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# Throwback Thursday: August 1, 2024
- URL: https://nolongerset.com/throwback-thursday-2024-08-01/
- Published: 2024-08-02T03:15:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-08T12:41:17.000Z
- Description: Today's edition of Throwback Thursday explores the paradox of reliable software: better software -> increased user trust -> more potential for harm.
- Author: Mike Wolfe
- Tags: Throwback Thursday, #Import 2026-05-20 02:59

*With over a million words scattered across more than 1,300 articles on this blog, you've probably missed a few things here.*

*That’s why each week in "Throwback Thursday," we’ll revisit some standout posts. Expect a blend of my personal favorites, insightful articles from other great minds, and a touch of coding humor to keep things light.*

---

## Highlights from NoLongerSet.com

[The Curse of Reliable SoftwareHow does one avoid the reliability paradox? One option is to intentionally write unreliable, buggy software. There’s a better option.![](https://nolongerset.com/favicon.png)No Longer SetMike Wolfe![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/d7/ebd732c1-5f03-4f07-b386-5d08557e15c9/content/images/2020/10/cat-963931_1920.jpg)](https://nolongerset.com/the-curse-of-reliable-software/)

> 1\. Over time, users will assume their software is infallible.  
> 2\. Over time, software will prove its users wrong.

[The Software Reliability ParadoxThe most reliable software holds the potential to cause the greatest harm. Examples abound, from my own $86K mistake to a devastating Russian hack.![](https://nolongerset.com/favicon.png)No Longer SetMike Wolfe![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/d7/ebd732c1-5f03-4f07-b386-5d08557e15c9/content/images/2021/09/monster-5017470_1920.jpg)](https://nolongerset.com/the-software-reliability-paradox/)

> **As software reliability increases, so too does the degree of harm it has the potential to create.**

[Defensive ProgrammingDon’t build digital Maginot Lines. Program your defenses in depth.![](https://nolongerset.com/favicon.png)No Longer SetMike Wolfe![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/d7/ebd732c1-5f03-4f07-b386-5d08557e15c9/content/images/2020/10/Maginot_line_1_downsized.jpg)](https://nolongerset.com/defensive-programming/)

## Developer Humor

#### Zealous Autoconfig

[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/d7/ebd732c1-5f03-4f07-b386-5d08557e15c9/content/images/2024/08/zealous_autoconfig.png)](https://xkcd.com/416/)

*I hear this is an option in the latest Ubuntu release.*

*Cover image generated by Ideogram*