[GRLUG] Geek test/job opening

David Wise davidn.wise at gmail.com
Wed Nov 24 23:14:17 EST 2010 

I have always been painfully aware that I am not even remotely a programmer,
but that was quite frankly, embarrassing.  My initials are nowhere near the
top ten...
--
Dave



On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 1:35 PM, Matt Michielsen
<mattmichielsen at gmail.com>wrote:

> My sentiments exactly.  I wasn't trying to insult Kyle or the company
> itself, but if I were currently looking for work, I would definitely be
> looking for a company doing awesome things rather than a company that has no
> history and no obvious public business plan or concept.  I do like the quiz
> idea, and it has apparently been a pretty successful screen for a few
> companies I've read about on Hacker News.
>
>
> On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 12:57 PM, David van Geest <
> david.vangeest at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Yeah, I kind of liked the quiz too, although I was too lazy to hack
>> the forms or look up some of the answers which had escaped my memory
>> (I'm not looking for a job).
>>
>> That said, if I were considering an application, it would be nice to
>> have some background info on the company, what they do, etc.  I'm sure
>> Kyle is a good guy (based on his polite email and the recomendations
>> from Michael and Casey), but there's more to a company than good,
>> smart people.  Products?  Services?  Business plan?  Location.....?
>>
>> Don't get me wrong, I'm all for _select_ job opportunities being
>> circulated on a list like this.  But even for the midly curious such
>> as myself, a website goes a long way towards introducing your company.
>>
>> On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 12:01 PM, Clay Ashby <kingpoiuy at gmail.com> wrote:
>> > I liked the quiz idea! I did some of it and found myself to be quite
>> rusty
>> > with some of the aspects. I think quizzes like this should be standard
>> for
>> > job applications and I also wish (as bob mentioned) more places would
>> post
>> > their salary as part of the job incentive. Most companies don't post
>> their
>> > wages because they want to undercut the employee if possible. These
>> quizzes
>> > not only help the employer understand the employee, but they help the
>> > employee understand the employer as well.
>> > Just my thoughts! :)
>> >
>> > On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 11:50 AM, Bob Kline <bob.kline at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> Assume?  The job description could
>> >> include something like "we are a company
>> >> engaged in......"
>> >> IT professional reads better than geek IMHO.
>> >> "Just do your job" actually sounds pretty good
>> >> in today's world.  As long as one knows what it
>> >> is anyway.  Creativity is a very overused word
>> >> today.  Everyone even mildly competent, making
>> >> the most mundane, expected, contributions calls
>> >> themselves creative.  Probably doesn't help to
>> >> narrow things down much.  A good recommendation
>> >> by someone known to be competent in the field
>> >> sounds useful.
>> >>    -- Bob
>> >>
>> >> On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 11:35 AM, Joseph Workman
>> >> <joseph.workman at gmail.com> wrote:
>> >>>
>> >>> I like the "game" it shows creativity and gives some insight into the
>> >>> culture of a company. I am assuming this isn't the normal "realistic"
>> ---
>> >>> just do your job -- kind of company but maybe a company that has a
>> sense of
>> >>> humor and creativity.
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>> On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 11:23 AM, Bob Kline <bob.kline at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Why the games?  i.e., why not just post
>> >>>> a realistic job description, including a salary
>> >>>> range?
>> >>>> Saying one is looking for a geek might
>> >>>> bring smiles to the computer community,
>> >>>> but colloquially it suggests one is looking
>> >>>> for a social loser who is willing to devote
>> >>>> his or her life to the cause. And will likely
>> >>>> wall themselves off from the rest of the
>> >>>> organization as much as possible in order
>> >>>> to keep away the demanding, largely
>> >>>> know-nothing, computer users.  It's not
>> >>>> an appealing pitch, but then, perhaps things
>> >>>> have not really changed much in the last
>> >>>> 30 years.
>> >>>> We've seen cases of ridiculous job
>> >>>> descriptions, seemingly looking for someone
>> >>>> fluent in 50 or more computer languages
>> >>>> and-or major packages.  If someone has a
>> >>>> real job, with finite duties and hours, and
>> >>>> pay commensurate with expectations, why
>> >>>> not just spell it out.  Knowing the boss is a
>> >>>> great guy is a plus from the job seeker's
>> >>>> point of view, but just another factor.
>> >>>>    -- Bob
>> >>>>
>> >>>> On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 11:09 AM, Casey DuBois <grlugcasey at gmail.com
>> >
>> >>>> wrote:
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> I can also vouch for Kyle and told him to post this opportunity to
>> the
>> >>>>> list. For anyone looking for work this may be an excellent
>> opportunity.
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> Regards,
>> >>>>> Casey DuBois
>> >>>>> 616-808-6942
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> On Nov 24, 2010, at 9:11 AM, Michael Mol <mikemol at gmail.com> wrote:
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> > I can't say a whole lot without risking violating an NDA, and even
>> >>>>> > providing this character reference risks putting me in an odd
>> >>>>> > conflict
>> >>>>> > with my own employer, but I do feel a couple things need to be
>> said.
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> > I know these folks personally and professionally, and they are
>> some
>> >>>>> > of
>> >>>>> > the friendliest and polite people I've ever met, and Kyle is one
>> of
>> >>>>> > the enthusiastic, driven and cleverest people I've ever met. I
>> >>>>> > suspect
>> >>>>> > he is smarter and has a higher capability for learning than I have
>> or
>> >>>>> > will have.
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> > I personally think it would be foolish for anyone on this list to
>> >>>>> > give
>> >>>>> > a blanket pass on the opportunity without at least trying for an
>> >>>>> > interview.
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> > On Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 8:27 AM, Matt Michielsen
>> >>>>> > <mattmichielsen at gmail.com> wrote:
>> >>>>> >>
>> >>>>> >> My favorite from their images directory was this one:
>> >>>>> >>
>> http://virtualinterconnectsoftware.com/images/customform.jpg-6-21-2006
>> >>>>> >> Reminds me of the geocities days.
>> >>>>> >> I didn't look at their test or whatever though.  I have a hard
>> time
>> >>>>> >> wanting to put any time toward a company that I can't find any
>> real history
>> >>>>> >> on.  I guess if I were looking for a job it might be a different
>> story.
>> >>>>> >>
>> >>>>> >> On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 8:20 PM, Bill Littlejohn <
>> billl at mtd-inc.com>
>> >>>>> >> wrote:
>> >>>>> >>>
>> >>>>> >>> Not only that..
>> >>>>> >>>
>> >>>>> >>> billl at phoenix:~$ whois virtualinterconnectsoftware.com
>> >>>>> >>>
>> >>>>> >>>   Domain Name: VIRTUALINTERCONNECTSOFTWARE.COM
>> >>>>> >>>   Registrar: EASYDNS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
>> >>>>> >>>   Whois Server: whois.easydns.com
>> >>>>> >>>   Referral URL: http://www.easydns.com
>> >>>>> >>>   Name Server: NS1.VIRTUALINTERCONNECT.COM
>> >>>>> >>>   Name Server: NS2.VIRTUALINTERCONNECT.COM
>> >>>>> >>>   Status: clientTransferProhibited
>> >>>>> >>>   Status: clientUpdateProhibited
>> >>>>> >>>   Updated Date: 16-nov-2010
>> >>>>> >>>   Creation Date: 16-nov-2010
>> >>>>> >>>   Expiration Date: 16-nov-2011
>> >>>>> >>>
>> >>>>> >>>>>> Last update of whois database: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 01:16:46 UTC
>> <<<
>> >>>>> >>>
>> >>>>> >>>
>> >>>>> >>> On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 5:19 PM, David van Geest
>> >>>>> >>> <david.vangeest at gmail.com> wrote:
>> >>>>> >>>> Let me guess.... first task for the new employee will be to
>> write
>> >>>>> >>>> the
>> >>>>> >>>> company's website :-).
>> >>>>> >>>>
>> >>>>> >>>> On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 2:31 PM,
>> >>>>> >>>>  <kyle at virtualinterconnectsoftware.com> wrote:
>> >>>>> >>>>> Hi everyone,
>> >>>>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>> We have a job opening for a programmer/system administrator
>> >>>>> >>>>> position, and
>> >>>>> >>>>> built a bit of a geek test to check for some of the skills
>> we're
>> >>>>> >>>>> looking
>> >>>>> >>>>> for:
>> >>>>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>> http://geektest.virtualinterconnectsoftware.com/
>> >>>>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>> You can take the test semi-anonymously without applying for
>> the
>> >>>>> >>>>> job - when
>> >>>>> >>>>> you get to the end, it lets you choose whether you want to
>> apply
>> >>>>> >>>>> or not.
>> >>>>> >>>>> Minimal information is required (first name, e-mail, a bit
>> more
>> >>>>> >>>>> if you want
>> >>>>> >>>>> to apply for the job), and you're required to post your score
>> to
>> >>>>> >>>>> the high
>> >>>>> >>>>> score list under a three-letter handle of your choosing.  It's
>> >>>>> >>>>> designed as
>> >>>>> >>>>> a bit of a game, and some basic hacking is encouraged (see the
>> >>>>> >>>>> rules for
>> >>>>> >>>>> details).  Whether or not you want the job, go ahead and try
>> it,
>> >>>>> >>>>> even just
>> >>>>> >>>>> to see how well you do!
>> >>>>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>> If you're interested in the job, we're looking for a really
>> geeky
>> >>>>> >>>>> person
>> >>>>> >>>>> to help us:
>> >>>>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>> - write software, mainly in PHP/HTML/CSS/JavaScript
>> >>>>> >>>>> - administrate networks, servers, computers, systems, and
>> other
>> >>>>> >>>>> electronic
>> >>>>> >>>>> dohickeys with blinky lights and fans
>> >>>>> >>>>> - secure data and prevent hacking attempts
>> >>>>> >>>>> - act as on-call systems administration relief at odd hours if
>> >>>>> >>>>> needed
>> >>>>> >>>>> (which isn't often)
>> >>>>> >>>>> - connect/fix printers and cell phones (the glamorous part of
>> the
>> >>>>> >>>>> job - in
>> >>>>> >>>>> all seriousness, this should be fairly rare)
>> >>>>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>> Ideally, someone who:
>> >>>>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>> - knows how to program reasonably well
>> >>>>> >>>>> - has experience with Linux (you are on a Linux mailing list,
>> >>>>> >>>>> right?)
>> >>>>> >>>>> - knows a thing or two about encryption
>> >>>>> >>>>> - can show up for work bathed and in clean clothes
>> >>>>> >>>>> - keeps their cables neat and organized
>> >>>>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>> Good luck!
>> >>>>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>> Warm Regards,
>> >>>>> >>>>> Kyle Maas
>> >>>>> >>>>> Virtual Interconnect Software, LLC
>> >>>>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>> --
>> >>>>> >>>>> This message has been scanned for viruses and
>> >>>>> >>>>> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
>> >>>>> >>>>> believed to be clean.
>> >>>>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________
>> >>>>> >>>>> grlug mailing list
>> >>>>> >>>>> grlug at grlug.org
>> >>>>> >>>>> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
>> >>>>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>
>> >>>>> >>>>
>> >>>>> >>>> --
>> >>>>> >>>> David van Geest
>> >>>>> >>>> http://60cycle.net
>> >>>>> >>>>
>> >>>>> >>>> --
>> >>>>> >>>> This message has been scanned for viruses and
>> >>>>> >>>> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
>> >>>>> >>>> believed to be clean.
>> >>>>> >>>>
>> >>>>> >>>> _______________________________________________
>> >>>>> >>>> grlug mailing list
>> >>>>> >>>> grlug at grlug.org
>> >>>>> >>>> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
>> >>>>> >>>>
>> >>>>> >>>
>> >>>>> >>> --
>> >>>>> >>> This message has been scanned for viruses and
>> >>>>> >>> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
>> >>>>> >>> believed to be clean.
>> >>>>> >>>
>> >>>>> >>> _______________________________________________
>> >>>>> >>> grlug mailing list
>> >>>>> >>> grlug at grlug.org
>> >>>>> >>> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
>> >>>>> >>
>> >>>>> >>
>> >>>>> >> --
>> >>>>> >> This message has been scanned for viruses and
>> >>>>> >> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
>> >>>>> >> believed to be clean.
>> >>>>> >> _______________________________________________
>> >>>>> >> grlug mailing list
>> >>>>> >> grlug at grlug.org
>> >>>>> >> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> > --
>> >>>>> > :wq
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> > --
>> >>>>> > This message has been scanned for viruses and
>> >>>>> > dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
>> >>>>> > believed to be clean.
>> >>>>> >
>> >>>>> > _______________________________________________
>> >>>>> > grlug mailing list
>> >>>>> > grlug at grlug.org
>> >>>>> > http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> --
>> >>>>> This message has been scanned for viruses and
>> >>>>> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
>> >>>>> believed to be clean.
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> _______________________________________________
>> >>>>> grlug mailing list
>> >>>>> grlug at grlug.org
>> >>>>> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>> --
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>> >>>> believed to be clean.
>> >>>> _______________________________________________
>> >>>> grlug mailing list
>> >>>> grlug at grlug.org
>> >>>> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>>
>> >>> --
>> >>> Joseph J. K. Workman
>> >>> Workman Technology Services
>> >>> 616.827.7570
>> >>>
>> >>> --
>> >>> This message has been scanned for viruses and
>> >>> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
>> >>> believed to be clean.
>> >>> _______________________________________________
>> >>> grlug mailing list
>> >>> grlug at grlug.org
>> >>> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> This message has been scanned for viruses and
>> >> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
>> >> believed to be clean.
>> >> _______________________________________________
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>> >> grlug at grlug.org
>> >> http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > --
>> >
>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> > -- "technologically promiscuous"
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > --
>> > This message has been scanned for viruses and
>> > dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
>> > believed to be clean.
>> > _______________________________________________
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>> > grlug at grlug.org
>> > http://shinobu.grlug.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/grlug
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> David van Geest
>> http://60cycle.net
>>
>> --
>> This message has been scanned for viruses and
>> dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
>> believed to be clean.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> grlug mailing list
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>>
>
>
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