How to beta test?

[tom-knox]

I'm building a community based site at the moment and i was wondering when it gets to the stage where i've got an RC ready what stagesshould i go through to beta test the site?

 

[Computer Head]

Do you mean what should you test for or what stages of testing should be used?

 

[tom-knox]

Kind of mean both. Whilst i've built dozens of sites before this one will be promoted by word of mouth and will be handling PayPal payments constantly so i need it to be good. What steps would you go thorugh before releasing the site as a stable live release?

 

[DefCon_!1!]

how about following sonys beta stages

do a closed beta, there u just get some friends or ssuch testing around

after that, and open beta, with other people, mabey people who dont know that much about what ur website is, that way u can get a range of opinions and feedback

then, when uve adressed the issues or concerns you have recived from the beta tester, open it up for release

 

[tom-knox]

Cheers, ill start with a closed beta then could i possibly release it under a general public release (not marketed) and claim it as a beta, so people can still help me make improvements.