Thread: The Testing is half empty
View Single Post
Sasler is offline Sasler
2010-01-19 , 18:07
Posts: 434 | Thanked: 325 times | Joined on Sep 2009
#71
Originally Posted by Texrat View Post
There's merit to that, Sasler, but my thinking is we need to first step all the way back to the entry point of the process and start applying rational methodology as opposed to numbers and actions driven by warm fuzzies. "Jailbreaking" quarantine might just ensure more bad apps get out. We need to add more meaning to process steps... especially do what we can to ensure the proposed 5 testers aren't thumbing up or down based on like or dislike.
OK, what about this then:

When a new app reaches a point that it'sfairly functional to get a general idea, a Talk thread is opened for it. Next, say 5 testers are selected. These would then communicate with the developer of any issues and ideas. They would also fill the "Good Quality Check-list". When the developers is happy with the app and all the testers agree that all the points are adequately met, they would then unanimously vote for promotion to Extras. Now guarantee would be needed.

Of course, there should be proper reward to encourage this kind for this kind of commitment. For example, Karma based on the stars and downloads. The developer would get half of it and the testers would all get a fifth of the remaining half. Or something like that.

The important thing would be that this Karma would only be give after the app has been released, so it would encourage active involvement from start to end. Also, the star multiplier, would encourage quality apps.

However, to avoid any hasty releases, just for the sake of some easy Karma. There should be in place some kind of penalty system. That is, is a critical fault is found after the app has been promoted to Extras, it will be demoted again until it will be fixed. And, depending of the gravity of the fault and how obvious it should have been, part of the received Karma would be removed. A part of it would be returned when the problem is fixed again.