Comments on: Best. Conference. Ever.

By: One of the Wolves » My 100th Post!

One of the Wolves » My 100th Post! — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 06:54:40 +0000

[...] Hands down great professional experience. Response to CAST 2009 to come soon. [...]

By: Becky

Becky — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 06:10:41 +0000

Actually, when Cem tells the story, it’s brain-damaged rats – not diseased rats.

By: One of the Wolves » Quick link between driving and scripted testing

One of the Wolves » Quick link between driving and scripted testing — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:17:11 +0000

[...] And here’s where the possibly far-reaching transfer comes in: Geeves represents a very detailed manual test script. I don’t think, I just do exactly what it says. Driving directions a la Google, however, are more like a checklist: With Google, I have to pay attention to all the idiosyncrasies of driving not needed when there’s someone else leading me. Questions like, Have I gone too far? Have I not gone far enough? Where am I in relation to where I need to go? Did I make the right turn? — all unneeded questions when your only task is to “keep going straight until you’re told to turn again.” And again. And again. And again. Jump through the door. [...]

By: Simon

Simon — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:37:21 +0000

Thanks Tim, It’s time to get rid of diseased rats!

By: Simon

Simon — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:36:03 +0000

Having a new analogy for manual test scripts that deals with diseased rats.

Explain

[From Tim: Cem gave a presentation relating his psychology experience with that of software testing. In the presentation, he talked of an experiment where he put both healthy and diseased rats into an electrified box, and observed how each made it out of the box. The healthy rats quickly found the opening leading to safety, and when placed in the box a second time, anticipated the electric shock. The diseased rats, however, seemed to follow a script of "Turn right, turn right, turn right, find opening." When Cem altered the experiment, say, by placing the rats in a different part of the box -- this time close to the door -- the healthy rats found the opening right away, whereas the diseased rats followed their script and either had trouble or didn't find the opening at all.

The message in his presentation, I think, is that if we employ mindless script-running drones who we don't expect to think at all, then we're going to get results similar to the diseased rats. However, if we empower our testers to use their heads, and expect them to account for changes -- because software is always changing -- then we'll get much better, healthier, results.]

By: Ben Kelly

Ben Kelly — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:28:02 +0000

G’day Tim,
Just putting in my $0.02 re the conference even though it’s pretty much ditto yourself, Henrik and Lou. It was great to catch up with you all. It takes a certain kind of weirdo to be a good tester and you guys are my kind of weird.

re your typo, I may have to refer to Henrik as ‘Jimmy’ from now on.

Will see if I can make it to CAST 2009. Hope to see you there.

By: Louise

Louise — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:14:49 +0000

I also have to agree with you .. and Henrik … it was an awesome CAST. Forming these relationships means a lot to me – even though I am far away, I know that there are a lot of really smart people I can get in touch with and use as a sounding board and get advice from or just chat about testing with – without (as Ben Kelly said) “Their eyes glazing over”.. Glad you are one of these people Tim.
Looking forward to your TimBits…

By: Becky

Becky — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:23:48 +0000

FWIW . . . I heard one guy refer to you as “the TimBits guy” when you weren’t around. As it turns out, the listener knew exactly who you were based on that description.

By: Henrik Andersson

Henrik Andersson — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:03:19 +0000

Tim It was great fun to meet you again.
I agree that this was an amazing CAST.
I recommend everyone to attend CAST 2009, it is really special.
Cheers
Henrik (or Hendrik if you wish )

[From Tim: Wow, wasn't that a glaring typo. It's fixed now.]