Google Releases 'Testing on the Toilet'

JasonK writes "Here's a type of Google launch you don't see every day: Testing on the Toilet. This is a service that has been apparently been running internally for several months and teaching developers about testing during their 'down time,' so to speak. Due to the wild success of the program inside of Google, they decided to start a blog where they will post these weekly episodes so that the rest of us can print them out and have our own reading on the can. Is this a step towards Google becoming more open about their development practices?"

Huh? Wha?

[gbulmash]

So now Google's gunning for Uncle John's Bathroom Reader [amazon.com] ?

Honestly, I don't see this as a positive development. My time on the pot is a time for reflection and grunting. If someone leaves the section with the comics and "Dear Abby" in the stall, I might elect to read, but I prefer to dump and run (TMI??). Also, knowing what Google employees are reading while they crap... Would "disquieting" be the right word for the sense of unease this gives me?

- Greg

Really not good for your health

[Anonymous Coward]

I seem to recall having read something about how reading on the john is bad for you. The idea is that if you are constipated, you should wait for the movement, and not sit there and get all agitated and stressed. You are not supposed to push them out, as it can damage you and/or make the constipation worse in the long run. The article was written by a MD, IIRC. The one quote that sticks out in my mind is, "you wouldn't take a dump in the library, so don't read in the toilet".

Old News

[J. Chrysostom]

My 50 year old company has been putting out "The Porcelain Press" in the can for years. They do it mostly for health & safety stuff, but the idea's the same. It just took Google a few decades to catch up.

Re:Huh? Wha?

[AstrumPreliator]

Weird, when I'm stuck on a tough problem I actually tend to go to the bathroom to solve it. No distractions or the like when you're on the john and you get the added bonus of feeling good (at least men do). I also take a shower to release tension. It's the perfect place to kick back and relax so you're not just grinding your teeth over it.

Now having said that I don't want that stuff in the bathroom at work. I'd rather have a bit of peace than more work shoved at me ;).

Yes, it is a cult

[Anonymous Coward]

I worked for almost a year as a contractor for Google. The definition that probably defines this company quite well is a cult. It was evident that no one would criticize any aspect of the company, would do anything that they were asked to. Also, it was like employees were too thankful for having the privilege of working there. When you add a big dose of arrogance (I guess that being told day after day you are the best of the best produces those results) to the mix, you get what Google is within.

It was indeed a very weird environment. I have worked in other big companies, but never say anything like that. The day my contract ended was a good one.

Re:Yes, it is a cult

[Anonymous Coward]

It may be true. I have never been in a religious cult, so I am only guessing. Wikipedia offers this definition for cult: "cohesive group of people devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture or society considers to be far outside the mainstream, sometimes reaching the point of a taboo." Part of it fits very well what Google is within, but not completely.

While I was working there, two full-time, regular employees (not contractors like me) left because of "personal issues". It was well known that the reason was they didn't agree with the "culture" (I am talking about one of Google's international offices, with less than a few dozens of engineers). Actually, after they left, it was sort of taboo to mention or talk about them. Weird. So it may be true that cults are difficult to leave for most people, but not for all. Usually people that get trapped into a cult have a certain personality, independently of how smart they are.

Re:Huh? Wha?

[jnana]

Ha, that's funny! I too go to the bathroom for the peace and solitude that are so conducive to problem solving. It's also one of the few places where you can close your eyes, forget about the world, and really visualize and work on a tricky problem without (a) people thinking you're crazy because you're sitting there wide awake and perfectly still with your eyes closed or (b) interrupting you, intentionally or otherwise.