Road Test Fears

When a road test competition is announced for an item that you might find useful what goes through your mind?

Top Comments

dwinhold over 8 years ago +6

I apply for a roadtest when I can be challenged but also give an informative review. I never look at the value because it shouldn't matter, if I am interested in the product, I apply. I also make sure…
Jan Cumps over 8 years ago +6

I apply for those where I think I can make a fair judgement. They have to be in my interest or curiosity range or - preferably - something I can learn from.
michaelwylie over 8 years ago +5

Taxes. I used to be quite involved in RoadTest, but something changed on E14 with the tax situation and I haven't been a very active member of that group since.

Parents

mcb1 over 8 years ago

Generally I only apply for RoadTests that I can provide information that might be of benefit to someone else.
Sometimes I have a good use that might be slightly different from the normal.

It would be nice to treat them as a learning opportunity, but the reality is that 60 days is often a bit short for that, given the other tasks/workload.

Mark
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mcb1 over 8 years ago

Generally I only apply for RoadTests that I can provide information that might be of benefit to someone else.
Sometimes I have a good use that might be slightly different from the normal.

It would be nice to treat them as a learning opportunity, but the reality is that 60 days is often a bit short for that, given the other tasks/workload.

Mark
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gam3t3ch over 8 years ago in reply to mcb1

Think there should be a ability to a have a 2 part road test.... your first 60 and your first 6months
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dougw over 8 years ago in reply to gam3t3ch

There is nothing to stop you adding blog material to your road test after the 60 days are up.
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gam3t3ch over 8 years ago in reply to dougw

Just thinking incentives for people to do followups almost a mandatory thing on a road test or on anything over XXX amount of dollars.
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mcb1 over 8 years ago in reply to gam3t3ch

your first 60 and your first 6months
I'm not disagreeing with you, but Randall is already having issues with people responding to the first review.

I've done some follow-ups but it's not quite the same, and I just wonder if it will be much use after 6 months.
Some of the test equipment would certainly be worthy of a follow-up after a period of use.

Mark
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BigG over 8 years ago in reply to mcb1

I would have similar sentiments. I would typically have an idea first about how I could develop something using this new untested technology and then take a view that I am documenting the learning experience for the benefit of others, as everyone has to go through this process when trying out any new technology. Then as you begin the roadtest process, it is a bit like any assignment with a deadline. You weigh up your idea against degree of effort and own abilities (or more likely your own familiarities), and adapt accordingly to hopefully provide a useful report for others to read and learn from.
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BigG over 8 years ago in reply to mcb1

I am sure others have been there before where someone in your organisation / business wants an idea implemented and you know what kit could be used but you and the team have limited experience implementing as not familiar with all or parts of the kit and the development platform. You are then put on the spot when pushed to give an assessment on when you would have something ready to demo to others. Either the kit fails or you as a team fail... or you get it right on the night.

So, I think the 60 days is fine as this gives a good indication as to how far you can get versus expectation.
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anupash.1002 over 7 years ago in reply to dougw

great idea.. why stop only because the time got up
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