I am sure 'great ball of mud' is one those new fangled software engineering terms that I just haven't updated to yet. The article describes what this old fart and his geriatric fart friends referred to as:

1. 3rd Degree Mess

   The great steaming pile of pooh

2. 2nd Degree Mess

   The great steaming pile of pooh that will not flush.

3. 1st Degree Mess

   The great steaming pile of pooh that has taken over the universe.

mitd-Made in the Dark
'Interactive! Paper tape is interactive!
If you don't believe me I can show you my paper cut scars!'