[tdf-discuss] the best bug-hunt invitation ever

Hello all --

I've been a computer and application "power user" since 1985 (and 
dedicated word-processor operator [Philips Micom] prior to that), and  
moved into tech consulting and applications design (4G database stuff) 
in 1993 through 2008 ... yet in the past I have always been very 
frustrated in my attempts to participate in improving open-source 
products. At times I've even been treated quite rudely because I am not 
a programmer and am not familiar with programmers' tools. As someone 
with 15 years of experience "in the trenches" working with users and 
programming teams both -- because my role as analyst & designer was to 
merge that divide -- I have always wanted to help out with QA. I walk in 
both worlds, though I'm an expert in neither I am a great translator. 
Users's struggle --> user story --> nicely done ticket --> dedicated 
follow-up until it's resolved.

A few years ago I tried to do so with OOo. The only format for 
participating on tests was to utilize an extremely intimidating, 
unfriendly web-based app for reporting problems. Instructions were 
nonextistent or completely fragmented across various wikis, in-app help 
pages, mailing list archives, you name it. When I signed up on the dev 
mailing list thinking these would be the people to explain to me what it 
is they need and how to work with their tools, I got only the most 
unhelpful and brusque answers (if any). Not one person was able, 
apparently, to recognize the value of having end-users and non-coding 
tech consultants pitch in with QA. Not one person was willing to answer 
my questions in plain language. Having nowhere to turn, I gave up.

I feel compelled to write to this list to say what a *wonderful* 
invitation I just received to help test LibreOffice 3.5. The email is 
warm, inviting, makes me want to help, has links to the download page, 
there are links to the wiki, there is an extremely well-done page of new 
features to try. OMG! there will be /mentors/!!!, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL 
DIFFERENCE.

Thank you to Italo for the great email and to every single person who 
was involved in planning and preparing for this bug hunt. Thanks in 
advance to the mentors. Thanks to all the programmers. This is 
wonderful. As someone who has led small projects but MANY small 
projects, I have a great feeling about LibreOffice!!

I've installed 3.5 and rather than dreading filing reports and working 
with whomever is on "the other side of the equation" I am seriously 
looking forward to this.

kazar
--
ilyse kazar
ade.pt and unlikelyvoters.com

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