"Don't fix what isn't broken"

[Jaranja]

Hello there, Escapians.

I seem to hear the above term used everywhere and can't stand it. I think people should constantly try and fix (said as "improve") what isn't broken. Just because something works doesn't mean it should be left alone.

Yes, this is an obvious post and I just want to get some reaction. Go ahead and tell me either: why you agree or why you don't want innovation.

 

[Dags90]

It's often used as a false dichotomy, suggesting that something that isn't broken is perfect. I really dislike the expression too, it came up numerous times in the thread about alternative car pedals. I find it heavily used by people with uncompromisingly dogmatic views about a particular things, as part of an appeal to tradition. This is generally a bad use of the phrase. It's not a bad thing about the expression itself, it's just frequently misused.

 

[MelasZepheos_v1legacy]

I think there should be a difference made between fixing and innovating.

To use an analogy:

Fixing what ain't broke is akin to you taking your X-Box apart and fiddling with the boards even when nothing has happened, in an attempt to make it better, when you know nothing about it.

Innovation is professionals taking your XBox and turning it into an XBox 360 with time and research.

That's what I think the phrase should mean, and it's what I use it to describe.

 

[Jedamethis]

You can't fix what isn't broke. It's impossible.

 

[The Procrastinated End]

The term is mostly used when people take something that worked perfectly or at least to majority satisfaction and worry is drawn out that trying to improve will just throw the successful product into the mud and stomp on its face.

 

[lucky_sharm]

Innovation is professionals taking your XBox and turning it into an XBox 360 with time and research.

That's what I think the phrase should mean, and it's what I use it to describe.

I don't think that's what innovation is. The Xbox 360 is just an upgraded Xbox.

 

[MetalPhoenix]

Why always go for perfection? If it works, good.

If somehow it doesn't meet current standards, then it doesn't work as it should

So i.m.o. the saying makes perfect sense

 

[Jaranja]

I'll just say that, to people that think I don't see the difference between fixing and improving, I know they're different but people use the analogy even when a company tries to improve a mechanic.

The term is mostly used when people take something that worked perfectly

Just taking a snippet. What? What works perfectly? There's always room for improvement.

 

[Something Amyss]

I'm all for complacency.

No, but seriously, the idea is tossed around too much. That's the only real problem I have with the phrase. It's not intended to be any more literal than "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" is meant to apply only to gift HORSES.

 

[TimeLord]

Everything can be fixed or improved if already fixed.

*brandishes Sonic Screwdriver*

 

[olfelix]

Depends on the context, in business I'd say you're shooting yourself in the foot. Nothing is every static, so why not be the one to improve on it.

The saying goes right up there with "it's always been done this way", that doesn't mean it can't be done better or more efficiently.

 

[Blemontea]

I would like innovation and improvement but when we try to improve on something multiple times and every time its proven to fail, i think we should just leave it alone becuase its now perfect. Now if only we could push this into the minds of all video game developers when they want to do something with the right analog stick.