Forum Moderators: rogerd
I want to avoid having hundreds of people join as it complicates any updates. I just want to get it properly tested so I can fix what needs fixing and open it properly.
So far I have 4 people joined, 2 developers and 2 general non technical users. The one original developer was a great help, but due to being hastled by some annoying individual via email is no longer online. The remaining 3 are "sure i'll look at it" and ask for help with doing something, so I write a quick tutorial and email it back.
No feedback from them on either the tutorial or the system, its childs play to use now, but all I got in reply was "haven't had time to look at it". I also offered to show them in chat how it works, again no time, later etc.
Any quick tips on how to keep people intested? I can do certain bribes, rare items, free land etc, if that would help.
And yes I will be firing them for this (in a funny way though).
If you are really looking for free technical input, you'll have to find the right people to ask. Most people won't be great subjects because they don't have the knowledge, while those that DO have the knowledge may prefer to focus on activity for which they are paid. Still, as both open source software and helpful sites like WebmasterWorld demonstrated, smart people WILL help out for free if they are part of a community.
Good luck!
Beta testers? Or free software quality engineers?
There's a difference.
Too many people use a beta test as a substitute for proper internal software testing.
If you have a good internal testing process, you shouldn't be looking for the "right" beta testers. You should be looking for a broad cross-section of users - including experienced and novice users, those with a software development backgroud and those without.
You simply want to limit the quantity of testers to make it manageable.
Your real challenge is to attract beta-testers who are NOT on the bleeding edge. You will have to offer them some incentive to go beyond their usual comfort level.
IMO, you desperately need those testers whom you seem to think are "unsuitable". Your challenge is to get them to stick with it.
