Journal KarmaOverDogma's Journal: Beta Testing for Status and Sales
The New York Times (free reg/bugmenot req'd) has an interesting piece on how Beta Testing (http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/22/technology/circuits/22beta.html?pagewanted=1) has come a long way from its original incarnation where testers took the job to improve software or find bugs and the author/company just wanted to release a more stable product.
The article show examples where beta testing has evolved into an environment where candidates seek to test for status and identity as much anything else. It also shows how beta testing has, in some cases, become so commercialized that offerings are made more on the basis of potential customer buzz, loyalty and sales than any potential skills at bug-finding or the need for a better product.
With beta software like World of Warcraft actioning for $500.00 per account on eBay and G-mail possibly being the most successful example of viral marketing, how far will beta testing move to fulfill the needs of Targeted Marketing and Buzz?
Beta Testing for Status and Sales More Login
Beta Testing for Status and Sales
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