Act 1, Scene 1...

Can't WAIT for the faux outrage at today's hearings. So here's what we "know" about the ACA website requirements:

• connect many, legacy databases - all of which operate separately and in silos
• hire contractors rather than listening to in house experts
• set the "product" launch as a fixed deadline that cannot be missed, regardless of site status
• do some testing - but there'll be no time to really pay attention to the results
• throw more people at fixing the "technical" problem(s), that's the ticket to success
• use Google Analytics to measure traffic and usage - it doesn't cost anything* (found the beacon, just need confirmation that they didn't buy the premium version)
• blame the site sponsor for throwing in last minute requirements

If this doesn't sound plausible to you, don't fret. It just means you've never built a complex website. But trust me that this is no catastrophe, despite the GOP's best effort to make it one. This happens everywhere I have ever worked. Without exception.