Beta 1
Let me first start by saying that I fully support freedom of speech and that Mr Dolgachov's pictures are among some of my favorites. He always captures the most beautifull people in the most elegant way. That being said.......
Beta programs are popping up all over the place. Some where there are developers or programmers, Internet artists, writers or ... well, maybe just someone that has an idea and a base working concept wanting to "tweak" it a bit while working out the rough edges. Any one can develop a "beta" something. It just means that the foundation is there, the frame is built and it actually works. Sometimes, it actually works exceptionally well. Now, it's time to work out the rough edges and allow the audience guide it to where it needs to be.
Have you ever downloaded a program or went to a website and thought that there is something missing. Maybe, you thought there are too much of this or not enough of that. Everything good is always being in a stage of development or upgrade. Adding new content all the time is what the audience expects. Why wouldn't they, human kind is constantly in a stage of change and growth. Else, we become redundant. And, when we become redundant, the interest is lost. The frame work starts to crumble, eventually leading to vine covered broken foundations. At that point, just hang it up and start on something else or find a way to redesign. Picasso may have used the same style and the same brush but he didn't paint the same picture over and over again.
Take, for instance, Microsoft's Visual Studios Express. One of the best and most affordable concepts for the novice programmer (like myself) I have seen to date. Providing both the tools and training to build a foundation that could launch an idea for a whole career. Affordable because, at the time of writing this article, it's free. Each version has a slightly different look and feel, more added stuff and lots more functionality. Like most all programs such as these, it goes from "Beta" to "Finished" to a newer version "beta" then "finished". Always improving, always being tested with the end user.
Another stage for the concept of "Beta" that is constantly in a stage of improvement are most all programs for the Linux Operating System. Almost 99% of the time what ever is for Linux is free under a GNU license. However, for those used to other operating systems, it is somewhat uncomfortable at first. And, takes quite a while to get used to the new look and feel. But, the amount of money saved on games, office software or just about anything you can get for any other operating system is astounding. The O.S. It's self is even free. Linux ,like any other operating system, is a "use at your own risk" deal. It can be very powerful, it can be very fun, and it can be very productive.
The one thing to watch out for are those that actually charge for beta products. The "beta" name isn't taken lightly by the people that like to test new things. It can be a great help for those who are on a budget such as college students and low income families. And even a greater benefit for those on a low income that want to BE a college student, even for a man of my age. Therefor, in my opinion, creating a "BETA" that costs and has a time limit isn't anything more than creating an advertisement for the finished product.
Not to be confused with a "time limit" product or a "beta". Some finished products can be overwhelmingly useful. Take for example "Free forever unless upgrade" programs, such as Microsoft's Visual Studios Express and WebCEO's - WebCEO are somewhat ingenious concepts formed around a "use this until you develop enough income to go to the next level". Providing everyone, no matter their income, with the resources to achieve their goals while maintaining a high level of quality.It would be up to the individual to reason when too little is too much to bare for their project. Even this can be trumped with programs such as OpenOffice.org that is a "free forever - no matter what". It's these two concepts that pave an easier path for an individual or even an entire corporation. Who knows, that person that is trying to make it through the high price of college these days, might turn out to be the next person to corner the web.
If you would like to know more about some of the beta testing programs. Internet searches of the term "beta testing" can produce quite a number of programs. Just remember to read all documents and have a very good understanding what you are about to put you and your computer's stress level through and understand that, this may not be the final and finished product.
Author:
D.S.Lee
Let me first start by saying that I fully support freedom of speech and that Mr Dolgachov's pictures are among some of my favorites. He always captures the most beautifull people in the most elegant way. That being said.......
Beta programs are popping up all over the place. Some where there are developers or programmers, Internet artists, writers or ... well, maybe just someone that has an idea and a base working concept wanting to "tweak" it a bit while working out the rough edges. Any one can develop a "beta" something. It just means that the foundation is there, the frame is built and it actually works. Sometimes, it actually works exceptionally well. Now, it's time to work out the rough edges and allow the audience guide it to where it needs to be.
Have you ever downloaded a program or went to a website and thought that there is something missing. Maybe, you thought there are too much of this or not enough of that. Everything good is always being in a stage of development or upgrade. Adding new content all the time is what the audience expects. Why wouldn't they, human kind is constantly in a stage of change and growth. Else, we become redundant. And, when we become redundant, the interest is lost. The frame work starts to crumble, eventually leading to vine covered broken foundations. At that point, just hang it up and start on something else or find a way to redesign. Picasso may have used the same style and the same brush but he didn't paint the same picture over and over again.
Take, for instance, Microsoft's Visual Studios Express. One of the best and most affordable concepts for the novice programmer (like myself) I have seen to date. Providing both the tools and training to build a foundation that could launch an idea for a whole career. Affordable because, at the time of writing this article, it's free. Each version has a slightly different look and feel, more added stuff and lots more functionality. Like most all programs such as these, it goes from "Beta" to "Finished" to a newer version "beta" then "finished". Always improving, always being tested with the end user.
Another stage for the concept of "Beta" that is constantly in a stage of improvement are most all programs for the Linux Operating System. Almost 99% of the time what ever is for Linux is free under a GNU license. However, for those used to other operating systems, it is somewhat uncomfortable at first. And, takes quite a while to get used to the new look and feel. But, the amount of money saved on games, office software or just about anything you can get for any other operating system is astounding. The O.S. It's self is even free. Linux ,like any other operating system, is a "use at your own risk" deal. It can be very powerful, it can be very fun, and it can be very productive.
The one thing to watch out for are those that actually charge for beta products. The "beta" name isn't taken lightly by the people that like to test new things. It can be a great help for those who are on a budget such as college students and low income families. And even a greater benefit for those on a low income that want to BE a college student, even for a man of my age. Therefor, in my opinion, creating a "BETA" that costs and has a time limit isn't anything more than creating an advertisement for the finished product.
Not to be confused with a "time limit" product or a "beta". Some finished products can be overwhelmingly useful. Take for example "Free forever unless upgrade" programs, such as Microsoft's Visual Studios Express and WebCEO's - WebCEO are somewhat ingenious concepts formed around a "use this until you develop enough income to go to the next level". Providing everyone, no matter their income, with the resources to achieve their goals while maintaining a high level of quality.It would be up to the individual to reason when too little is too much to bare for their project. Even this can be trumped with programs such as OpenOffice.org that is a "free forever - no matter what". It's these two concepts that pave an easier path for an individual or even an entire corporation. Who knows, that person that is trying to make it through the high price of college these days, might turn out to be the next person to corner the web.
If you would like to know more about some of the beta testing programs. Internet searches of the term "beta testing" can produce quite a number of programs. Just remember to read all documents and have a very good understanding what you are about to put you and your computer's stress level through and understand that, this may not be the final and finished product.
Author:
D.S.Lee
My-Ezine.com
Mixing Entertainment and Science
Jan/Feb 2008 Issue "BETA 1"
Mixing Entertainment and Science
Jan/Feb 2008 Issue "BETA 1"
Copyright 2008 © D.S.Lee