access are mentioned as tools that can lead to convoluted processes, with the speaker expressing strong dislike for these platforms.
• 📝 The speaker recounts experiences where seemingly temporary solutions, like using spreadsheets, became permanent and problematic.

Q & A

What does the speaker express a strong aversion to in the script?

The speaker expresses a strong aversion to using spreadsheets in automated processes.

What is the speaker's opinion on the use of spreadsheets in a professional setting?

The speaker believes that spreadsheets should not be used in professional settings, especially in automated processes, despite acknowledging their temporary usefulness.

What example does the speaker give about the use of spreadsheets at Netflix?

The speaker mentions that a part of Netflix's categorization system, which determined categories shown on television, was sourced from a pre-populated field in a spreadsheet.

How does the speaker describe the process of using spreadsheets for categorization at Netflix?

The speaker describes the process as a temporary solution that was not ideal but was used due to its simplicity and quick implementation.

What does the speaker suggest as an alternative to using spreadsheets in processes?

The speaker suggests using a PostgreSQL database or squeal light as a more scalable and efficient alternative to spreadsheets.

What is the speaker's view on the democratization of data through spreadsheets?

While acknowledging the democratization of data as an important element in the modern workplace, the speaker still believes that relying on spreadsheets for data processing is not a good long-term solution.

Why does the speaker express such strong feelings against the use of spreadsheets in processes?

The speaker has seen the negative consequences of using spreadsheets in processes, such as scalability issues, maintenance problems, and the creation of complex and difficult-to-maintain systems.

What does the speaker suggest when faced with the need for a temporary solution?

The speaker suggests using a database or other more scalable solutions as a temporary measure rather than relying on spreadsheets.

What is the 'greedy search algorithm' mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to the discussion about spreadsheets?

The 'greedy search algorithm' is a metaphor used by the speaker to describe the tendency to add more and more features or processes onto an initial solution without considering a proper refactor, which in the context of spreadsheets, leads to overly complex and unwieldy systems.

What does the speaker mean when they say 'the crap onion'?

The 'crap onion' is a metaphor used by the speaker to describe the层层叠加的不良代码和临时解决方案，这些最终导致了复杂且难以维护的系统。