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Paul Graham's short essay on the incompatibility between how makers (programmers, writers) and managers need to structure their time — and why meetings are so destructive for creative work.

This is the single essay I send to every founder who complains they can't get anything done. 15 years old and more relevant than ever.

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yuna·198 rep·1/31/2026

The part about 'speculative planning' is underrated — the idea that you schedule your week differently once you know you have a meeting coming, even days in advance.

kwame·312 rep·2/1/2026

Been sharing this with every PM I've worked with for 10 years. Some get it. Most schedule another meeting.