While it's true that this is just a beta, it really seems there isn't much trust of WoTC flying around the forum. So it's understandable that people are pretty reactionary. Most people seem to expect them to compromise in some way. To create an inferior product under the assumption that it benefits them. And it's true that if they really had it together they would have launched this alongside 5th edition and each physical book would come with a product code to unlock the digital equivalent. Just how most vinyl records do it. So we'll see.... let's all remain cautiously optimistic.
Being able to beta test practically is what is needed. I do not know what "official beta tester" type program you have but I'd expect one where there is full content. Otherwise it just appears as if you are trying to crowd source your alpha testing. I want this to work but the community has been let down a lot with WotC digital content. Replies that simply state we aren't here to test the site with our campaign simply suggest that the resource will not be useful for campaigns but only for an out of game resource. I hope this is not the intent.
It's what, day 4 of the open Beta? Cut the devs some slack. They have said from the get go that there is multiple phases, with stuff being added. It's much easier to tweak stuff as they go rather than having people see a finished product then needing to rebuild from scratch.
They've also said that it will be for at the table usage, and yes, additional modules/books will be available. They are never going to give away content that usually costs for free in a Beta program, and I don't know where anyone would get the idea that they would.
It also makes sense that any content that is available free would only be what you can get free from WOTC. Why would WOTC allow you to access everything through here when to get that information you would normally have to purchase books. If you could get everything free from Beyond, it really cuts down on the books that Wizards will sell. I would think full content should and will be behind a Pay wall. Whatever they determine I am happy with what is available so far and will be spending money when it gets to that point.
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"It has been my policy to view the internet not as an "Information Highway", but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." -Mike Royco
To say we are only here to test the site for bugs and missing information in beta and not to test the site with our campaigns is not exactly the point of this exercise. You don't want your beta testers only testing your content for one aspect of its intended use. You have them crawl all over it from every aspect so you can correct, tweak or discuss the changes that the end users would like to see in order to make the digital tool as proficient and efficient as possible. DDB is intended to be used as a supplement to your campaign as well as a vast resource of knowledge for DM and Player alike. Test everything and make sure it works as intended...
Otherwise it just appears as if you are trying to crowd source your alpha testing.
Remember the 5e "open beta?" That's what it was; core mechanics were still being hammered out, it wasn't until very late in the "beta" that it began to resemble the final product. I don't think WotC really knows what a beta test is.
To be fair to Wizards, though, if they released the three core books on this site for free, their book sales would plummet. Their book sales are their primary revenue source, so that's simply out of the question. Now, pricing access to the digital toolset is a real quandary for them since they have to both protect their primary revenue source (physical books), while encouraging widespread adoption of the digital tools. They're stuck between a rock and a hard place unless they want to change their business model.
The DDB beta will have three major phases to focus testing on specific features on the road to launch.
They've made it clear that this is not a full-service beta, but only for specific features. If the criticism is on the decision not to give you or others full access, then it is unwarranted, as it is purely their decision to make. In one breath you speak of it being hard to know what is going on behind their curtain, and in the next, state that full content needs to be beta tested. If you know not of what is currently going on, then how have you deducted what is now in need of being completed?
As this has been cited as a beta of specific features, it would be counterproductive for people to sign up expecting to utilize a full software suite. The "attacking" done, which I haven't yet yet observed, would be pointing out the above alone.
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While it's true that this is just a beta, it really seems there isn't much trust of WoTC flying around the forum. So it's understandable that people are pretty reactionary. Most people seem to expect them to compromise in some way. To create an inferior product under the assumption that it benefits them. And it's true that if they really had it together they would have launched this alongside 5th edition and each physical book would come with a product code to unlock the digital equivalent. Just how most vinyl records do it. So we'll see.... let's all remain cautiously optimistic.
Just for info, pricing talk can be found in this thread.
http://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/general-discussion/825-mega-thread-user-thoughts-subscriptions-costs-and
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It makes a lot of sense to me that the beta is just the SRD. Don't want to overcrowd the beta
It also makes sense that any content that is available free would only be what you can get free from WOTC. Why would WOTC allow you to access everything through here when to get that information you would normally have to purchase books. If you could get everything free from Beyond, it really cuts down on the books that Wizards will sell. I would think full content should and will be behind a Pay wall. Whatever they determine I am happy with what is available so far and will be spending money when it gets to that point.
"It has been my policy to view the internet not as an "Information Highway", but as an electronic asylum filled with babbling loonies." -Mike Royco
To say we are only here to test the site for bugs and missing information in beta and not to test the site with our campaigns is not exactly the point of this exercise. You don't want your beta testers only testing your content for one aspect of its intended use. You have them crawl all over it from every aspect so you can correct, tweak or discuss the changes that the end users would like to see in order to make the digital tool as proficient and efficient as possible. DDB is intended to be used as a supplement to your campaign as well as a vast resource of knowledge for DM and Player alike. Test everything and make sure it works as intended...
And there is still another 2 phases of the Beta - hang on guys, more is coming.
Site Rules & Guidelines || How to Tooltip || Contact Support || Changelog || Pricing FAQ || Homebrew FAQ
If you have questions/concerns, please Private Message me or another moderator.
Wary the wizard who focuses on homebrew, for he can create nightmares that you wouldn't even dream of
.
They've made it clear that this is not a full-service beta, but only for specific features. If the criticism is on the decision not to give you or others full access, then it is unwarranted, as it is purely their decision to make. In one breath you speak of it being hard to know what is going on behind their curtain, and in the next, state that full content needs to be beta tested. If you know not of what is currently going on, then how have you deducted what is now in need of being completed?
As this has been cited as a beta of specific features, it would be counterproductive for people to sign up expecting to utilize a full software suite. The "attacking" done, which I haven't yet yet observed, would be pointing out the above alone.