Question
Yep, that's right! I don't know whether to laugh or cry. After launching TurboLister at the end of 2002 we now get this exchange on the eBay Discussion Boards >Tools - Turbo Lister <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>TL Beta Testers........
code_kisk (0 )(view author's auctions)
03/01/04 8:51 PM
It's very common to see a flood of problems after new releases of TL are available. I was just curious if eBay has a TL beta program. I'm very computer savy, know many programming languages and would be happy to help beta test revisions of the software before public releases. I've not heard of any such program and I think it would help out the community as a whole if their was one. You guys have my email if any such program does exist and you need help http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_smile.gif
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allen*ebay.com
03/01/04 9:54 PM (# 1 of 2)
Hi code_kisk,
Thanks for the suggestion. Actually, we have been looking at creating a beta program. The challenge is that it's hard to work in a 'true' beta period when you have 6 week release cycles that are necessary to keep pace with the frequent changes on the site.
For the next release, in less than 6 weeks, we are looking to incorporate some 'informal' beta testing as we work on defining an appropriate process for a more formal program. If you (or anyone else) would like to participate, please email me and let me know.
Thanks,
Allen
eBay Product Management <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
(bolding is mine)
What a concept! Actually trying out some of the changes before they are released! What will they think of next!?
Answer
translation:
Thank you for your suggestion and offer of free help.
We are just too busy to do this right so we find that doing it the "eBay Way" will have to be sufficient for now.
What with falling sell thru rates and lower prices we also experience that sellers are much too busy to complain.
When the transfer of these efforts to India is completed you can expect significant corrections and improvement in the work.
Until then, just tread water and "No problem" life, like we do.
Answer
All I know is that this past week TL decided my regional settings were invalid for more than 50% of my listings. They had to be edited before they could be uploaded. I frequently encounter a single auction that somehow doesn't make the grade. Having a mass of them was a true PITA. Makes me feel like a beta tester already.
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"A poor workman blames his tools" -- Unknown
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I haven't checked for updates today, but I'd be happy if they just fixed the stupid handling charge thing in the eBay calculator right now.
Boneheads. http://community.here.com/infopop/em...on_biggrin.gif
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"Informal" beta testing? Which means....what? That we try to list items then email them when something goes kaflooey?
Well heck, then I've been a beta tester since they released TL.
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"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney
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Answer
Who in their right mind would want to be a beta tester? I mean, let someone else be the guinea pig. Of course, if they waive the listing fees, then you might get some takers.
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I thought TurdLister was still in beta and all of the poor suckers using it for the past year were the guinea pig testers. There's no way a program with as many flaws and bugs could ever get out of beta. http://community.here.com/infopop/em...on_biggrin.gif
Are you telling me that TL is considered to be a FINISHED program and ready for public consumption? Please say it isn't so. http://community.here.com/infopop/em...s/icon_eek.gif
Blanche
Answer
Only thing positive I see about Beta is hopefully, it will reduce the number of updates. At least, it will take more time for eBay to get response back from the testers before doing another new release.
Better than Beta is if eBay only have one update a year instead of all this continual silliness we have to put up with.