Client Random
For years I’ve joked about a utility function that I use on every job appropriately named Client.random() — I know what you’re thinking; Saul, how is Client.random() any different than random()? The answer is actually very simple – Client.random() doesn’t randomize, it iterates - and this post isn’t about programming, it’s about customer relations - confused yet? The difference between the two functions - is the difference between clients and programmers:
programmers accept the reality of random() - given three option choices ‘blue’, ‘red’, ‘yellow’ - random() might bring back ‘red’, ‘red’, ‘red’ - and programmers are fine with that… clients on the other hand look at that as a error. no amount of argument, definitions, or rationalization will make them understand that ‘red’, ‘red’, ‘red’ is a completely valid result. Enter Client.random() it’s client friendly it has three basic rules.
- It doesn’t repeat until all members of the group are seen.
- It doesn’t always start on the same member.
- The pattern is guaranteed to change every ‘other’ iteration
So based on those three rules, you can probably visualize a client hitting refresh, over, and over, and over, making little hashmarks on a notepad - that alone makes me smile, think of this post the next time a client uses the word ‘random’.