'''Don't ask a question unless you want to hear the answer.'''

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This law, initially formulated by Charles Bair, relates to the more famous but less clear "It's easier to say sorry than ask for permission".

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The law's applicability is quite broad. Consider here some questions that shouldn't be asked unless you want to hear the answer:
* Honey, do I look fat to you?
* Can I go to the mall?
* Boss, can we do ExtremeProgramming?
* Do you want the last pork chop?
* What did you buy me for my birthday?

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Also related to, "Never detect for an error condition you can't handle."
-- DaveHarris

''CatchWhatYouCanHandle''

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Don't ever write anything in a memo that you wouldn't want to see on ''60 Minutes.''

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Also: "Never issue an ultimatum unless you can live with either outcome." -- MichaelFeathers

Or, "Always have a BATNA (BestAlternativeToNegotiatedAgreement)."

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This rule of thumb came up in a fairly good Paul Newman movie, _The Verdict_ as advice to a trial lawyer. I think it was expressed in the movie as "Don't ask a question you don't already know the answer to," regarding questioning a witness on the stand.

-PatrickLogan

A public defender I know disregarded that advice, to good effect:

''Defense: Given the complainant's age and weight, if she had drunk as much as she claims, would she have been competent at 1:00 AM?''

''Prosecution Expert Witness: No, she would definitely not have been competent.''

''Defense (fishing): What would have been her condition at, say, 3:00 AM?''

''Expert (consulting table): She would have been dead.''

Maybe a better rule would be: Don't coach your witnesses to give implausible testimony.

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I first heard this law from Admiral GraceHopper, one of Cobol's founders as such:  
'''It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.'''

p.s. Who was Baird?

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See also DontAskPermission

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CategoryQuestions