does anyone else think it mean

Does anyone else think it is a bit mean of Microsoft to basically ask for peoples' help in Beta testing Visa, then expecting them to pay not just for an upgrade in a year but perhaps the full (more costly) version?
Surely we should get a copy of the final release for free!??!??!

Do you think that you should get a free version of all beta products that you use? No one asked you to test out the beta, why should they give you something for volunteering to test? I'm sure you've beta tested other products before, did you automatically receive a free copy of non-free beta products? Also, I'm wondering why you feel that everyone that downloads the beta should get a free copy? If this were the case, everyone would find out and download a copy for free just to get a free copy when it's released, and pretty soon, there wouldn't be any software companies left as everyone would sign up for betas just to get free software. I really see no reason why they have to even allow a public beta seeing as they have several thousand testers that will provide more feedback, suggestions and bugs than the people that are downloading the public beta. ---------- Mark Dietz PROnetworks <http://www.pro-networks.org>
Dazza wrote:

Does anyone else think it is a bit mean of Microsoft to basically ask for peoples' help in Beta testing Visa, then expecting them to pay not just for an upgrade in a year but perhaps the full (more costly) version?
Surely we should get a copy of the final release for free!??!??!

Hi guys
I agree with both of you...my onyl suggestive discussion point is, I was an AOL Beta tester and they at the very least, gave me half price subscription during a year of beta testing. In my humble opinion, we are the ones testing Windows Vista for our own benefit in the long run. We are not just here to "get it for free".
My suggestion: Microsoft could offer a redemption certificate to all Beta users who have provided valuable input into the final version.
Either way, it's us that are helping to build a great product and ensure that we get what we want out of it. Vista = Vision with help fro the Beta testers.
Cheers, Glenn
"Mark Dietz" wrote:

Do you think that you should get a free version of all beta products that you use? No one asked you to test out the beta, why should they give you something for volunteering to test? I'm sure you've beta tested other products before, did you automatically receive a free copy of non-free beta products? Also, I'm wondering why you feel that everyone that downloads the beta should get a free copy? If this were the case, everyone would find out and download a copy for free just to get a free copy when it's released, and pretty soon, there wouldn't be any software companies left as everyone would sign up for betas just to get free software. I really see no reason why they have to even allow a public beta seeing as they have several thousand testers that will provide more feedback, suggestions and bugs than the people that are downloading the public beta. ---------- Mark Dietz PROnetworks <http://www.pro-networks.org
Dazza wrote: Does anyone else think it is a bit mean of Microsoft to basically ask for peoples' help in Beta testing Visa, then expecting them to pay not just for an upgrade in a year but perhaps the full (more costly) version?
Surely we should get a copy of the final release for free!??!??!

I think Mark missed the point of my post.
My comment was that people who are beta testing Vista "may" have to pay MORE for the final version, as they may have to buy the full version rather than the upgrade. Here in the UK the full version usually sells for £50+ more than the upgrade.
I have beta tested lots of software and always given full feedback, reported bugs and suggested solutions. In return I have always got either the final version free, or a at discount by way of thank you. May be thats because, in the main, I test out education software.
Again thats not really my point, it is the possibility of paying more and actually being penalised for being a beta tester.
ps - Sorry for posting in 3 posts, it kept telling me the submission had failed.

"Mark Dietz" wrote:

Do you think that you should get a free version of all beta products that you use? No one asked you to test out the beta, why should they give you something for volunteering to test? I'm sure you've beta tested other products before, did you automatically receive a free copy of non-free beta products? Also, I'm wondering why you feel that everyone that downloads the beta should get a free copy? If this were the case, everyone would find out and download a copy for free just to get a free copy when it's released, and pretty soon, there wouldn't be any software companies left as everyone would sign up for betas just to get free software. I really see no reason why they have to even allow a public beta seeing as they have several thousand testers that will provide more feedback, suggestions and bugs than the people that are downloading the public beta. ---------- Mark Dietz PROnetworks <http://www.pro-networks.org
Dazza wrote: Does anyone else think it is a bit mean of Microsoft to basically ask for peoples' help in Beta testing Visa, then expecting them to pay not just for an upgrade in a year but perhaps the full (more costly) version?
Surely we should get a copy of the final release for free!??!??!