What The Terms and Conditions Says about Blogging for Official Designer Challengers

Excellent work Randall.

It's in the T&C's but I suspect that some may not even bother reading them.

Mark

Design Challenge Blogs

Why Challengers Must Post - Upcycle it - Progress Week 3

I could also see it not being FEASIBLE to post every week, if you've run into a hitch in development

You might be surprised at how some challengers got very good advice and were able to progress BECAUSE they blogged and someone reading suggested a solution.

The Road Tests don't have the weekly blogging requirement, it's the Design Challenges.

Mark

Often I find writing down a problem allows you to:

* Vent frustration

* Clarify things in your head

* Get feedback

I agree with this, I got very frustrated with an issue and it helped to blog about it. I got some good advice and guidance from others in the community. Really helped me through the problem.

Dale

Good clarification Mark.

Yes, there are different requirements and expectations on Road Tests and Design Challenges.

In many ways, both categories are similar, but different.

Road test can be thought of as a way to independently verify that a device works as advertised and an opportunity to show how a device can be used in making applications.

Road test reports provide the vendors with information about how well the device/documentation works and provides them with information about a wider range of applications beyond their initial design set.

Design Challenges is more focused upon demonstrating how specific devices can be combined into a useful application.

Again, the vendors are looking for unexpected issues that they may have to address and they are also looking at the application possibilities beyond their intent.

As other people have identified, frequent blogging about you experience helps both the vendor and the Element 14 community better understand the device in question.

While you do not HAVE to blog weekly on a road test, it helps the community if you relate specific issues about the device early and often.  In most cases, you can tap into a huge amount of experience in the technology, which can help you quickly resolve issues and suggestions on how you can create even more value to the community with your testing.

Yes, the vendor's are asking you for your time and creativity.  That is why they are providing the devices free.  However, There ain't no such thing as a free lunch (TANSTAAFL).

The vendor expects value for their investment.  Your road test was selected because it promised that value.  You are obligated to provide the vendor with a return on their investment.

This practice is routine throughout most industries.

So apply for either Road Tests or Design Challenges that you find fun to do and share the experience.  Help is always available to those who ask and there are a lot of us out in the community that greatly appreciate your efforts.

DAB

Good clarification Mark.

Yes, there are different requirements and expectations on Road Tests and Design Challenges.

In many ways, both categories are similar, but different.

Road test can be thought of as a way to independently verify that a device works as advertised and an opportunity to show how a device can be used in making applications.

Road test reports provide the vendors with information about how well the device/documentation works and provides them with information about a wider range of applications beyond their initial design set.

Design Challenges is more focused upon demonstrating how specific devices can be combined into a useful application.

Again, the vendors are looking for unexpected issues that they may have to address and they are also looking at the application possibilities beyond their intent.

As other people have identified, frequent blogging about you experience helps both the vendor and the Element 14 community better understand the device in question.

While you do not HAVE to blog weekly on a road test, it helps the community if you relate specific issues about the device early and often.  In most cases, you can tap into a huge amount of experience in the technology, which can help you quickly resolve issues and suggestions on how you can create even more value to the community with your testing.

Yes, the vendor's are asking you for your time and creativity.  That is why they are providing the devices free.  However, There ain't no such thing as a free lunch (TANSTAAFL).

The vendor expects value for their investment.  Your road test was selected because it promised that value.  You are obligated to provide the vendor with a return on their investment.

This practice is routine throughout most industries.

So apply for either Road Tests or Design Challenges that you find fun to do and share the experience.  Help is always available to those who ask and there are a lot of us out in the community that greatly appreciate your efforts.

DAB