The New Members Blog Series is a collection of blogs for new members to help them better understand the element14 roadtest program.
If you are a new member, you may not be familiar with our badge system.
Badges are an internal way for element14 to recognize a member's achievement or expertise.
You can find out what badges you have earned by going to your profile and then clicking "Achievements" in your profile's menu bar. You will see a list of your badges.
You can also find out if you have earned the Reliable RoadTester Badge by clicking here.
What is the Reliable RoadTester Badge?
If you have completed 5 roadtest reviews, the system will automatically award you the badge. (If you think you earned the badge and don't see it, contact me and I'll check on it for you.)
How is the Reliable RoadTester Badge used in the RoadTest Program?
Part of the pre-screening process is for me to check if an applicant has earned the badge. While it isn't a primary means of choosing a roadtester, it can add weight to an applicant choice or can be used as a tie breaker.
If you are a new member and have not been picked as a roadtester, does that put new members at a disadvantage?
Yes and No. I always look for new roadtesters. For many products I try to set aside a new member to be a roadtester. This usually happens for single board computers, maker products, and products I would classify as general technology. For sophisticated, specialized or challenging products, the Reliable Roadtester Badge usually does not come into play because the sponsor and I are looking for roadtesters with special skills.
What's a good strategy for getting the Reliable Roadtester badge?
You just need 3 completed reviews. This includes any reviews you have completed since you were first a member. So, it is worth your time to apply for roadtests that are easy for you. Apply to as many as you like. Once you complete the reviews, you will earn the badge, which is helpful to have.
Randall Scasny
RoadTest Program Manager