"Interviews with the Intern" is a semi-regular feature where intern Christian Benson interviews the staff of Smibs Inc.

Christian: Hey Jen, I know that this has nothing to do with your job description but I would like to interview you.

Jen: Okay, shoot.

First I should explain to the readers that you are the office accountant, and not in the office full time. Second, you and I have had limited interactions. I think that the time we have around each other is all about quality and not quantity. Your thoughts?

Yes I have thoroughly enjoyed our time around each other. Honored.

What drew you to the field of accounting?

I like the problem solving aspects of accounting. Oh, also the pay.  Who wouldn’t like the pay?

Are we going to be billed for the time it takes to finish this interview?

Yes, of course. I am not doing this for free.

Being an independent accountant, have you had a chance to use Smibs applications for your business?

Not yet, because I am just have a new business. I am just getting more clients right now, but I am really excited to get on Smibs.

What are some of your non-accounting related hobbies?

I am current in the middle of renovations of my house. My aim is to try to be economical and environmentally friendly with my renovations.

It has been my experience that most accountants love Sudoku’s. Are you partial to the game of sequenced and boxed numbers?

I am not really fond of them. I tried them out in “Readers Digest” and got frustrated.  I like explorers online and railroad tycoon! 

I am not sure what those things are.

They are online games you can play!

Oh, fantastic. Christmas is just around the corner, do you care to share some of the things of your wish list?

I want a Nintendo Wii, and a sewing machine (pause) and for my house to sell for a good price.

I am vaguely aware of the generally accepted accounting principals, is there a way we can cook the books that results in a hefty raise for the two of us?

Not without Peter or Christy noticing. I don’t write checks, so I think we would get stopped right there!

I would hate to take up any more for your time Jen.  Thanks for the interview and all the great times.

I enjoyed it Christian, thanks for the interview!

"Interviews with the Intern" is a semi-regular feature where intern Christian Benson interviews the staff of Smibs Inc.

Christian: Hey Christian, do you have a couple of minutes for an interview with yourself?

Me: Absolutely man.  I can’t say no to you.

Anyway, what exactly do you do here at Smibs?

I am a marketing intern here at Smibs, although I usually call myself a marketing manager. When I am not producing self-indulgent blog posts like this one, I am usually busy copy writing for Smibs.  I produce press material and some of the new media material, as well as the odd bit of graphic design.

What sort of feeling do you hope to bring to the Smibs blog?

Well, I am a glad I asked that question. To the lay reader, I think it mostly looks like veiled stupidity. I have read a lot of different styles of blog posts, and I think most are written with a very serious tone.  I think that most people read blogs to be entertained or informed and I try to match that sentiment in my writing.

I don’t think you do a great job of that.

That’s because I am self deprecating.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I try to play a lot of different types of sports to stay healthy and active. I read quite a bit and I love finding new music or artists. I like to enjoy the great Edmonton nightlife when I get a chance too.

Your job requires you to communicate with people about Smibs.com and Smibs’ products.  What do you think is the biggest obstacle you face in this?

To start off, I think that the Tech community in general is comprised of early adopters. They are quick to pick up innovations in technology and software, so communicating an idea like Smibs’ web-based business applications is quite easy to that demographic. I think the hardest part is to communicate to the majority of people who may be technologically savvy but not necessarily aware of the current trends in the ‘web 2.0’ world.

Maybe if you got better grades in University, it would be easier.

I suppose I could say the same thing to you handsome.

What are some of your favorite applications on the net right now?

I usually write about applications I really like. Obviously, I really believe in the Smibs applications. I am usually listening to Grooveshark non-stop. I also really like sites like Lymabean, Evernote and mainstays like Twitter and Facebook. 

Your highly popular and critically acclaimed blog series “Interviews with the Intern” is soon coming to an end, due to you interviewing everyone in the office. Do you have any other ideas, or are you a one trick pony?

I have a few ideas kicking around in my head.  I definitely like the idea of a weekly feature in a blog, but you are right in saying I need to come up with something new. Until then, I still have Peter Urban to interview and maybe I will interview myself again since this is clearly going so well.

I wish you luck sir, you are gonna need it.

Coming from you, I take that as a compliment in its highest form.

Christian: Hi Elisabeth, do you have some time for an intern-to-intern interview?

Elisabeth: Sure Christian!  Anything for a fellow intern.

Great.  What is your role here at Smibs?

Well, I’m what they call a “New Media Intern”.  Basically my day involves producing SmibsTV and taking care of video content on the web here at Smibs.

You have routinely turned down my requests for a dinner meeting.  Why is that?

The problem is that I usually don’t accept dinners at McDonalds. It’s not you, I swear.

So if we were to go to dinner together, what nearby restaurant would you select?

Ummm… I lied when I said it wasn’t about you.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?

My hobbies are broad and random.  I can usually be found in a pilates or dance class or having a glass of Merlot with girlfriends.  I’m also crazy into the outdoors and love skiing and camping.  Although, I am afraid of bears.

What is the idea behind SmibsTV?

As I see it, SmibsTV is a medium to showcase successful small businesses so that likeminded individuals can gain tips and insight about entrepreneurship.

Do you have a favorite interview or episode?

Christian!  That’s like picking between children and I love them all. 

You and I both recently graduated from the University of Alberta’s school of Business.  Why do you think your GPA was so much better then mine?

I believe it’s due to the negative correlation between alcohol intake and grades.

You and I often talk about travel, where is the next destination you would like to see?

I’ve always wanted to travel to Egypt.

Would you like to go together?

Uh…(uncomfortable silence)…sure, you free in 2068?

I’ll keep my calendar open. Thanks for the interview and bruising my ego.

Hard thing to bruise.

“Interviews with the Intern” is a semi-regular feature where intern Christian Benson interviews the staff of Smibs Inc.

 

Christian: Hey Alvin, I want to start this interview the right way but I am afraid I have some pretty bad news for you.

Alvin: I can handle it.

Okay, this is hard for me to tell you.  I think that someone, possibly me, has eaten your lunch out of the fridge.

Are you sure it was mine?  There are lots of left-overs in there.

I am pretty sure it was yours; it had your name on it.

You aren’t serious.  You are joking around, right?

First question, what is your role here at Smibs?

I am a software developer on contract for a secret project.

What drew you to computer programming?

I loved that there was this discipline that combined creativity with logic.  I also love new technology and innovations.

You now live in Edmonton, but you came here by way of Calgary.  How did it feel to cheer for a hockey team that actually won games over the last couple of years?

I was cheering for the Calgary Stampeders, Grey Cup champions.  What happened to the Oilers last game versus Detroit? Oilers winning?  That was so last century.

You are in the process of creating new applications for Smibs.com, do you care to shed some light on what you are developing?

Bright lights focused on developers and their projects often impair productivity.  I can tell you that the product will have a slick user interface to help people bring their web content into the current century.

Forrest (Lead Programmer at Smibs) tells some pretty terrible programming jokes. Do you have a better programming joke then Forrest’s?

Did you hear the one about the blonde (male) programmer?  This is a family show so I won’t reveal the details online…

What sort of trends have you seen emerging in web applications over the past couple of years?

It’s all about the “me” generation now, developing networks of “peers” and “fans” worldwide.  If you are interested in iTouch toting gray nuns with raggedy anne dolls playing WoW to save souls, you can find it on the ‘net.  Everyone’s included just don’t dump on someone else’s fun.  

What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy dancing, specifically the “Argentine Tango”.

In the ‘about’ section of Smibs.com, I labeled you as a ‘classically trained dancer’.  Is that label accurate, or should I change my policy of write first ask questions later?

It’s not accurate in the least.  I don’t have the cup, tights, or see through dance partners to do classical dance.

Maybe that’s something for your Christmas list?

I suppose so, sure.

Thanks for the interview Alvin.  Again, I am terribly sorry about whoever ate your lunch out of the fridge this morning.

I think we have established it was you.

"Interviews with the Intern" is a semi-regular feature where intern Christian Benson interviews the staff of Smibs Inc.

 

Christian: Hi Chris.  Sit down, it’s time for your monthly review.

Chris: So you’re doing my reviews now?  Big step for an intern.

What is your role here at Smibs?

I am a computer programming intern.  My job here is to take everything Forrest makes and try and break it. I test all of the Smibs software and work out any potential kinks.

What are some of your thoughts about the software products at Smibs?

I think the software is really cool.  It’s definitely cutting-edge stuff and I think that the market is really under-served for this type of thing.  Personally, an application like Doorbell has so many uses for a student and a young guy like me to keep me organized and on top of a lot my schedule.  At the same time, a small business can use this software in so many other ways. Our users are already giving us great feedback and support, which makes me proud that I am a part of this.

Here’s a question: You are a rowdy frat boy.

That wasn’t a question, that was an accusation.  If it’s a crime to enjoy a few beverages here and there, then I am guilty.

Do you want to discuss your fraternity?

Do I have a choice?

If you were the interviewer, you’d have a choice.  Why don’t you talk in general terms about your fraternity?

Fine.  I am a part of the Zeta Psi, Mu Theta Chapter.  The fraternity has been a part of the university (University of Alberta) since 1930.  We are like most fraternities, we give members the opportunity to be a part of a brotherhood of people and establish life long relationships.

You are still in school, right?

Unfortunately, yes.  I am in my third year of my software engineering degree at the University of Alberta.  Right now I am on a work term, but I plan on returning to school after Christmas.

In my last interview (Forrest) I heard probably the worst joke ever.  Do you have a better programming joke then Forrest’s?

That one was pretty bad.  I don’t have any good programming jokes, but I have plenty of filthy jokes.

Why is programming culture so misunderstood?

I think people conceive programmers as quiet, nerdy guys without girlfriends.  I think they are shocked when most of us turn out to be fun loving, sociable people.  It’s like anything, some people take their jobs too seriously and they become one-dimensional.  For the most part, programmers are just normal guys who have a passion for computer culture.  There is a myth that there are some women programmers too.

You are known as an office prankster.  What is the best prank you have pulled here at the office, besides destroying my coffee cup?

Yah, I have been know to pull a few pranks here or there. The best would have to be when I glued Forrest’s hand to his mouse. (Laughing) He’s losing his hair because of me.

What are some of your hobbies?

Well besides being awesome all the time, I enjoy the occasional wine tasting and walk in the park, like any other respectable frat boy.

Thanks for the interview Chris, I feel like I really got to know you.

Ha, no problem Christian. Us interns have to look out for one another.

"Interviews with the Intern" is a semi-regular feature where intern Christian Benson interviews the staff of Smibs Inc.

 

Christian: Hey Forrest, do you have time for a lengthy hard-hitting interview?

Forrest: Actually Christian, I am extremely busy at the moment.

Great.  Let’s start with your role here at Smibs.

Ummm… okay.  I’m the lead developer at Smibs, which means I handle everything from installing printer drivers to building SmibsNet and Doorbell. If something in the office works, then I probably had something to do with it. If it doesn’t then it must be user error.

You are close to releasing your third full-length album in as many years; do you think this new record can finally find an audience willing to listen to your horrible music?

I literally have no idea what you are talking about, but I doubt I would produce ‘horrible’ music.

According to Christy Urban (in my last interview), Smibs has some pretty exciting upcoming news and events.  Do you care to elaborate, or are you calling Christy Urban a liar?

No, of course I’m not.  Let’s just say that people should keep an eye on our blog over the next couple months.

What are some of your past times or hobbies Forrest?

Before I started working here I was really into cars.  I actually shipped an rx-7 turbo convertible over from Japan, and was quite active as an alumnus of my fraternity. Recently, I have become a big fan of napping, snacking, and classical couch appreciation.

I enjoy reading your blog posts about the programming world, although I have very little understanding of programming in general.  I was wondering if you would like to enter ‘The Lightning Round’ with me to clarify some of my programming related questions?

Bit dramatic don’t you think?

What is your favorite programming language?

I believe that any problem can usually be solved with either Ruby or C. Especially since I can insert C code into Ruby. Either I’m optimizing for speed or I’m optimizing for development time. Every algorithm has it’s goal. I don’t like to half ass, with languages in the middle, because you end up making sacrifices on both ends. 

Are there programming gangs?

If you have to ask, you don’t want to know.

Is there a 24-hour iron man style programming event that you are thinking of entering?

It’s called a job.

What is your best programming joke (because I know you have them)?

“Programming is a lot like sex. One mistake and you could have to support it the rest of your life.”  Also sometimes when I’m programming, I like to announce to the room that I just found the last bug.

Those jokes are terribly unfunny.  The lightning round is officially over.

Is the interview almost over?

No. Final question, what general advice could you offer to other startups in the IT industry specifically?

As a startup, you never know what kind of technology and challenges you will face. There is a big focus on hiring people who have years of experience in specific languages. A team of young developers with some fire in their bellies, who aren’t afraid to learn, who aren’t stuck in there ways, will prove more valuable than experience. Not knowing how crazy an idea is can sometimes be the best way to achieve the impossible.   Also, buy a coffee machine

That’s everything from me Forrest.  Do you want to skip out and grab a couple of cool brewskies?

Must be five o’clock somewhere.

"Interviews with the Intern" is a semi-regular feature where intern Christian Benson interviews the staff of Smibs Inc.

Christian:  Hi Christy.  For anyone that doesn’t know, you and I share an office.  How long did it take before you started to regret that decision?

Christy:  My plan had been to put a nice yoga studio where you desk now sits so…… You don’t exactly provide me with the meditative value I would have got from daily yoga but you are useful in other ways.

You are a strict vegetarian and I am constantly eating baconaters.  Are we the original odd couple?

Uggg what is a baconator… on second thought I don’t want to know.

It’s like a side of bacon and a couple of meat patties; you can buy them at Wendy’s or make them yourself at home.

Great.

Will you fire me if I don’t convert to vegetarianism?

Over the summer our office was half-vegetarian but since hiring yourself and one other employee us veggies have become the minority.

Can you explain what your role with Smibs is?

I do a bit of everything for Smibs, I’m a manager, I work with staff and have a quality control role. I also have a lot of experience with collaborative planning and project management so I think I bring a lot of real life business input to our products. I am easily annoyed with software and I’ve used a lot of the tools out there so I think I provide a lot of useful advice about what works and what doesn’t for a user.

What general advice could you offer start-ups companies?

Do what you know, that is your best chance for success!

That sounds like a cheesy motivational poster.

It’s true though!

Next question, you named your dogs Sputnik and Stalin, are you a Russian sympathizer?

I have Eastern European blood but my dogs are actually named Schmootzie and Brody.

Lets talk about some of your hobbies.

In the last while, my only hobby is work! I do teach dressage riding once a week though which I enjoy immensely, I hope to have my own horse again soon. I also enjoy walking my dogs, photography, bird-watching and reading.

What are some of the things new and exciting things Smibs.com is working on?

That is mostly a secret…(grin). This is actually a very exciting year for Smibs, we are going live with our network in about a month so everyone can search our profiles. We are also working on our second major application, which will follow our Public release of Doorbell, which is currently in Public Beta.

Why do you keep crushing my attempts at unionizing our office, comrade?

I like unions – go ahead!

Thanks for the interview.  I think it went pretty well.

I think you are strange.