Hacker News Reader

Comment by adeltoso | Hacker News Reader

I'm left wondering, why is this here? Why was it translated in English, even.

I think because it's a consistent pattern, so its causes may reveal something interesting about human nature or society.

Not the first time that I've looked for an article about Italian culture, and there's articles in multiple languages but not Italian.

I think that umarells are an interesting phenomenon. They sound like they were annoying construction workers (bikeshedding) but rather than treat them as a nuisance (loitering->fines or jail), a purpose was found: they get paid an honorarium for "jobs" most of us would find eyewateringly boring but provide value for the construction companies.

Well, they don't annoy workers, not that much. They may exchange some word, probably opinions on what's the best way to do the job, but they are mostly quiet and observing.

Because often software teams have one or two Umarells among the members.

It isn't rare to have teams consist exclusively of Umarells. Usually this is the result of evaporative cooling.

To attract lurker.

If you're lucky it elicites even some self-referential Statler and Waldorf comments.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statler_and_Waldorf

This explains why YouTube channels like Andrew Camarata's [0] have a million plus subs. Something about watching people work is fascinating.

[0] https://www.youtube.com/c/AndrewCamarata/featured

Andrew does a special kind of work to be fair.

For the curious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4De2tMjPRCE

I'd argue that this is an exception not the rule. Normally he's very practical and pragmatic. I aspire to be like him.

because it's hilarious

Reply on news.ycombinator.com