RoadTest Reflection – My Scoreboard, My Application & Uncensored Thoughts

RE: RoadTest Reflection – My Scoreboard, My Application & Uncensored Thoughts

dwinhold — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 12:08:44 GMT

All I can say about what you wrote is wow!! Members like you, more then deserve to participate in these road tests. I’ve been a member for a few years now and haven’t applied for road tests I know I would fail at. I honestly feel that they should be left for others that can produce results that the sponsor expects. Sure I would love to test a $4000 oscilloscope, but I don’t know enough to give the results that is expected. I only apply for road tests that I am experienced in. I don’t look at the value, I look at the item. I get excited to be chosen to participate no matter what it is.
I am a cabinetmaker/luthier by trade and a programmer/computer tech as a side job. With my health issues I struggle with both most days. I learned most of my electronics knowledge from self learning and Element14. The Element14 community has been incredible and I feel that they have taught me the most.
Long story short, you guys deserve to road test the high ticket items and no one should complain.

Just my opinion,

Dale

RE: RoadTest Reflection – My Scoreboard, My Application & Uncensored Thoughts

three-phase — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 22:21:19 GMT

A very interesting insight [mention:ef601b47037147bfb9b0b4a3ab63026a:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05], thanks for posting. You certainly show a high level of dedication to everything you do on element14 and that has brought you your success, and in my opinion, is richly deserved.

Unlike yourself, I am very very picky in what I apply for, probably as my expertise is very niche and isn't as rounded as the majority on here. Interesting that you applied for seven RoadTests that I also applied for, the current tally is four wins for you and three to me. Overall, I have won five out of the ten RoadTests I have applied for, I have also deleted two applications and not submitted them.

I can get an understanding of why I came out on top for the Hioki Battery Tester, but has got me wondering about the MDO34 and DAQ970A, as you point out in your blog, you never really know what the sponsor is after for a particular RoadTest, so you just have to put in your best application and wait.

I think that a good part of the success appears to be based around the actual test procedure, being articulate in this section is critical for winning. My approach is somewhat different to yours, but both methods get the message across.
Of late I think that participation in the element14 community in general is also taken into consideration. The really successful RoadTest applicants regularly show that, and the actual RoadTests are a relatively small aspect of their overall involvement.

As long as you keep enjoying them and getting what you want out of them, then good luck with all of your future applications.

Kind regards.

RE: RoadTest Reflection – My Scoreboard, My Application & Uncensored Thoughts

kmikemoo — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 03:43:05 GMT

[mention:ef601b47037147bfb9b0b4a3ab63026a:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05] Yup. Another "thank you". [View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-cef0d4d1-aa91-46dc-bfcf-09f1f7f4db70/contentimage_5F00_938.png:16:16] I appreciate that you shared an application. It's good to know that it doesn't have to be pages long. It just needs to be genuine and show involvement/engagement - and have a plan.

I must say, your "wall of text" comment made me laugh out loud. Gough = detail. It's what we expect and respect about you. [View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-cef0d4d1-aa91-46dc-bfcf-09f1f7f4db70/contentimage_5F00_11380.png:16:16][View:/resized-image/__size/16x16/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-cef0d4d1-aa91-46dc-bfcf-09f1f7f4db70/contentimage_5F00_11380.png:16:16]

I hope that everyone that "wonders" about the Roadtest program takes the time to read through this. [mention:55e535b498a841ed8f2949266bc56dc3:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05] blogs on the Roadtest program are also excellent.

Again, thank you for sharing - and for caring enough about the program to go the extra mile. This is clearly from your heart.

RE: RoadTest Reflection – My Scoreboard, My Application & Uncensored Thoughts

DAB — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 18:52:52 GMT

Nice summary.

You have always produced high quality road test reports.

I consider you a crowd favorite and always look forward to you reports.

DAB

RE: RoadTest Reflection – My Scoreboard, My Application & Uncensored Thoughts

colporteur — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 17:45:28 GMT

Thank you for the share LG. It is very comprehensive and reflects the effort and no doubt the importance you place on it. I have only been involved a short time in the E14 Community but have come to appreciate the value of such a RoadTest program. Your commentary mirrors some of my sentiments regarding the program.

RoadTests are a competition. There will be winners and losers. I believe success in any form comes with a negative. Emotional baggage designed to drags us down or knock us off our pedestal. If effort contributes to success, why when we achieve success is the suggested that it was not earned even mentioned.

I feel the E14 Community for the most, is respectful of other and trust it would come to your to your defence when necessary. I have seen some of your work and read your comments. I see them provided given without malice. I myself know I would speak out if I perceive a wrong against you.

I take great pride in my RoadTest successes. I hope you will also. I have referenced some of your work and the feedback you have provided on my posts. That to me is a reflection on success.

RE: RoadTest Reflection – My Scoreboard, My Application & Uncensored Thoughts

Andrew J — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 13:29:10 GMT

Excellent post Gough, I think I’d agree with your thoughts and sentiments. I much prefer the that are detailed beyond ‘proving’ what the datasheet says - that’s where the devil lies. That obviously works better for more complex devices. The reviews that you have provided both on Element 14 and your own website definitely fall into that category - I’ve even purchased a product based on one of your reviews!

I Think Randall does look for a range of experience given the chance so success in the application isn’t just about experience, it must be about authenticity and honesty. If I was doing the selection, effort put into an application would form part of the criteria, not just what was said.

I Would add, perhaps contrary to your view, that the roadtest programme is such a great opportunity and privilege that sometimes you should apply to review products that you may not have interest in but have such experience you can do great justice to the programme. It must help Randall keep the programme going and sponsors engaged. This is not that necessary for items that get a lot of applications but maybe for those that don’t and which you mentioned get extended.

i’ve not been a member for a long time so I don’t have a history of many applications. Those applications I have made have been as detailed as yours though; my ‘score’ is 3 applications, 2 successes.

RE: RoadTest Reflection – My Scoreboard, My Application & Uncensored Thoughts

dougw — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 06:20:01 GMT

Interesting stats and useful pointers.

For comparison:

I have applied for 27 road tests over the 8 years between 2013 and 2020.

On the first 15 applications, I was successful 1/3 of the time.

On the last 12 applications I was 100% successful.

For me there was a definite improvement between the first 4 years and the last 4 years as I learned what worked and what didn't. I could put together some pointers if members are interested.