There MIGHT be an opportunity for me to create some models and work on some non-static automation! Oh just the thought of it has me so happy. I'm geeking out. I know, with my critcism of automation, why? Well, when the automation changes some each time you run it and is based on likelyhood I get super excited because I can see this becoming the ultimate smoketest! It's like a super smoketest. It's not at all the same as user testing, but this is the type of automation I want to work on because I believe in it. I think it is interesting. It's doing what I consider "real testing" and it isn't dull and repetative.

Anyhow, I need a UML book, tutorials, and practice as well as a few good books on model based testing. We have a tool here called "gliffy" that is part of a wiki. It's pretty painful to use to create models. Are there less painful modeling tools out there? How about FREE tools?

I'm not exactly sure how to get my boss to pick me for this project but I'm like the Donkey on the Shrek DVD leaping up and down "Oh! Pick me! Pick me!" Enthusiasm might help, but I think what will seal the deal is showing up with an amazing example. The problem is I'm "high will" in this area, but not so much the "high skill" that I want to be. However, I'm more motivated to do it than the other people and I want to do it more than some of my currently assigned tasks. Any tips for me on this? Reading recommendations?