6 | The testing community
Let’s face it, any job can be
boring, it's when people
choose to stand still that
things get mundane. As
a testing community we
often stand still, accept
things as they are, lose
faith in the system or
complain to each other. It's
happened to the best of us.
and how important it is to implement forums, Twitter, etc. While the whuffie. In addition, it's not just about
the right strategy. online social space for testers seems working hard. It's about working hard
to have gained momentum, at the right things. It can be as simple
Testing is not boring connecting offline is a different thing. as being nice to people or starting a
You only have to do a Google search The real-world social interaction conversation. Perhaps proving a point
to see how many people think testing seems to be lagging behind, yet it or creating some kind of perceived
is boring. It's often related to mindless is crucial to the development of our testing magic to show how valuable
repetitive actions. While testing may testing community. you are to the project team. Or the
be boring in some projects it doesn't The social web over the past few act of positive creativity, helping
mean that it always has to be. Let’s years has led to a massive increase people out, proving your capability,
face it, any job can be boring, it's when in events happening across the doing a presentation, openly sharing
people choose to stand still that things globe. Some of the events have been your knowledge.
get mundane. As a testing community commercial, but a vast majority have All this 'intangible yet positive’ stuff
we often stand still, accept things as been grassroots. The disappointing leads to unexpected opportunities
they are, lose faith in the system or thing, from my point of view, is that and results. Get known for being
complain to each other. It's happened I'm still to meet another tester at a great person professionally and
to the best of us. one of these events. Meeting up face socially and all of a sudden people
We need to do more than simply to face has great value and is often will start listening and respecting
state that testing is not boring! a source of great inspiration, ideas you. Imagine the difference a tester
The question is how can we pump and conversations. How about we all could make if important people
excitement back into our industry? put in a little effort into organising, listened. If only all us testers had a
Why do we only seem to discuss creating or attending some of these bit more whuffie!
testing deeply within the testing types of events? Whether or not they
community? Why isn't there are testing-focused is not the issue. What do you think?
someone cool ‘bigging-up’ what The point is that we should all get These are just ideas that frankly mean
we do at web conferences? We out more and learn from one another nothing if no action is taken. It would
seem to be locked into our own through valuable knowledge and social be nice if you agreed entirely with
t.
gated community. sharing opportunities. what I am saying, though to be honest
I think this is a bit of wishful thinking!
Let’s talk and Value your reputation I am hoping it will give you some
communicate more I prefer to use the term ‘whuffie’ food for thought and perhaps a bit of
The web has become a great tool for or social capital. Go on, Google it. inspiration to do something for our
people to become more social on and Reputation goes a long, long way in community. I welcome your feedback
offline. It has never been so easy to business or social life. If you get by on the topic and encourage discussion
meet and hold conversations with just doing your job or doing the bare
Rosie Sherry
Founder and Community Manager
over at the Software Testing Club
a wide variety of people. We can minimum to keep your boss happy –
The Software Testing Club
which is where I hang out on a
www.softwaretestingclub.com
connect via social networks, blogs, well, frankly you would not gain much daily basis.
T.E.S.T | March 09
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