Let's start with the NoEstimates definition:
Key: "...alternatives to estimates [of time, effort, cost] for making decisions"
One could wonder why "value" or "benefit" is left out of the list, as if value alone would be enough, but anyway, this is in essence a good description why we estimate: to make (inform) decisions.
Let's continue with definitions. What does it mean "to estimate"? Let's go to the dictionary:
Merriam-Webster
But, perhaps NoEstimates uses another definition? No, it doesn't seem so. This is a slide from a presentation by Woody Zuill:
Basically this definition is the same thing as the dictionary version. The dictionary is just more "condensed" and better generalized.
So, the definition would now be "...alternatives to having a general idea about the size or cost of something for making decisions" (I excluded "value").
Let's look at "size". When making decisions, those decisions have impacts. What we want to get a general idea about is the size of the impacts of those decisions. And here the NoEstimates definition of "estimate" fits as well. Everything we do has a cost and takes some effort (and has "value", but we've for some reason left that out). It's the size of those things we want to have an idea about.
Now, one automatically wonders: what would an alternative (to estimates) be?
There are alternatives: Random or chance/hope (and time traveling, but I won't cover that).
You could do "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" or roll a die, flip a coin, JavaScript Math.random() or turn to Tarot cards, haruspicy, tasseography, or... well the possibilities are probably endless.
But if you'd make a decision (and spend money on something) would you use any of these methods? Well, some do (I guess). But as a piece of advice?
This can't be it. But other alternatives?
Setting a (fixed) budget? But what should the size of that budget be? Math.random()? And how would we have an idea of the size of the scope for that budget ("What's possible")?
Setting a timebox? Question still remains: what's the size of that timebox? Math.random() again..? And the other question remains as well: the size of the scope for what can be accomplished within the timebox?
Seriously, I can't come up with any alternatives. And I've so far never heard one either. And to be honest; there are none either. It's plain old common sense.
Hence, not estimating doesn't make sense.
