BLADAM - Entry - Being under the microscope

DISCLAIMER: This is my personal blog. The blatherings here aren't (necessarily) the views of the current company I work for, companies I've previously blessed with my presence, my loving parents, the Illuminati, or anyone other than me, me, me!

Being under the microscope

I’ve been at Google about four months, and it’s been a hell of a great ride so far. I really need to write more about this later, but in a nutshell… my colleagues rock, the flexible and trusting environment is awesome, and I’m very excited about what I’m working on.

However, I do have to admit to sometimes being a bit freaked out :o.

I spend a good chunk of my morning reading relevant industry news and also thoughtful blogs from Webmasters and others all around the world. I glean a lot of great ideas (and yes, sometimes also bugs) that I share with colleagues here at Google.

A few days ago, I came across a pretty untraditional note, and I thought, hey… wouldn’t it be kinda funny if I actually went ahead and mailed Al a Tylenol packet? So I did. I figured he’d get a chuckle, maybe share it with some friends or even post a quick update on his blog.

I had no idea that something this silly would capture this much attention!

Anyway, yeah, this little mailing was indeed sent on a whim from a random Googler (me!), and though I’m a bit shocked by the response, I’m glad that my letter ended up entertaining not only Al, but also lots of other people.

Along with many others here at Google, I’m working on some very cool projects dealing with Webmaster communications. But aside from all of that official stuff, I’m reminded that it’s clearly the little things now and then that give a human face to this company. Not to mention that when one of us Googlers decides to be a bit wacky, it’s far from a private moment

- Blathered by Adam on Friday, July 14, 2006 at 19:38 [ Permalink | Trackback ]
- Filed under Geekery • Search engines • Google • Society • Workplace
- Commented on by 26 folks so far. Scroll down and see for yourself (and join in the conversation!)

Comment from Haochi Google Maps [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	So are you sending Al a plane ticket to Miami? - Posted on Friday, July 14, 2006 at 20:45 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Al Scillitani Fortune Interactive [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Adam, you Da’ man!!! I was laughing all day about this. Thanks again for making my day! Al Scillitani PS- I heard California is nice this time of year - Posted on Friday, July 14, 2006 at 22:13 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Richard Henry UK [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	It’s nice to know that the people at Google are actually complete legends! - Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 0:48 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from WillPIll Canada [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Interesting story, You and everyone that makes Google are amazing. - Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 6:01 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from JojoMan [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	+1 to why i love google. - Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 18:38 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Edgardo Gadmonks [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Hi Adam, the blog doesn?t see too bad, I thing that the important thing is the content; personal blog reflex the way that the blog owner think, and I can see your thinking way through “bladam 2.0”. Anyway, I?m waiting for the 3.0 version to say “wow, that?s the guy” (kidding) Hug. - Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 19:39 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member jzencovich [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	That was really funny! I found it through Digg, and I’m glad that you decided to send the poor guy (Al) a Tylenol Packet. If I ever get a headache from Google, I will remember to ask for some Tylenol (it worked for Al, so I’m sure it would do wonders for me too) from a Google Employee (since you guys are so dependable and caring!!). I’m glad to know that my #1 favorite computer company is still a loving company. I hope to one day work for Google (I’m still in HS)! If you get a chance, please stop by my Blog, it’s under a month old, but I’m trying to put quality articles when I get a chance. By the way, looking at the image (although it is somewhat small), it doesn’t look like a Tylenol packet, but some generic aspirin packet. Can you confirm/deny this? I’d love to know the exact brand if it’s not Tylenol :D —Jon Z \| http://jzencovich.blogspot.com/ ps: Great human detector, It was so hard for me to detect the randomly generated letters ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, and ‘M’ - Posted on Sunday, July 16, 2006 at 0:38 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from KeithC [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	You could not buy that kind of P.R. KeithC. - Posted on Sunday, July 16, 2006 at 9:58 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member Adam San Francisco [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Hey everyone, thanks for the friendly words! I was not only amazed at the coverage (as I noted in the entry) but also very, very thankful that people largely took the Pilling in the spirit it was intended Jon… regarding your question about the type of pill I sent: I’m fairly certain it wasn’t brand-name Tylenol, but I thought I had grabbed some genuine (generic) acetaminophen from the first aid locker. It’s possible I grabbed asprin instead, though; Al could certainly clarify if he’s still reading this thread . Anyway, thanks again everyone for stopping by, and please do take a moment to say a word or two on other threads. My blog isn’t (yet) powered by Google search, but the search option (above) ain’t all that bad - Posted on Monday, July 17, 2006 at 1:34 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from William [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	New service idea: Google Wish. Just granting one wish a day would probably be good enough—just pull it from Google’s petty cash. <no pop-ups> *:-) </still no pop-ups> - Posted on Monday, July 17, 2006 at 13:56 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member EricaJoy New York, NY [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Very cool thing to do Adam. You’re a <strike>rock</strike>swingstar. - Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at 20:59 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Brian Humphrey Los Angeles, California [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Adam: Thanks for always helping us remember that each morning is yet another a “good ol’ day” in the making. To say that you and Google fit like hand in glove appears to be an understatement. Brian - Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 11:40 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from DarkChino SPAIN [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	good humour… this world need a few than that… - Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 at 5:40 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Al Scillitani [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Adam, It was Extra Strength “Pain Away” Acetaminophen 250mg Aspirin 250mg Caffeine 65mg Al Scillitani Search Marketing Manager Fortune Interactive - Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 at 11:04 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Julio Cho Kansas City [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	hey Adam, how did you get his address? - Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 14:00 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Huy Zing [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Good one Adam. Keep up the wacky work - Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 16:49 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from mr-internet Melbourne Australia [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	well done - Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 at 22:47 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Forknut [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	How about making the bid position thing work instead of sending out cutsie packages. - Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 at 17:47 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Prem India [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	That was so whacky, good one Adam! Your swinging post was hillarious too. - Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 8:39 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member TobySodor [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Just catching up with your blog Adam, and this one brought just a small tear to my eye. Why? Because dealing with a large company like Google, you sometimes wonder if there is anybody there who gives a hoot, yet here you prove you not only care, but you have a sense of humor too! Keep up the great work you are doing, and never lose sight of the fact that we are all humans… Toby - Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 9:27 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from nomi [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	brilliant - Posted on Friday, August 10, 2007 at 5:47 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member James Australia [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Excellent, you are working in Google for webmaster communication, Till now i have not yet communicate the one if Google official experts. Genius buddy. - Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 3:03 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Online Shopping USA [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Hi Adam, I would like to suggest you, whenver we are visiting google webmaster tools and reading proper information for the seo purpose, i would like to have over there two fields one for comments and secondive for email. so one who really wants or want to comments on serious problem than get back to the staff very easily. - Posted on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 14:29 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from SEO Florida St. Petersburg FL US [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	You rock Adam, This is dream to work as u do for Google. - Posted on Monday, August 4, 2008 at 4:55 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Tina Luong [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Adam, please help me. I’m in a management class and I’ve chosen Google to do my project on. I thought it would be easy to just “google” Google. But I can’t find any information I’m looking for. I need to know Google’s planning, organizing, leading and controlling structure for my paper. - Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 23:07 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from casininio [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	one can say we are all working for google optimizing it’s database - Posted on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 19:44 [ Permalink to this comment ]

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Comment from Haochi Google Maps [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	So are you sending Al a plane ticket to Miami? - Posted on Friday, July 14, 2006 at 20:45 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Al Scillitani Fortune Interactive [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Adam, you Da’ man!!! I was laughing all day about this. Thanks again for making my day! Al Scillitani PS- I heard California is nice this time of year - Posted on Friday, July 14, 2006 at 22:13 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Richard Henry UK [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	It’s nice to know that the people at Google are actually complete legends! - Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 0:48 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from WillPIll Canada [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Interesting story, You and everyone that makes Google are amazing. - Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 6:01 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from JojoMan [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	+1 to why i love google. - Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 18:38 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Edgardo Gadmonks [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Hi Adam, the blog doesn?t see too bad, I thing that the important thing is the content; personal blog reflex the way that the blog owner think, and I can see your thinking way through “bladam 2.0”. Anyway, I?m waiting for the 3.0 version to say “wow, that?s the guy” (kidding) Hug. - Posted on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 19:39 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member jzencovich [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	That was really funny! I found it through Digg, and I’m glad that you decided to send the poor guy (Al) a Tylenol Packet. If I ever get a headache from Google, I will remember to ask for some Tylenol (it worked for Al, so I’m sure it would do wonders for me too) from a Google Employee (since you guys are so dependable and caring!!). I’m glad to know that my #1 favorite computer company is still a loving company. I hope to one day work for Google (I’m still in HS)! If you get a chance, please stop by my Blog, it’s under a month old, but I’m trying to put quality articles when I get a chance. By the way, looking at the image (although it is somewhat small), it doesn’t look like a Tylenol packet, but some generic aspirin packet. Can you confirm/deny this? I’d love to know the exact brand if it’s not Tylenol :D —Jon Z \| http://jzencovich.blogspot.com/ ps: Great human detector, It was so hard for me to detect the randomly generated letters ‘A’, ‘D’, ‘A’, and ‘M’ - Posted on Sunday, July 16, 2006 at 0:38 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from KeithC [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	You could not buy that kind of P.R. KeithC. - Posted on Sunday, July 16, 2006 at 9:58 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member Adam San Francisco [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Hey everyone, thanks for the friendly words! I was not only amazed at the coverage (as I noted in the entry) but also very, very thankful that people largely took the Pilling in the spirit it was intended Jon… regarding your question about the type of pill I sent: I’m fairly certain it wasn’t brand-name Tylenol, but I thought I had grabbed some genuine (generic) acetaminophen from the first aid locker. It’s possible I grabbed asprin instead, though; Al could certainly clarify if he’s still reading this thread . Anyway, thanks again everyone for stopping by, and please do take a moment to say a word or two on other threads. My blog isn’t (yet) powered by Google search, but the search option (above) ain’t all that bad - Posted on Monday, July 17, 2006 at 1:34 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from William [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	New service idea: Google Wish. Just granting one wish a day would probably be good enough—just pull it from Google’s petty cash. <no pop-ups> *:-) </still no pop-ups> - Posted on Monday, July 17, 2006 at 13:56 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member EricaJoy New York, NY [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Very cool thing to do Adam. You’re a <strike>rock</strike>swingstar. - Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at 20:59 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Brian Humphrey Los Angeles, California [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Adam: Thanks for always helping us remember that each morning is yet another a “good ol’ day” in the making. To say that you and Google fit like hand in glove appears to be an understatement. Brian - Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 11:40 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from DarkChino SPAIN [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	good humour… this world need a few than that… - Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 at 5:40 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Al Scillitani [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Adam, It was Extra Strength “Pain Away” Acetaminophen 250mg Aspirin 250mg Caffeine 65mg Al Scillitani Search Marketing Manager Fortune Interactive - Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 at 11:04 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Julio Cho Kansas City [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	hey Adam, how did you get his address? - Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 14:00 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Huy Zing [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Good one Adam. Keep up the wacky work - Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 16:49 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from mr-internet Melbourne Australia [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	well done - Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 at 22:47 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Forknut [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	How about making the bid position thing work instead of sending out cutsie packages. - Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 at 17:47 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Prem India [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	That was so whacky, good one Adam! Your swinging post was hillarious too. - Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 8:39 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member TobySodor [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Just catching up with your blog Adam, and this one brought just a small tear to my eye. Why? Because dealing with a large company like Google, you sometimes wonder if there is anybody there who gives a hoot, yet here you prove you not only care, but you have a sense of humor too! Keep up the great work you are doing, and never lose sight of the fact that we are all humans… Toby - Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 9:27 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from nomi [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	brilliant - Posted on Friday, August 10, 2007 at 5:47 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from member James Australia [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Excellent, you are working in Google for webmaster communication, Till now i have not yet communicate the one if Google official experts. Genius buddy. - Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 3:03 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Online Shopping USA [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Hi Adam, I would like to suggest you, whenver we are visiting google webmaster tools and reading proper information for the seo purpose, i would like to have over there two fields one for comments and secondive for email. so one who really wants or want to comments on serious problem than get back to the staff very easily. - Posted on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 14:29 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from SEO Florida St. Petersburg FL US [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	You rock Adam, This is dream to work as u do for Google. - Posted on Monday, August 4, 2008 at 4:55 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from Tina Luong [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	Adam, please help me. I’m in a management class and I’ve chosen Google to do my project on. I thought it would be easy to just “google” Google. But I can’t find any information I’m looking for. I need to know Google’s planning, organizing, leading and controlling structure for my paper. - Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 23:07 [ Permalink to this comment ]
Comment from casininio [ BLADAM Profile \| URL ]	one can say we are all working for google optimizing it’s database - Posted on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 19:44 [ Permalink to this comment ]