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Procedure for beta testing non opensource apps?

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May 2, 2007 - 5:10pm
#1
thornsoft
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Procedure for beta testing non opensource apps?

Hypothetically speaking, if someone were to develop a commercial or shareware app, and developed it so that it would install and run on the PortableApps platform, how would he go about getting it tested?
I understand that he cannot mention the product in this forum, nor can he provide links, nor can he invite people to contact him on back channels for information on how/where to download the app to be tested.

The forum guidelines state that "ANY developers may post beta testing notices here whether their apps are hosted by PortableApps.com"
It also states that links and promotional materials should not be posted here for the purposes of driving traffic to their own site.

I thought I did a pretty good job of providing link info in a non-promotional manner, but people here thought otherwise. Fair enough.
But how does one go about posting the beta notices here, without running afoul of strict interpretations of the self-promotion clause?

Examples please, or else re-write the forum guidelines so that it's clear that only open-source apps are welcome here.

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May 2, 2007 - 5:15pm
John T. Haller
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Open Source Only At The Moment

The guidelines are written for open source apps only as is pretty clearly stated. And the Beta Testing forum was intended only for such apps. This site is actually 100% open source at the moment but on the verge of opening up to other freeware and commercial apps without diluting the open source side. (The platform, suite, tools, etc will all remain 100% open source, of course)

Like I'd said, this isn't quite ready yet, but when it is, you'll be able to publicly post your app in the beta forums and let people test it.

The forum guidelines will be updated when this happens with new guidelines for freeware/commercial providers.

Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!

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May 2, 2007 - 5:20pm
(Reply to #2)
thornsoft
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I just re-read..

I just re-read the forum guidelines. It isn't that long, so I don't think I missed anything.

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May 2, 2007 - 5:26pm
(Reply to #3)
John T. Haller
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I think I see your issue

The "Beta Forum Guidelines" was just a quick blurb about what the forum was for. The forum guidelines for all forums (including the beta forum) are located here: Forum Guidelines. They're also linked right at the top of the page with a nice bold red link as you compose a new post, so they're pretty hard to miss.

Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!

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May 2, 2007 - 5:30pm
(Reply to #4)
wsm23
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LOL

Reminds me of the bar. When someone tries to get around the bouncer with a fake id that they paid good money for and the bouncer won't let them in.

2 Suggestions.

1. John,
Could thornsoft have a link in his signature to a blog or web site that also happens to have info about his new software? As long as the focus of the site is not just this software?

2. thornsoft,
Open up the source. You can create your own commercial software later after you have worked out the bugs on some smaller stuff.

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May 2, 2007 - 5:37pm
(Reply to #5)
thornsoft
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Sorry LOL

#1 is not necessary, and #2 is not acceptable.
My app, which I dare not name again, is an established product of over 16 years, and is my full-time occupation. Unless I hit the PowerBall lottery, it will not go open source. And I don't even play PowerBall.

But yes, it does seem like a bar. And when I walked in, everyone stopped talking, even the jukebox. I guess folks like me aren't very welcome 'round here....

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May 2, 2007 - 5:46pm
(Reply to #6)
Deuce
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That I believe is untrue..

Developers like you are needed around here for the experience you can bring. The 16 years of experience that you have, even though in a non-open-source way, is still alot for someone who is trying to learn now.

You can help those starting programmers here to learn how to write their code cleanly, effectively and in a organized way. Work with them to debug programs, give feedback, etc.

Please do not take this problem personally as an attack on you, It is just the rules here. Rules must be upheld, or the forums would crumble. John is trying to work with you on getting your app here, when the time is right.

So, please stay and work with the beginners and help them to get where you are today. Your experience is needed.

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Deuce {The Core}{Dev Blog}
Portable Software: Just the beginning.

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May 3, 2007 - 6:54am
(Reply to #7)
Zach Thibeau
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Yeah

Yeah I am going to have to agree with Deuce with this one I mean I've started working with C, C++.
And I am barely getting by the only thing I accomplished was editing and recompiling Visual Boy Advance so that it no longer creates an empty key on startup.
My goal is to create a next gen launcher written in C or C++ but my basic thing I am worrying is to get the registry key saved to a directory from the app that the launcher launched and to restore the key for the app to use.
I mean in the short while I've been programming in C,C++ I would need someone with experience to help me out.
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Finally after 2 years I am going for my Learners permit so I can drive...Look out world here I come

your friendly neighbourhood moderator Zach Thibeau

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