Thunderbird Task reordering in task pane

[craigar]

A long time ago...

I used to keep track of tasks using 3x5 cards and a spring clip.  Similar to Thunderbird tasks, I had a due date, Title, Notes, critical things, costs, etc.  Professionally, I'm a lead engineer, not a manager.

What I could do with the 3x5 deck is rearrange each task/project card in the order that represented current project priorities.  This wasn't a matter of “setting” priority, I would physically reorder the deck, effectively changing progression through the deck.  This way priority, long lead items, and dependencies were addressed with a “simple” reordering of the deck.

I'd like to do the same with the Thunderbird Task list.  Think of each line item as a 3×5 card with task information, and let me drag-n-drop the tasks (3×5 cards) as things continue to change in the project(s).  This way I can change things after discussion with peers and fine tune with management.

I'd find the 3×5 card approach more useful and less effort to maintain my task list as things complete and are discussed.

Can something like this be done?

This little thing at the bottom of the page says it rather well…

[Jon]

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[craigar]

The fundamental difference I'm alluding to is the current task implementation might work well for items that are based on “delivery date”, such as business, accounting, legal, etc. which focus more in schedule and delivery.  This approach doesn't work well for “functional”, or “performance” style tasks.

The way I operate is more “functional” or performance delivery oriented.

Think of it this way.  If you go to buy are car, and it's promised on a very specific date and time, how might you feel if it's delivered exactly on time, 1:00pm on a very specific day, but with only one tire?  Or would performance be more important to you, meaning it might be delivered a day late, but it would have all four tires installed and performing correctly.  Performance vs Schedule.  The nature of my tasks are Performance.

And since I can't change it in my original posting, “and fine tune with management.” would be better stated as “coordinating with management” to get resources and budget support lined up to complete the project.  We have different objectives, business and engineering, but the same goals.  This requires communication and cooperation.