• by Mark Walsh  @markfwal, April 30, 2009

Fart apps no longer have a monopoly on bathroom humor on the iPhone.

Hachette Book Group USA has launched the "Urinal Test" iPhone app to help promote the upcoming release of "The Man's Book" by Thomas Fink. The lifestyle guide for manly men includes critical information on how to start a fire with a Coke can, mix a martini, and of course, choose the proper urinal.

The "Urinal Test" app, developed by New York-based technology firm Intuwin, allows users to test their urinal IQ through a game awarding points based on the ability to strategically select the right urinal depending on where other guys are already standing. (Hint: It's best to go as far as possible from other dudes or the one nearest the wall.)

Amanda Tobier -- marketing manager for Hachette's Little, Brown and Company unit, which is publishing "The Man's Book" -- said the company wanted to take an unconventional approach to promoting the book, which is due out May 6, and an iPhone app seemed apt.

The Web 2.0 marketing effort will also include a Web site, outreach via Twitter and Facebook, and a YouTube video featuring Hachette Book Group Chairman and CEO David Young in a live-action version of the "Urinal Test" game.

"It was his enthusiasm for the book, and that (urinal) page in particular, that propelled the app," said Tobier. Fortunately, the video only shows Young approaching and leaving the men's room, rather than stricken with angst over which urinal to attempt. A CEO must be decisive if nothing else.