I recently had the opportunity to visit AboutUs in Portland, OR. In case you’re not familiar with AboutUs, they’ve created a community-driven wikified guide to websites.
(So how appropriate that I’m blogging this on the 14th birthday of the Wiki, as Ward Cunningham reminded us over Twitter, another catalytic technology.)
Anyway, AboutUs is doing very cool stuff. For example, here’s the Quality Tree Software, Inc. profile. AboutUs automatically generated that profile the first time I searched on qualitytree.com. Then I was able to modify the automatically generated profile, and add relevant tags. And as a result of tagging, here’s what happens when I search AboutUs for “Agile Testing.”
I really enjoyed the open and inviting atmosphere in the AboutUs offices. Huge windows run along the outer walls of the offices, letting in a ton of natural light. And the office has an open floor plan featuring 100% mobile workstations. The result is a highly functional, adaptable space that feels light and airy. (This picture that the AboutUs folks posted on Flikr captures the feel of the space well.) Add in the openness of the people there, and you have a groovy, fun, and productive work environment. I was sorry I could only stay for a few short hours.
While I was there, Ward interviewed me for his series of lightning interviews.
Ward’s gentle interview style made the whole process feel very natural, like a normal conversation. And I really enjoy conversations with Ward. So if it looks like I’m having a blast in the interview, it’s because I am!
I hope they let me come back and visit again soon!
Comments are closed.