HTs on Global/Stage

I'm not sure that will make it to the first version, but it's in the loop. We have a quite nice overall plan for informational issues, but as it includes a lot of new functionality it will probably not make it to the first version.

Let me add to that we nowadays have a stage server, where all new code is tested live with users before coming to the main site, and in that environment we do have a public bugtracking tool. The stage server is currently invitation-only, but we aim to make it possible for everyone to get a place there (but not everyone at once) ;)

Stage is available on a first come, first serve basis. We want every user to have a chance to get in. But since we have only 5000 places in total, we will be strict in removing users that are not active on Stage, or that report in the wrong language, or leak info, and so on. Stage exists to provide us better bug reports and we may add or remove requirements as we see fit, so that we get the best use out of Stage.

The signup may have been chaotic for some of you, much because there simply are very few slots! Slots are also distributed per league, and between Supporters and non-Supporters. This way, we can test different kinds of features well.

The waiting list only accepts another 5000 users, so even the waiting list can get full. If you can´t get on it now, you may be able to later.

EDIT: BTW, is the waiting list league specific?

Yes, it is league specified.

We decided it was going to be 5000. We dont know how quick users will rotate so having one in reserve for every Stage user seemed about right.

Wow, isn´t it just great then that we can limit all this terribleness to a smaller, willing number of users?

You can do everything from Stage, no need to be logged into two places at the same time.

Do you plan to open more places in the future for other managers to join in? You might be missing out on good testers that are really willing to give it a good go and dig the bugs out...

The main problem now is too many reports... and the level of quality of those reports. It will take a few days to see where Stage stabilizes, and if we need more testers or perhaps less. The only goal we have with Stage is to get bug reports of an appropriate volume and quality, not to provide maximum satisfaction of curiosity. :)

We knew this would happen, and it will sort itself out. But we preferred this over trying to manually select 5000 users.

New users also try out things which many user would never consider doing and this ways discover bugs which else wouldn't have been found.

Users who aren't active as a tester most likely won't be around on Stage for a long time. Keep in mind that we also have the possibility to remove access for those users who don't meet our expectations.

It's open as soon as there are available places on the waiting list or on Stage. So when you check out regularly, you might have a chance to add yourself.