A Simple Mans View of the Beta Testing Process and WA
Warning long post ahead.
In the development of software, apps, and online systems there are many phases, most applications and products start as an idea and then they are hashed out on the good old-fashioned whiteboard, then comes the creative coding phase, then the testing phase then the release phase.
If you have been around online marketing for any time you will have come across software that has bugs and issues, every piece of online hardware could be described as being in perpetual testing and tweaking phase as they fight to stay relevant and up to date, the Chrome browser for example probably gets updated on a weekly basis.
The long and short of it, online environments are not static and to remain relevant updates are required.
In order to come up with a release candidate, for new software, apps or online systems there needs to be rigorous testing.
The Alpha Phase
The first candidate is the alpha version, which generally has all the attributes but also has a lot of bugs and issues that have to be ironed out.
The testing at this phase will be in-house. The development team will work with the product and try to close out any issues or bugs that may be present and that will affect the integrity and usability of the product.
The next phase is the Beta Phase.
At this stage, the pre-release candidate will have all the features of the application in place and will be a fully functioning version and will be relatively stable, What is needed at this stage is for folks to take it for a test drive.
Folks that are testing it need to be in the group of users that will ultimately be using the program or application and they also need to use it in there day to day online interaction and activities.
Key at this phase is for testers to use the product and relay any feedback, problems, issues, and bugs to the developers so that their positions and assumptions will be confirmed.
At this phase, any bugs or issues will be ironed out so that potential users can have a viable and valuable interaction with the product.
Good user experience is key.
Towards the end of this process, a release candidate will emerge.
It is fairly rare for a release candidate to be bug-free and it is the initial phase after release that any issues will emerge these can be worked on and solutions found.
One of the real issues in the online industry at the moment and a disturbing trend is that products are released while still in the beta phase with too many bugs and a product that is not complete, or fit for purpose, it is a growing problem that if left unchecked will tear at the very foundations of the online marketing industry. Just an opinion.
I have had the opportunity to be involved in the beta testing of some software, in the IM space and also here in WA, it is an eye-opening opportunity and one that you can learn a lot from.
If you ever get the opportunity to be involved jump at the chance you will learn a lot.
Here in, WA it was the new format of the platform, for many here today you will not of been here at that time, let's just say it was a different season, the end of that process is what we have today and it is a viable system that really did increase the users experience.
I was most impressed, with the whole process I assume that there were many folks using the new system while the old system was still running. The gig was to use it and then provide feedback my contact was Carson that interaction has had such a positive impact on me personally.
I developed an understanding and sense really.
WA is massive, the system that runs this platform is massive, even to contemplate, making small changes would take huge resources, manpower and time.
WA is a complex system, we just have to rock up pay $49 bucks a month and if we use our heads create a successful business from our dashboards, we don't see what goes on behind the scenes, we don't get to see the team that keeps this juggernaut ticking over, they are constantly there but we never see them. We just log in, it all just happens and hopefully we get to work.
Even reflecting on some updates and suites that have been rolled out, they would have taken serious amounts of cash and a massive amount of time to make them work. Each roll out when it occurs makes the members lives that much easier. The thing that we all need to remember is that it is a total system here that works seamlessly, it is not just about one aspect or resource it is about their seamless integration and that is the power of WA, once you twig onto that, it can indeed be a new dawn.
I can operate from anywhere, at any time of the day or night and participate in a global economy from inside a global community we just need to utilize all the knowledge, all the resources to achieve the results that we want.
That is sick.
Not speaking for Kyle or Carson, but these guys work tirelessly to make our ability to create that online business so streamlined and so possible. There are little tweaks all the time many go unnoticed, they all add value.
This post has totally morphed, it started out looking at the process of testing software now it is some of my reflections, on the WA front things have been a little quiet, Kyle has spoken about, releases that they are working on and systems that are going to create resources that will enable us to grow our opportunities.
Kyle and Carson probably still wake up every morning and pinch themselves just to make sure they are not dreaming. I believe that the legend was that WA started its life creating keyword lists and then you end up with WA as it is today.
I get lost for words just thinking about it.
For me, I totally trust in WA and I don't say that lightly, I have seen so much that is not that flash online. At the moment I am really feeling for the guys, everyday folks are moaning and groaning about what's not going right and all the things that are wrong about WA, it is kind of strange season here at the moment, and all they do is work tirelessly in the background on creating the best user experience that they can, providing knowledge and resources. If that is not the definition of inspiration and motivation rolled into one then I don't know what is.
I have to stick my hand up, I am not the sharpest marketer, I struggle, I am not a good writer, I struggle with every post, I don't get the technical stuff I struggle, I don't get engagement I struggle., my self and social media are not the best of friends, I struggle
One thing that I do know, I wouldn't have the opportunities that I do have if it weren't for WA.
Do I trust the platform yes, do I trust the process yes, do I trust Kyle and Carson yes, do I trust the knowledge Jay imparts on a weekly basis yes, do I trust site support, yes do I trust that when the chips are down someone will arrive with a reply that will solve my problem yes, do I trust that I can turn up anytime of the day or night and there will be someone here, that will offer motivation yes.
If I was back on the farm I would probably tack a notice on the barn door, not all systems are perfect, some systems are more perfect than others, and some systems work dammed hard to be the best systems that they can be.
Thanks for reading folks, I just needed to share some of my reflections.
Stop worrying about this and that, what is not working, what it should be, who's doing what and who's not doing what they should be doing, it will work its self through, it always does, around here especially so, the only job we have to do is to start worrying about what we have or haven't done this week to move our businesses forward.
That is the only thing that will bring dollars to our doors and if you get too cleaver or push the envelop further than your skill set at your particular point in time it is like breaking your shovel handle at the bottom of the well on the day you forgot to take your ladder with you, it is only a slight misfortune and one that won't derail your show.
The process is simple, so keep on keeping on.
Alex Evans.
Recent Comments
29
Awesome points! Many years ago I started my manager shift before other supervisors at a call center. When new releases came out, about every 2 weeks, my team was to make sure no bugs in the system. If there were, they would take it back out.
At that time we had over 100 M Client members and dealing with prescriptions for a service. More than once it was taken back.
Being a part of any IT assistance in these things can certainly make one appreciate the work behind the scenes.
WA is awesome compared to when I saw it first 5-10 years ago. This is a major reason when deciding on online marketing, it was the only place I wanted to go, and stay.
Have a good weekend Alex.
Hi, William, thank you for sharing your experiences, that would have been a challenging position, as users across the board we only see that interface from the perspective of using a product or service.
It can be easy to overlook the processes that are involved in creating and delivering the product or service if we become aware it can actually open up a raft of possibilities.
You have expressed it really well, WA is not resting on its laurels and from observation, it has expanded immensely from its beginnings.
The exciting thing for us as stakeholders is that Kyle and Carson are still looking for ways to expand and enhance the user experience that bodes well for our aspirations moving forward.
Have a great weekend William and enjoy the spring weather.
Alex
Yes, it is. Thanks. :)
Making my schedule up today for the next 42 days, and the rest of the year for the challenge and worked on content for my website. Break tomorrow to go and see grandchildren soccer games, then shopping before home and back to WA business. Trying to balance and add consistency, so not getting behind.
Great post, Alex!
We can't even imagine what goes on in the 'back office' of WA.
What we are sure of though is that everyone works tirelessly to improve it all the time.
What we pay is a bargain for what we receive.
Thanks for highlighting these points and have a great weekend.
C & P
Hi Colette and Philip, glad that you enjoyed this post, it was something that struck me this week, currently looking into some AI possibilities, that stuff is going to change the world as we know it marketing especially, the next 5 years are going to see centuries worth of advancements rolled into a short space of time, the changes are going to be extraordinary.
What goes on behind the scenes here in WA is mind-boggling, we can get consumed in the day to day without reflecting, there is so much that can make our online journey spectacular. I then just reflected on what Kyle and Carson have created with the help of there team.
My reflection is that hopefully team Alex does justice to it all, which then got me digging down and looking at what we have here, there is just so much.
Being stakeholders in WA, we are in an excellent space to advance our online aspirations.
One of the unique aspects of WA is that the resources and knowledge base expands yet the cost of access stays the same.
We are well placed.
Have an excellent weekend enjoy.
Thank you for stopping by, good to see you.
Alex
Alex,
Assuming you promote WA, some of the above is absolute gold. Well done and so true.
Thanks again
Peter
Hi Peter, you are most welcome and thank you for your kind words. You may have observed the flow, kind of a rambling cross over, post, long, a lot can be around how we craft and manage the content flow, there will not be a lot of engagement inside of WA, it can be how content is managed and shared, that creates some good outcomes this applies across the content spectrum.
Alex
Hi, Alex.
Thank you for writing and sharing this very thoughtful post making us aware of what has to happen in the background so we can experience what we experience with ease.
I have been here since 2016 and I have never thought of myself as a member but more so as a 'Shareholder' of WA knowing that the majority of my membership fees are not just lining the pockets of the owners.
Instead, I know that my fees (I call them investments in myself) are being re-invested in this amazing company that as you have noted started out as a service only, providing 'Keyword Lists' to its members back in 2005. Is it not incredible that the yearly membership fee of $359.00 has not increased since they started?
The team behind the scenes works endlessly to make what we receive happen. I have no issue with my investment in Wealthy Affiliate.
Kudos to all.
Kindest regards from Canada.
Paul.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your thoughtful response, I really like how you expressed that you feel like you are a shareholder in WA, I think that mindset can really help to forge a path, as shareholders we invest in a company, money and time and the dividends are proportionate with the time and energy that we invest.
It can be so easy to just turn up and not reflect on what goes on behind the scenes, once we take that on board it can really help us to encompass Wealthy Affiliate for what it delivers for us as members, today but more to the point that it will continue to deliver moving forward.
The great thing is that we can evolve alongside the platform, as it grows and develops by utilizing the ever-expanding resources we can take our businesses to the next level.
It is something to reflect on the usual flow of the business world, is that access to more resources and expanded knowledge, equals an expectation of paying more, with the WA model the ever-expanding array of resources are inclusive in the cost of membership.
That is unique.
The amazing thing is that WA seems to be in a perpetual state of development, which only serves us as stakeholders very well.
We are in an excellent place to further our online aspirations, and we get to share the journey with some really motivated folks.
Appreciate your comment, Paul.
Thank you.
Alex
Thank you for really understanding my comment made to your post, Alex.
As we learn more and more about how to do business online and as we begin to see our own personal businesses take shape, we are going to be able to help others in the same way that we have been helped. It is the purest form of ‘Pay It Forward’ anywhere.
WA is a platform that not only provides all the tools we need, it also encourages engaging with new people, making connections, networking and creating new friendships. All pieces of the puzzle to success online or anywhere else for that matter.
There are lots of Internet Marketing and Business Building programs and platforms available on the Internet but none are as cost effective as the Wealthy Affiliate Platform.
Wealthy Affiliate is at the ultimate service provider in their field of expertise.
Taking it one step further and putting ourselves in the role of provider...meaning we provide through our websites a service to the end user. Does the end user really know or appreciate how much time, effort and energy we had to put in behind the scenes to deliver? Probably not.
So the cycle is almost the same and continues down the road. The key is to be dynamic and not static.
Wealthy Affiliate is definitely Dynamic.
Have a good week-end, Alex.
It's always nice to read your posts.
Kindest regards from Canada.
Paul.
What a great post, Alex. I appreciate your insights on testing and the processes involved.
It certainly is an amazing journey that Kyle and Carson have had to this point. I haven’t been around too long but long enough to put my trust in the WA platform and this wonderful community.
In my opinion, nothing better out there in the online world. When you consider everything you get for the minimal investment in ones financial future, it’s not even close.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Randy
Hi Randy,
Just working on a project at the moment, there is a whole lot more involved than we think in this " what you see is what you get world ", (WYSIWYG ), hopefully, I make it through the weekend with a full head of hair lol. It can be so easy to just focus on the user interface.
I have been reflecting on WA, recently and it would be fair to say that Kyle and Carson have been on a spectacular journey, based on that principle of paying it forward they are exceptional ambassadors.
The thing that I find really motivating is that we can share in their vision and apply it to our online endeavors.
I see so often newer folks approaching with doubts, there is that saying, " if it is too good to be true then it usually is ", WA could possibly be the exception to that rule.
In today's world, many of us are skeptics, it can take time to build trust, once we cross that bridge it can open up a world of possibilities.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Randy, much appreciated.
Enjoy your weekend.
Alex
Well said, although you must agree that if people don't speak about relevant problems, no miraculous feedback is going to appear in the minds of Kyle and Carson, in spite of how brilliant they are.
Things don't work themselves out on their own. And pointing out important issues is NOT the same as worrying about them.
I agree there are some silly rants that go on that are a total waste of time. Particularly popular, but mostly useless, is recurrent self-righteous commentary about spammers and trolls that garner a lot of likes and 'oh how I agree with you, we have to save the new people from such exposure to villany' comments.
Relevant feedback, though, enhances the observation and awareness of issues and is beneficial. Remind us not to worry, yes, but don't remind us to remain silent.
There are genuine problems that need to be brought to attention. Taking things for granted is equivalent to ignorant bliss. We pay money for this membership and I, for one, expect the promised top notch performance.
Hi Marc, good to see you, and thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights, much appreciated.
Open conversation is one of the keys that keeps all things internet on an even keel, and definitely, folks need to feel comfortable to be able to share, at the end of the day we are all stakeholders by default of our membership and what affects one, affects all.
Worry could have been the wrong expression to use, making allowance for cultural differences, perhaps we can spend energy that could be spent better elsewhere and employed in furthering our business development. Misplaced energy can be like a dam in the river it hinders the flow.
This post is not about, reminding folks to be silent on the contrary, if anything it is about getting folks thinking about what we have here the power and dynamic possibilities that are right here for us to explore. That can be the foundation to seek out better solutions and outcomes.
In every arena, we can be sidetracked, so that the focus goes from the issues and are consumed by the problems, it can be easy to be focused without looking for solutions, the situation can be exacerbated by sharing without transparency.
Those five soldiers of reason who, what why, when and how can shed light into the darkest of places.
It is about engaging, better to be in the game than standing on the sidelines.
For me, it is just a reflection, we can get consumed by the day to day that is natural, still pays to keep one eye on the prize, by taking the overview we can all expand our horizons.
It can be like that family trip in the big car, all cars seemed big when we were kids, 5 minutes in that, cherp, from the back seat.
"Are we there yet ?".
"No, not yet, soon though"
"Sit tight".
" Okay ".
Thanks Alex,
I appreciate your thoughtful and measured response! Yes, it's definitely true that energy can be misplaced and in fact it's a bit of a disease of the mind, hindering us from success.
You are also right in that its good to provoke thoughts and dialogue about issues of significance, which is what I see these blogs to be useful for.
Others see them as more social for building friendships and for building a coterie of like-minded people. And that's fine, just not my style. Even more, there danger lurks -- in similarity of disposition -- even with the best of intentions.
So to some, I will appear disagreeable, and I won't deny that this is a facet of my personality. I'll debate a point if I think the truth has not been uncovered sufficiently or has been glossed over illegitimately.
I've been around doing things on WA; I'm just generally not one of those guys who pops in to a blog post to say 'great info, thanks' in order to get a like. If I'm busy on other stuff, I kinda let the social media dry up for a while rather than stay in touch just for the sake of it. To some that appears to be unfriendly or uncaring...
Thanks again for your ability to generate and engage in dialogue such as this, your talent is a remarkable art form! That is, by no means can I consider you to be a simple man.
cheers! Marc
Hi Fran, thank you for stopping by, sometimes faith can be the driver of great things. When stuck in no man's land it can be hard to keep that focus.
Reflecting on what we have at our fingertips can be the thing that actually drives us on to new heights.
It can be hard when in midstream do we go on to reach the other side or return from whence we came from.
Just thinking about WA in its totality can be rather empowering.
Forge on.
Hi Sham, thank you for stopping by, just some reflections.
We have so much opportunity, how is your journey going. Sydeny will be cooling down a little.
Thanks for asking. Yes sydney getting cold in the morning then warm in the mid-day, then cold a bit. Very funny weather.
It is different, the seasons appear to be changing, it is kind unpredictable. thank you for sharing that Sham.
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I absolutely and totally agree with you, Alex. Where else would we find a program that provides exceptional support for its members and their websites? Every hour of every day throughout every year we remain a member, the WA platform and support are available to us.
I have so much admiration for Kyle and Carson, together with absolute trust in every aspect of what they provide within the WA programme. And, I can say that from experience. I joined many programmes, some hugely expensive, prior to discovering Wealthy Affiliate. Not one of those programmes could be compared with what WA provides.
I remember my surprise when approached by Carson to test-drive the new platform. Although extremely happy to oblige, I couldn't imagine why they were making a change. I thought WA was fantastic as it was at that time. Little did I know until starting to test the new platform how much greater this would be for all members.
No doubt, it is human nature to worry. There are many things I could say about that, but just taking time out along with a few deep breaths can often be a way to find a solution.
Thanks for your great post.
Valerie
Hi, Valerie, thank you for stopping by and sharing your experiences, that was a random experience for sure, I remember to think, but why have you chosen me to be a candidate to test your new program. it was as if almost that I didn't belong.
The thing about Wealthy Affiliate is that it is open to all comers, it gives folks the opportunity to create some new outcomes and to be able to do so in a safe and nurturing environment.
We cab stay standing waiting for the bus to arrive or we can, or we can build our own bus and bus company and take it to the world.
It was an amazing experience was it not Valerie.
We are in an exceptional space of the online marketing world and one in which we can grow and develop beyond our wildest expectations.
This post is a reflection of what is good about WA whether by design or evolution, we are in the right place.
Have a productive week.
Alex
Thank you, Alex.