CompuServe Messages

This discussion started off with my complaint that Amiga users–that is, non-developers–seemed to be shut out of the 1.4 beta-testing process. I had in mind people who use Amigas in serious ways in professional environments–teachers, scientists, artists, businessfolk, etc.–altho I suppose "Joe & Jane User" (used in subsequent messages) connotes people less advanced than that. My mistake. It turns out, tho, that certified developers (as opposed to _commercial_ developers) can also beta test, so my concern is partly alleviated. I also mentioned retargetable graphics…this is something I hope we get as soon as possible. I guess I agree with everything Don has said, but I do think CATS' user/developer feedback apparatus needs some restructuring. First of all, the title "Certified Developer" is something of a misnomer. Certified developers aren't necessarily developers at all. Another category is needed, something like "User Consultant," to encompass experienced, expert users who are not developers, who feel put off by the word "developer," but who still want to contribute to the maturation of the machine (via alpha/beta-testing OS upgrades, offering suggestions with the knowledge that those suggestions will be evaluated, or whatever). Then, if CATS were to add such a category, it would be crucial for them to *advertise* it. An ad in the major Amiga rags–say 3 or 4 months after 1.4 is released–to the effect that: "We want experienced Amiga users to be involved in the Amiga's future! Do you want to directly contribute to the Amiga's future direction? Then join our new User Consultant program. Call 1-800-XXX-XXXX for more information on how you can let your voice be heard." would do the job. (Choose your own prefered wording, of course <grin>.) Callers, after screening, might be offered the same benefits (at the same rates) as current certified developers, minus the current terminology, or they might be offered something different if CATS sees fit to do so. The input of such folks would likely be of most use to CATS before and during the _alpha_ stage of OS upgrade development; even so, they shouldn't be excluded from beta testing. At any rate CATS would benefit not only from the additional input but also from the good PR, and we users would benefit from a machine more tailored to our wants and needs. IMHO, anyway. 8^)