Warning: This piece was written during a pivotal time in my journey. It’s raw, unedited, and fully me—just like the mission I’m on.
They call me Jason. Jason Smith. Welcome to my little slice of these vast interwebs, where I go by Quality Addict. I began working as a software tester back in January of 1999, and I remain a software QA guy to this day. That’s nearly sixteen years now in software quality assurance. Why am I addicted to software quality?
When I use a software application, whether Web, Mobile, or Desktop, I’m easily annoyed if the application doesn’t look gorgeous and doesn’t function precisely according to my exacting standards. My experience throughout a recent employment opportunity instilled in me just how central to software development software usability really is, for without users there is no need—no purpose–for our software. I can see, taste, touch, hear, and smell software quality; quality software does exist and is possible no matter the circumstance of a new software application’s birth. The art and practice of software development is a pristine orchestration; it’s the human element—the people—that fuck it all up, and I’m not talking about a simple syntax typo, either. I am a user of software, first; a tester of software, second. I was born for this work. I understand; I get it. I see the bigger picture. This is why I’m addicted to software quality. It doesn’t help that I’m a perfectionist-to-the-core, anal-retentive son of a bitch, either. No, not at all.
When I’m not dissecting software hunting bugs buried deep within an application’s source code, I dream. I’m a child of two iconic stars: Star Wars and Star Trek. I’m a dreamer, and I dream big; otherwise, what’s the point of dreaming? I can imagine a simple idea for a new software application and rapidly ratchet up the scope-creep until that little idea is a behemoth multi-year, billion-dollar project. Yep, project managers and finance folks love me. Not.
Of course, I would not be the nerd I am today if it weren’t for the unwavering love and support of my awesome Mom and Dad, for they both recognized and nurtured my talent for computers and technology beginning with a Commodore 128 computer one chilly Christmas morning while I was still very young. I was subsequently blessed with technology upgrades throughout my childhood. Thank you Mom and Dad. I love you both dearly, and I would not be the person I am today without your constant love and support.
Cheers!
