I used to be a technical writer in a previous life and used to work for a German CEO running a small telecoms software company in Tunbridge wells. He lived the product. He was one of the most ardent users, and one of the most severe testers.
One day he came to me and asked me how to set up the device. I told him how to do it and he walked back into his office, only to call me in 3 minutes later.
– Did you know there was a glitch in the setup? he asked.
– Yeah, I replied.
– Did you report it?
I was struck by shame. A profound realisation that I neglected my duty. I have never done that ever since. If I find a bug in some software, I report it. My banks, other companies HR systems, school administration software, online shops by the dozen…
If I find a bug, I report it. Regardless whether or not it is my job or I get paid for it. I report bugs because they make the world a better place.
I remember this lady working for a bank that used to manage our perks. She told me on the phone, that she could fix my problem in no time and then I could use my card straight away. And I had to refuse her twice saying that I wanted the bug fixed because it would make life easier for her and for a lot of us. It probably took them six weeks to get it sorted. But it got fixed.
