I'm willing to help, especially if you need someone to check/reproduce bugs that may be specific to the Mac version. (Though these should be rare since we're running in the Transgaming emulator.) I would note that the Mac version's built-in error reporting for crashes in the launcher is extremely buggy itself, and hangs without reporting back far more often than not, so I'm not sure what kind of reports you're getting back from this side of the aisle.
Experience notes: 30 years (now retired) as a systems programmer, systems architect, and network researcher. Many years of experience tracking down subtle timing bugs and emergent behaviors in complex multi-node experimental systems (see also "Internet"). I don't currently report bugs frequently on STO, mostly because I try to limit them to ones I think are repeatable, or ones where I think I understand the likely triggering conditions. Hopefully the reports I have written have been detailed enough to be useful. Because the forum reporting mechanism is so cumbersome, I usually only report bugs in-game. Better bug reporting tools would be a great help.... Client-side tools for the bug reporters might be useful as well (e.g. log traces). Some limited access to the bug tracking systems might also be helpful, to help find patterns of possibly-related bugs.
I'll be honest, I feel a little conflicted about this. On one hand, I play Star Trek Online for recreation, which means I'm in it to have fun and enjoy myself, and for the most part, I'm generally quite satisfied with my experience. To volunteer my time to actively go looking for the flaws in something I like seems counterproductive to maintaining that as a form of entertainment, or to put it another way, it seems a very "glass half empty" way to play the game...
On the other hand, there is one thing about my experience that I cannot stand: complaining. You see it on the forums everywhere. The most visible example that I can identify with personally was the retirement of risian pearl currency immediately prior to the announcement that reward ships were moving to account wide unlocks--pages upon pages of negative feedback, but very few reasoned arguments or constructive ideas. Look, I know the game's not perfect, but I also know there are real people sitting at a screen just 2 hours drive from where I sit who are constantly working to make that better, so why wouldn't help where and when I can? If I know the best avenue to use to submit feedback so that it doesn't get lost in the storm, I'll pledge that when I have something that needs to be said that it's directed to the right spot, and I'll do my best to keep it constructive.
I'm ready to take up the cause. I manage mobile & both multi-tier and Cloud architecture development... with healthy amounts of manual and automated testing/CI as part of our TSLC process. I'm also an ardent supporter of STO on the Mac platform (and have been since the beginning), hoping to offer any perspective on any issues arising with Cider. I hate the whining as well since I know the balance that constantly has to be struck between development and QA... all without impacting the business customer's deployment schedule.
Oh... and as pedantic as they seem to some, I'm also an absolute fanatic for fixing grammar and spelling errors.
Also, take this nugget of thought for people whom believe that it is unscrupulous for asking for volunteers to do this.. If there was proffered payment, people would be doing this just to get paid and not to help.. Asking for volunteers in an unpaid setting means that you get people whom are genuinely wanting to help, regardless of receipt of payment for their work.. Most of my Closed Alpha/Beta work games has gone unpaid, apart from a few random perks.. And although these volunteer positions are unpaid, that does not mean that they will go unpaid for their work. Think about this, Tribble is the beta test shard for STO, and playing on it guarantees nothing, you don't get paid for playing on tribble, however, campaigns do arise that cause payment in form of Tribbles (As if we didn't already have enough.. *buys another 50 tribbles to "play" with her Cannibal Tribbles* )... And many of these tribbles give unique bonuses like the Mark Tribbles which grant free Reputation Marks every 60 minutes..
I think you should look for people with different areas of expertise:
(a) space PvP
(b) ground PvP
(c) space PvE
(d) ground PvE
(e) doffing
(f) the tailor and outfits
(g) the Foundry
(h) math
(i) English
(j) mathematical English
The last three require further clarification.
(h) If you would just tell us how the mechanics are supposed to work, then we could actually check your math. Sometimes, it's difficult to tell whether there actually is a bug or whether the math is just horribly convoluted.
(i) You need someone to proofread your work. There are far too many typos in this game. I don't know why you don't use a spell-checker; that would catch the numerous spelling errors. After the text is spell-checked, pass it to proofreaders to find the more complicated grammatical errors.
(j) Many of your tooltips are horribly written. They violate the basic conventions of mathematical English. Note that mathematical English is a different skill from both math and English. The skill can only be acquired by spending a lot of time writing mathematics, not just solving math problems. It's not a skill commonly taught at the undergraduate level, even in the sciences and engineering. It's really only required of math majors, though other people may pick it up, depending on the focus of their studies.
I'm in, in fact, I have a few bugs to point out already! I'm hoping I can do more to make gameplay better for other players. That's all I'm in for... To make the game better for others who get the same joy out of playing it as I do.
sounds like fun, I spend roughly 1-2hours on tribble to test stuff and see where and how different skills/items/ or powers, work and if they work the way they are stated or if they don't.
(STO)
Matriarch of Banished Orion Girls. Neela D'tan @captaintpol (with many alts)
May we sail and have fun always and forever. LLAP
(PC version NW)
Arwen@captaintpol TR - Tully's of RiverRun
Mai Kelly DC-Tully's of RiverRun
Neela BumKisses HR-
Arya Stark GF-
Sansa Stark CW- Team Fencebane
Crystal Marie OP-
(xbox version NW)
Arwen@Admiral Jazdia TR- Team Fenebane
Mai Kelly DC- " "
Ahsoka Tano CW- " "
Neela BumKisser HR- " "
If this would actually help get bugs fixed I would probably enjoy the heck out of it, I spend years on the star wars galaxies test servers so that might have jaded me a little... But yeah bugs? like the tholian ground beam attacks counting as a melee or innate attack since it doesn't trigger the "plasma feedback cascade" kit module even if they "fire" it in their EV suits despite being a beam of energy?
But yeah If I could join bug hunting that would be fun
ktamradio If you are looking for some nice music while playing clicky clicky click!
I'm intrigued by the idea of a volunteer team to help with reproducing bugs, however I'm not sure how much time I'll have I would be able to dedicate to such an endeavor. I already do technical support and some QA/testing for a software company, so free time is always a bit iffy for me.
I have done Beta testing and bug reporting in the past for many projects both Professionally at work and online communities like Linux OS's in the past, but i am currently not involved in any beta testing or other communities....
This is awesome to see so many people wanting to jump up and dedicate some time to help squash some annoying bugs! :Smile:
Yes, I'm that Askray@Batbayer in game. Yes, I still play. No, I don't care. Former Community Moderator, Former SSR DJ, Now Full time father to two kids, Husband, Retail Worker. Tiktok: @Askray Facebook: Askray113
hey ill join up, hehe maybe ill even get to become one with the bugs. (my main is a trill). but in all seriousness ive seen a lot of bugs, I cant tell you how many times ive fallen thru ESD. I might need to court-martial my transporter chief.
"The rains have ceased and we are graced with another beautiful day. but you are not here to see it."
I'd certainly be interested in joining, I'm experienced in PC hardware and OS's, my personal favorite is tweaking with things like software overclocking on dual CPU workstations (As their BIOSes never allow BIOS based overclocking for obvious reasons). I have a rough understanding on how the game engine works but most of all,
I hate bugs!
So, sign me up
Admiral Tuwud - High Commissioner, UFP Peace Corps Sigma Red
I'm quite interested in partaking in this program. I love to contribute to making things better for everyone and on many occasions my bug reports take a while to type up because of the content I include.
Hello @pwlaughingtrendy I am interested in applying and volunteering my time. I have plenty of it to dedicate to this task. If test cases/scripts could be made that would assist greatly too. #BugBashers Let me know when your ready.
I would like to assist. I've spent a great deal of time and money on the game and love Star Trek. I have a tech background and would enjoy putting some of my free time towards this effort.
AKA @contactpsi. Foundry Author of: "No Prize for Second Contact", "Welcome to the Milky Way", and "The Tyranny of Hope".
Comments
Experience notes: 30 years (now retired) as a systems programmer, systems architect, and network researcher. Many years of experience tracking down subtle timing bugs and emergent behaviors in complex multi-node experimental systems (see also "Internet"). I don't currently report bugs frequently on STO, mostly because I try to limit them to ones I think are repeatable, or ones where I think I understand the likely triggering conditions. Hopefully the reports I have written have been detailed enough to be useful. Because the forum reporting mechanism is so cumbersome, I usually only report bugs in-game. Better bug reporting tools would be a great help.... Client-side tools for the bug reporters might be useful as well (e.g. log traces). Some limited access to the bug tracking systems might also be helpful, to help find patterns of possibly-related bugs.
On the other hand, there is one thing about my experience that I cannot stand: complaining. You see it on the forums everywhere. The most visible example that I can identify with personally was the retirement of risian pearl currency immediately prior to the announcement that reward ships were moving to account wide unlocks--pages upon pages of negative feedback, but very few reasoned arguments or constructive ideas. Look, I know the game's not perfect, but I also know there are real people sitting at a screen just 2 hours drive from where I sit who are constantly working to make that better, so why wouldn't help where and when I can? If I know the best avenue to use to submit feedback so that it doesn't get lost in the storm, I'll pledge that when I have something that needs to be said that it's directed to the right spot, and I'll do my best to keep it constructive.
I don't think it could have been more obvious .... at least with this crowd.
Oh... and as pedantic as they seem to some, I'm also an absolute fanatic for fixing grammar and spelling errors.
I am willing to make a new character or replay all the missions in search of different bugs
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
I nominate you as Project Manager.
Fleet Defiant Kinetic Heavy Fire Support | Fleet Manticore Kinetic Strike Ship | Tactical Command Kinetic Siege Refit | Fleet Defiant Quantum Phase Escort | Fleet Valiant Kinetic Heavy Fire Support
Turning the Galaxy-X into a Torpedo Dreadnought & torpedo tutorial, with written torpedo guide.
"A good weapon and a great strategy will win you many battles." - Marshall
I knew using Kinetics would be playing the game on hard mode, but what I didn't realize was how bad the deck is stacked against Kinetics.
#BugBashers
*Stares in amazement at all the volunteers flooding in to do a paid job for free.*
*Then laughs her TRIBBLE off and leaves the thread.*
Matriarch of Banished Orion Girls. Neela D'tan
@captaintpol (with many alts)
May we sail and have fun always and forever. LLAP
(PC version NW)
Arwen@captaintpol TR - Tully's of RiverRun
Mai Kelly DC-Tully's of RiverRun
Neela BumKisses HR-
Arya Stark GF-
Sansa Stark CW- Team Fencebane
Crystal Marie OP-
(xbox version NW)
Arwen@Admiral Jazdia TR- Team Fenebane
Mai Kelly DC- " "
Ahsoka Tano CW- " "
Neela BumKisser HR- " "
But yeah If I could join bug hunting that would be fun
Can I please join the Bug Hunting team?
I have done Beta testing and bug reporting in the past for many projects both Professionally at work and online communities like Linux OS's in the past, but i am currently not involved in any beta testing or other communities....
I also run a new YouTube channel about STO
youtube.com/c/TimofBorgStarTrekOnlineShowzone
https://www.facebook.com/TimsStarTrekOnlineShow
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+TimofBorgStarTrekOnlineShowzone/posts
https://twitter.com/TimOfBorgShow
STO Account Name = timbob1980
timmobobddssd
https://www.facebook.com/TimsStarTrekOnlineShow
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+TimofBorgStarTrekOnlineShowzone/posts
https://twitter.com/TimOfBorgShow
timmobobddssd
Former Community Moderator, Former SSR DJ, Now Full time father to two kids, Husband, Retail Worker.
Tiktok: @Askray Facebook: Askray113
I hate bugs!
So, sign me up
its nice to see the devs looking to the players for help