What I've learned from this Beta

"

Chris wrote:

"

Herborist wrote:

The fact of the matter is, if people were so interested, they'd have logged in and posted at least once. I can't imagine someone being interested and checking in for 3 - 4 months and never posting once on any topic for any reason. It's preposterous.

Our analytics show that there are many many returning visitors (people from the same IP/browser) that don't log in but do read the forums/news. I've talked to many of them that are active on other forums discussing PoE but haven't posted on ours.

We spent months reassuring people that just signing up for an account is all that is necessary to be considered.

I completely understand why you feel frustrated about this process. What do you suggest we do differently though, in a fair way to not alienate either group?

Why not run 2 counters? One for forum posters who are active and another for all the accounts, posters and not? Or split them in half or something?

Would that not be a middle ground for both sides?

Granted, the forums are spammed now, so some form of moderation would be needed, which you mentioned to be working on.

I wouldn't change anything Chris, even now with the posters/active members having a greater chance to a beta key alot of the less active on this website are still getting keys likely due to simple numbers. So I would keep doing what your doing as you are doing a great job!!

Only thing i could suggest would be once you have sent out like 5000 keys if there are people in the 5000 who still haven't activated the beta you could disable the key and send out a mass email to more active users as those people have clearly forgotten about this or really don't care enough... no point having people in the beta who obviously just aren't going to contribute to such a pivotal part of the games development.

I dunno just a thought.

"

Chris wrote:

"

Herborist wrote:

The fact of the matter is, if people were so interested, they'd have logged in and posted at least once. I can't imagine someone being interested and checking in for 3 - 4 months and never posting once on any topic for any reason. It's preposterous.

Our analytics show that there are many many returning visitors (people from the same IP/browser) that don't log in but do read the forums/news. I've talked to many of them that are active on other forums discussing PoE but haven't posted on ours.

We spent months reassuring people that just signing up for an account is all that is necessary to be considered.

I completely understand why you feel frustrated about this process. What do you suggest we do differently though, in a fair way to not alienate either group?

I'd like to suggest posting a good number of beta keys (lets say 10) on twitter / IRC etc. a few times every day. That way people who are actively trying to get into the beta get their chance and it doesn't hamper the chances of people who are not willing to spend a lot of time actively searching for ways to get in to the beta.

Just my thoughts :)

"

Chris wrote:

"

Herborist wrote:

The fact of the matter is, if people were so interested, they'd have logged in and posted at least once. I can't imagine someone being interested and checking in for 3 - 4 months and never posting once on any topic for any reason. It's preposterous.

Our analytics show that there are many many returning visitors (people from the same IP/browser) that don't log in but do read the forums/news. I've talked to many of them that are active on other forums discussing PoE but haven't posted on ours.

We spent months reassuring people that just signing up for an account is all that is necessary to be considered.

I completely understand why you feel frustrated about this process. What do you suggest we do differently though, in a fair way to not alienate either group?

I got a suggestion Chris that no one will think it's unfair. You got one beta timer inviting random people every 15 minutes now. Why not make a second one simultaneously that invites someone that posted on forum(or other paremeter that makes the account not be a fake one), you can do this manually or automatically. I think it will work.

Let's say that 1 in 20 accounts(maybe more) is a real one(or someone that will play in the day they got invited). Now your only getting a player on the server every 5 hours.

I think this could work, making a second beta invitation system that runs simultaneously.

Edit: Raelena got a similat idea some posts up

Edit2: Or you could send a batch of keys

"

Chris wrote:

"

Herborist wrote:

The fact of the matter is, if people were so interested, they'd have logged in and posted at least once. I can't imagine someone being interested and checking in for 3 - 4 months and never posting once on any topic for any reason. It's preposterous.

Our analytics show that there are many many returning visitors (people from the same IP/browser) that don't log in but do read the forums/news. I've talked to many of them that are active on other forums discussing PoE but haven't posted on ours.

We spent months reassuring people that just signing up for an account is all that is necessary to be considered.

I completely understand why you feel frustrated about this process. What do you suggest we do differently though, in a fair way to not alienate either group?

Chris, we appreciate that you want to try to fix this, but asking for suggestions.

A simple fix would be to have two timers implemented. One that picks from users that had registered with a minimum set of criteria.

Beta Timer 1: Registered at any date, 0 posts.

Beta Timer 2: Registered a Minimum of 3 months ago, has more then 20 current posts.

This way, only your true dedicated fans from a few months ago are even eligable for the second timer. This does not alienate anyone, and makes your dedicated fans feel like they have an even better chance at getting in.

A long list of keys to plunder would be appreciated. Gifts like this are enough to keep the mob at bay.

Posting

rodas02, my god we are thinking on the same brain wave.... I just posted what you said almost at the exact same time.

Two timers sounds like a good idea, given that each timer would have to be set to 20 minutes to keep the increase of traffic on the servers how they want it.

"

Chris wrote:

"

Herborist wrote:

The fact of the matter is, if people were so interested, they'd have logged in and posted at least once. I can't imagine someone being interested and checking in for 3 - 4 months and never posting once on any topic for any reason. It's preposterous.

Our analytics show that there are many many returning visitors (people from the same IP/browser) that don't log in but do read the forums/news. I've talked to many of them that are active on other forums discussing PoE but haven't posted on ours.

We spent months reassuring people that just signing up for an account is all that is necessary to be considered.

I completely understand why you feel frustrated about this process. What do you suggest we do differently though, in a fair way to not alienate either group?

Well honestly if you're only doing stress testing at the moment then random invite and etc is completely fine.