I first ran into randomization delays in cronie (the ~ is how it's implemented also and there's a RANDOM_DELAY variable for use too), after redhat had switched to it at some point years ago. Personally, never really used it, but it's nice it's there.
Intriguing! I had no idea! Again, I wish the concept was more popular back when cron and the Internet were younger, and having it built-in and readily available goes a very long way. If someone doesn't introduce you to the concept, you have little chance of knowing better until you find yourself at the receiving end of a spike, yelling at the clouds.
