Another bizarre Google hiring story came through the grapevine. When Google bought Measure Map (scooped and reported here), it cut a special deal with the stat service's makers at Adaptive Path.

The alleged deal: Adaptive Path would agree to let Google hire two members of the team. But AP wouldn't know which ones until after the agreement. Then Google, like an America's Top Model panel, interviewed everyone at AP and scooped up its two favorites.

So Adaptive Path had to sign a contract not knowing which team members would say goodbye. It's almost like seeing a family break up — except the orphans get a six-figure salary.

(By the way, prodigal son #1 was Jeff Veen, who first made Measure Map. AP can't disclose the second new Googler.)

Earlier: Google buys Measure Map [Valleywag]
And: Google eyes Measure Map [Valleywag]