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> Unicorns mean errors for github I have no idea what this means, but I can see how the idea of coming up with an alternate language in which fantasy creatures

> Unicorns mean errors for github I have no idea what this means, but I can see how the idea of coming up with an alternate language in which fantasy creatures represent things we already have established words for might seem unprofessional

stock_toaster 14y ago
Quite literally, the unhandled error page on github shows a unicorn. As seen on this google image search result[1]. It appears they have put up an octocat "we are down" temporary static page right now though... [1]: http://www.flickr.com/photos/beatak/4008687328/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/beatak/4008687328/
- 1qaz2wsx3edc 14y ago
  Additionally they could be referring to their use of `Unicorn: Rack HTTP server for fast clients and Unix` http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&authuser=0&biw=1920&bih=982&q=cache%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Fblog%2F517-unicorn&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw&ei=KlbWUNrGAoSp2gWKooCIBg http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?um=1&hl=en&...
tinco 14y ago
The term unicorn actually comes from the fact that they run the 'unicorn' webserver. When a webapplication error occurs unicorn catches it and displays an error to the visitor. They prettied that error up with a pretty image of a unicorn and a small explanation that something went wrong. So when they say 'we saw unicorns' they literally saw (reports of people seeing) pictures of unicorns. Now I understand that might confuse someone who does not regularily use github, but it is just a term that is in their jargon and I see no reason why they should market-speak that up in an intermediate status message. (Note that these status messages are not press releases but reports that engineers make during the discovery process)
msbarnett 14y ago
There's a picture of a unicorn on their error page. Via natural metonymy, seeing an increase in unicorns means they're seeing an increase in errors. It's the exact same linguistic process that lets Americans refer to the executive branch of government as "the white house". I'd hardly call it unprofessional.
tarkwyn 14y ago
I'd disagree. Having an easily identified image shown when a particular error is thrown can be really helpful when diagnosing problems, particularly when a customer / user is trying to communicate the problem with the site's support team. It's also quirky and friendly. Unicorns are also supposed to be these rare, mythical beasts which I'd say is exactly the kind of imagery you want representing your server errors.

stock_toaster 14y ago

Quite literally, the unhandled error page on github shows a unicorn. As seen on this google image search result[1]. It appears they have put up an octocat "we are down" temporary static page right now though... [1]: http://www.flickr.com/photos/beatak/4008687328/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/beatak/4008687328/

1qaz2wsx3edc 14y ago
Additionally they could be referring to their use of `Unicorn: Rack HTTP server for fast clients and Unix` http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&authuser=0&biw=1920&bih=982&q=cache%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Fblog%2F517-unicorn&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw&ei=KlbWUNrGAoSp2gWKooCIBg http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?um=1&hl=en&...

tinco 14y ago

The term unicorn actually comes from the fact that they run the 'unicorn' webserver. When a webapplication error occurs unicorn catches it and displays an error to the visitor. They prettied that error up with a pretty image of a unicorn and a small explanation that something went wrong. So when they say 'we saw unicorns' they literally saw (reports of people seeing) pictures of unicorns. Now I understand that might confuse someone who does not regularily use github, but it is just a term that is in their jargon and I see no reason why they should market-speak that up in an intermediate status message. (Note that these status messages are not press releases but reports that engineers make during the discovery process)

msbarnett 14y ago

There's a picture of a unicorn on their error page. Via natural metonymy, seeing an increase in unicorns means they're seeing an increase in errors. It's the exact same linguistic process that lets Americans refer to the executive branch of government as "the white house". I'd hardly call it unprofessional.

tarkwyn 14y ago

I'd disagree. Having an easily identified image shown when a particular error is thrown can be really helpful when diagnosing problems, particularly when a customer / user is trying to communicate the problem with the site's support team. It's also quirky and friendly. Unicorns are also supposed to be these rare, mythical beasts which I'd say is exactly the kind of imagery you want representing your server errors.