Is it? You know what I hear from developers a lot? "I make enough money. I'm interested in solving interesting problems and working with interesting people."
So Amicus gives a small-ish amount of cash (relative to other signing bonuses I've seen), but ties in several other perks that say a lot about company culture. Each of their ideas says something about the company:
Counter Culture coffee - I didn't know anything about this brand before seeing this listing, but it appears their focus is sustainability and education.
Donated dairy cow - I've heard of this one before, and another similar program with goats. More "responsible world citizen" action.
Gym memberships - Combined with other items on the perk list, it appears that Amicus wants to provide you the opportunity to live a balanced life that includes fitness.
iPad 2 - Ostensibly for "prototyping", but really a statement that they want to provide you with tools that allow you to work while comfortable. More balance.
Iron Man Helmet - Manditory for all company events, I'm assuming. This is just fun!
Unlimited beer - The statement here is that the company is laid back and trusts you to do the responsible thing.
Fixie bike - Hipster fantastic, but who are we to judge? It reinforces the fitness/balance statement.
Yes, it is ridiculous. They are ensuring that they get people who are interesting... and all the exact same flavor of interesting. It feels juvenile, even if they intended it sincerely.
Maybe they are find people, and maybe it is a fine company. I have no way of knowing. But this approach does not appeal to me, personally because is feels like it is trying too hard.
We think it's possible to work hard, make an impact, and still be playful while doing so. That approach might not be for everyone but we certainly love it!
Maybe. But yet, they managed to let thousands of programmers to know that they're hiring.
The cow might just be a gimmick (and let's face it, you can't do more hipsterish than the fixed-gear bike), but it's pretty awesome guerrilla marketing.
So Amicus gives a small-ish amount of cash (relative to other signing bonuses I've seen), but ties in several other perks that say a lot about company culture. Each of their ideas says something about the company:
Counter Culture coffee - I didn't know anything about this brand before seeing this listing, but it appears their focus is sustainability and education.
Donated dairy cow - I've heard of this one before, and another similar program with goats. More "responsible world citizen" action.
Gym memberships - Combined with other items on the perk list, it appears that Amicus wants to provide you the opportunity to live a balanced life that includes fitness.
iPad 2 - Ostensibly for "prototyping", but really a statement that they want to provide you with tools that allow you to work while comfortable. More balance.
Iron Man Helmet - Manditory for all company events, I'm assuming. This is just fun!
Unlimited beer - The statement here is that the company is laid back and trusts you to do the responsible thing.
Fixie bike - Hipster fantastic, but who are we to judge? It reinforces the fitness/balance statement.