04 June, 2010

The New Famous Millionaire Rock Star Tester Dudette

Roughly a year ago, James Bach talked about my work on his blog. I rock on his blogroll too. Michael Bolton recently mentioned my name in his Follow Friday list of tweeples to follow in twitterverse. My blog got listed as 30th top software testing blog. uTest thought I am one of the top 20 tester tweeples’ in twitterverse. I got 2 articles published (as author/co-author) in last one year. What more? I am The New Famous Millionaire Rock Star Tester Dudette on the block!

I love to test. I like to mentor people. I motivate fellow testers to explore. I encourage many to experiment new things. I support people who fail faster and guide them to do so in a safe environment. I empathize with people. I answer questions. I clarify doubts. In return, I learn more from them than they do from me.

With lots of regards to my blog, I have done crazy stuff. I have written good posts, some bad, some worse. Some that people would remember for next few years etc. Should I write blog posts that increase my traffic or that help change the way a few people think? Not just think about how I write, but about what I write and how it can bring a good change in the way they work.

Interestingly, even if I haven’t posted anything in a while, hits to my blog remain pretty constant. Some colleagues discover my blog accidentally and speak highly about it (blush). And I know you as my blog reader too. Do I really deserve this adulation? Honestly, I don’t know. At least, I didn’t ask for it consciously. When the adulation did arrive, it gave me goose bumps. It got me excited and happy. When you do little things without any expectations of end results which somehow turns out to be a great deal for others, your joy will have no bounds. Adding to this, you’ll think of achieving lot more and travel to areas untraveled so far.

I haven't done many things. To list a few:
I have not attended many conferences forget about speaking at some of those prestigious ones.
I have not written profusely in public. Don’t even ask about writing a book.
I have not networked enough on online testing communities to suggest ideas and solve people's problems.
I fail to work closely with my colleagues to suggest good things at work due to lack of good negotiation skills, perseverance and patience.
At times, my ego costs me a ton!

Recently, one person commented on why an upcoming tester like me gets included in an elite list of testers on a reputed public forum. Some people question my existence on the Influential Women tester’s list on STP magazine January issue. Tomorrow, many may question my credibility. Did I ask for this? I didn’t. I am fine with criticism/ridicule/banter or whatsoever you want to call it. It's fine because people who comment are the ones who have not seen me test or work in general. If colleagues who work with you everyday can mistake your intentions and take you for a ride, think about people sitting millions of miles away witnessing flattery about you. And I am fine to say I don't rock at testing yet! At least, I have the courage buddy.

I am yet to travel a lot in my Testing Journey. I have a long way to go. I am not breaking my head thinking about the destination or how I would be when I reach the destination. All I am doing right now is enjoying my journey. If something good comes my way and this helps me do better things by reaching out to more people, I would grab it anyway. But I would not ask for it explicitly (And yes, I have had my lean days too). The whole ‘getting famous’ thing gets as controversial as match fixing in cricket matches because people seem to have problems with upcoming testers since these testers have neither spoken at a conference nor written a book. Simply because they are not famous enough yet! Is that it?

I am glad it’s a small world and I am facing these things so early in my career. It keeps me grounded (I won’t use the word humble). There’s a lot to learn, there’s a lot more to achieve, there is so much I need to do if I want to be that something that I want to be. As a newcomer, I have my fair share of struggles to fight against. Challenge me, but don’t make fun of me. Even if someone did, I’ll take that person as a godsend not because I am philosophical, but because that person is helping me grow. In some way for sure. Thanks to that person, I would be facing rough waters very early.

I want to be a Change Agent in testing. I don’t care if I am famous or not. I don’t care if I’ll be rich or not. All I want is to be a small seed that can grow into a tree and spread its wings so that many testers like me come out in the open as people with tons of pride and self-esteem about the Testing Craft.

And yes, for the change agent that I want to be, I am definitely The New Famous Millionaire Rock Star Tester Dudette “Already”.

Regards,
Parimala Shankaraiah

23 comments:

  1. I have just read a tweet from Ajay which can be well connected to this post. The Tweet says:
    "People who feel superb about themselves generate superb results."

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  2. I am not finding words to express my thoughts,to convey that I wanted to post a blank comment,but blogspot did'nt allow,so I typed this

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  3. Hi Parimala,

    I am honored to share a spot with you in the women of testing magazine. I'm also new to any sort of silly internet fame on a small scale. For me it isn't about fame, fighting, traffic or even getting my voice out there, it is about earning a place at the table. I want to contribute something of value to the community that has taught me so much and lifted me up when I was close to quitting. I want to help new testers find their own opinion and style. Most of all, I want testing to value more than one point of view so that it can flourish as a diverse profession.

    I'm a tester, I'm a nerd, and I'm pretty proud of it.

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  4. Great post! Love your attitude!! Good luck to you in your endeavors as change agent :)

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  5. hey dear,
    Wonderful post.. what i liked most in this post is ur creative writing! yes, I see a lot of creativity apart from your passion for testing.. And congrats on all your success.. U deserve it and I see much more comin ur way! :)
    Lots of love,
    Netra

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  6. is this an acceptance post or lashing out someone('s comment) ?

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  7. Hi Parimala,

    I believe one of the reasons I originally recognized you is that Michael Bolton met you personally when he was in India-- he may have done a testing exercise with you-- and then he told me about you, Ajay, and a few other testers. I read your blog, too, and that reinforced my good impression.

    The people who deserve attention in the industry are not just the people who have had great past accomplishments. It's also the new breed of self-aware, self-critical, literate young testers who are helping create a better craft.

    Michael and I think you are one of those.

    Anyone who wants to can be a part of the sapient tester revolution, BUT it's not easy. To do it, you have to think for yourself, and show passion, originality, and talent for testing. Especially in India, this seems to be difficult, otherwise I guess we would see it more.

    I have had, perhaps, two hundred Indian testers approach me on Skype or email in the last few years. Of those, about half a dozen have shown a real testing spark. Bear in mind that one factor here is the ability to speak and write well in English (which you do). The worldwide testing community I belong to is English-speaking. I've heard that there are testing communities in other languages, but I can have no personal experience with them.

    Anyway, I'm glad that you have humility about what you do. Please hold on the that humility as you study and learn your craft ever more deeply.

    -- James

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  8. When you are on a journey towards the mountains of excellence, it's important that you don't fall prey to various obstacles (read negative reactions) and get diverted from your journey - in form of appraisals, feedback, negative comments.

    And about questioning credibility? Yes, you will find people doing that every day. Even after you reach the top...

    Frustration is a disease that I see on an every day basis... and the best way not to get affected is by Ignoring it...

    In many ways... when our credibility gets questioned.. when frustration rings our door bell... when you get negative feedback, etc., etc., etc... it's that indomitable spirit that we showed at the beginning of our journey that gets "tested" :)....

    And "Expected Behavior" would be to ignore them and continue the journey towards the mountains of excellence, not losing your vision or direction on that journey.....

    Your writings are good (and bad), but I think if people have enough sense, they'd have enough analytical skills to pick up the "good" part since that'd take them a step towards the peak of excellence..... Happy Walking... and Testing!!!!!

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  9. Dont Worry ....you are headed the right way...remember "Elephants walk their way while Dogs bark at them"...Keep doing the good work.......keep your feet on the ground....be humble and I am sure you'll sail through all these ........ :)

    Lot of this is also from my learning as I tried to take foot holds ....believe me it was very tough and I still find challenges to handle the irritating questions posed.....it is much better now as people have started to see more of our 'species' around them ;)

    my only answer to such folks is .....it is ok if someone gets recognition... if you have any issues, why dont you step out in the world that they are in ? What are you scared of ??? what stops you ??????your capabilities ? ... your abilities ?...my existence ? .......none of this should hold you down if you think you are better than me .......it is an unbiased open world there, if you are better than me, they'll accolade you much more than me ........

    Goodluck Pari !! ...I wish you many more successes in life !!

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  10. I dont think you need to have this as a blog item.You can move on. No need to stagnate and justify/claim yourself what/where you are...

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  11. Hi Pari,

    Great post! you have amazing amount of confidence on yourself, keep it. i wish and belief you will find many more successes in your life.

    Regards,
    - Selim

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  12. @Mohit
    People who feel superb about themselves generate superb results

    Nice Tweet. Glad to hear, this post inspired you.

    @Dhanasekar
    I am not finding words to express my thoughts,to convey that I wanted to post a blank comment,but blogspot did'nt allow,so I typed this

    Thank you for the appreciation DS. I know you were testing the comments feature! Blogger is very buggy buddy.

    @Lanette Creamer
    I am honored to share a spot with you in the women of testing magazine. I'm also new to any sort of silly internet fame on a small scale


    I am honored too Lanette! It's a pleasure to know you and read your thoughts about testing. I especially respect you a lot for the pain you take in emphasizing about team collaboration time and again. I am learning a lot from you. Thank you very much. You are definitely one of my role models in testing.


    I want to contribute something of value to the community that has taught me so much and lifted me up when I was close to quitting. I want to help new testers find their own opinion and style
    People with honest & humble intentions never fail. I am with you in your journey to contribute to the community


    I'm a tester, I'm a nerd, and I'm pretty proud of it
    Awesome quote. I am gonna steal it right away!

    Regards,
    Parimala Shankaraiah

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  13. @Priya
    Good luck to you in your endeavors as change agent


    Thank you very much Priya.

    @Netra
    What i liked most in this post is ur creative writing


    That is a huge compliment. I do have a long way to go. I wish I could tell lot more great stories which could bring good changes. Thank you for your kind words.

    @Parthi
    Is this an acceptance post or lashing out someone('s comment)


    For a moment, I didn't know what to say. It's neither of those. All I am saying is "This is the way I am no matter what others are going to say"

    Regards,
    Parimala Shankaraiah

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  14. @James
    I believe one of the reasons I originally recognized you is that Michael Bolton met you personally when he was in India-- he may have done a testing exercise with you-- and then he told me about you, Ajay, and a few other testers. I read your blog, too, and that reinforced my good impression


    Thank you very much James. It's an honor.

    Anyway, I'm glad that you have humility about what you do. Please hold on the that humility as you study and learn your craft ever more deeply

    I only wish and work harder so that I won't let down all those great testers who are taking their personal time off to teach/train me in some way or the other. Thank You James.

    Regards,
    Parimala Shankaraiah

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  15. @Fake Software Tester
    Frustration is a disease that I see on an every day basis... and the best way not to get affected is by Ignoring it


    Off late, I have been frustrated with many things. Thanks for the quote. It works for me.


    Your writings are good (and bad)

    You are one of those few people to say my writings are both good and bad. I am glad to hear that. I would like to hear more from you if you have the time.

    Thank you for all the kind words,

    Regards,
    Parimala Shankaraiah

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  16. Dr. Meeta Prakash
    Dont Worry ....you are headed the right way...remember "Elephants walk their way while Dogs bark at them"...Keep doing the good work.......keep your feet on the ground....be humble and I am sure you'll sail through all these ........ :)


    Thank you very much Meeta Didi!


    @Anonymous
    I dont think you need to have this as a blog item. You can move on. No need to stagnate and justify/claim yourself what/where you are


    I don't know what exactly triggered this blog post after having it in my blog list for close to 2 months now. Thank you for the comment.


    @Selim
    Great post! you have amazing amount of confidence on yourself, keep it. i wish and belief you will find many more successes in your life



    @Sunjeet
    The strive for excellence and pride in one's work come before anything else


    You are spot on!

    @Vijay Savalagi
    Wow my goodness, look at you!!! :-) You took out all the frustration and negative energy through this post i believe:-) Hope, it will make you run for a longer distance now. Atleast, i wish so. Keep goin


    It wasn't frustration or self bragging. I just wanted to say 'I know where I am' stuff. And yes, your questions as a regular reader of my blogs help a LOT! Thank you for that Vijay.

    When you are tired, just look around, many are with you in this journey
    Thank you very much. I will not forget to look around.

    Thanks everyone for all those encouraging comments,

    Regards,
    Parimala Shankaraiah

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  17. ur post wangered here and there unable to know ur innersense whether in excitement or frustuation but done well .i am new to testing,but not pretty new to ur work but still it is new.i follow u for anything i wish to learn

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  18. @Parimala,
    Dude you are a ROCK STAR. Keep it up - People who are jealousy will always be and do not care about them. It is a trap for them as they wouldn't learn anything in their life :)

    Thanks,
    Santhosh Shivanand Tuppad

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  19. @Santhosh Tuppad
    It is a trap for them as they wouldn't learn anything in their life


    It could be a trap for us as well. Watch out!

    Regards,
    Parimala Shankaraiah

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  20. Dudette... I envy you.

    Keep Rocking!!!

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  21. @Anonymous
    Dudette.... I envy you


    Thank You. I loved the word Dudette. I am gonna change dude to dudette now.

    I wish you weren't anonymous,

    Regards,
    Parimala Shankaraiah

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  22. i really feel that this context made me get the fragnance of pradeep soundaryarajan's early blogs.You are truely on his foot steps.Perhaps ,the successor of knowledge surpass of him

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