The beta release is going good with about 15 downloads so far.
I had expected to more or less know people downloading the beta: from forums (e.g. JoS), from a comment here, the mailing list, fellow ISVers etc. The interesting fact is that about half the downloads were from people I have no recollection of. This has of course made me quite happy and all the more anxious about it!
Feedback has been minimal so far, which is to be expected I guess as it’s only been 12 hours since the beta started. So if you’re interested in Magna CRM do sign-up for the beta and certainly send feedback.
On the feedback front I have a suggestion. I don’t know if you remember, but in the HelpSpot beta I had a feedback box on every page of HelpSpot. It was red and called out the fact that you’re using a beta product and your feedback is requested. This worked really well and it might be something you want to try. Currently there’s no clear way to give feedback or to be reminded that feedback is needed.
You may also want to start using the forums as well. I found that there was a big mix of people. Some liked giving feedback in email, but others wanted to use the forums. I don’t think it’s totally necessary but might help you capture a few more feedback items.
Comment by Ian Landsman — January 10, 2006 @ 16:42
You couldn’t be more right about the feedback box. I added that at once, so new beta downloads will have it.
I dislike empty company forums (who doesn’t). Since I have no idea how many users are needed to keep a forum busy (as in not empty), I decided not to offer one. On the other hand I understand HelpSpot forums are designed to look good even with low volume so maybe I am missing out.
Comment by Dimitris Giannitsaros — January 10, 2006 @ 17:40