What does it take to become a "tester"...

[Golfspy_CG2 24,160]

45 minutes ago, necostanzo said:

 

Bottom line, I'm a golf nut. 

That right there show you definitely belong here!

I can relate to the rest of your post so much.  I work as the Tournament Director at a golf course.  I'm probably the worst player that works here, yet I am the first one even the Head Pro comes to for equipment questions.   They know about my role here and that I test and buy more equipment than they will ever think of carrying in the pro shop.

You've gotten some great feedback from our members, as I knew you would.

I'll just add one thing that I like to make 100% clear to everyone.  "Being Active" is not what most people think.  There are members on here that have have well over 500 posts maybe close to 1,000 that will never get chosen to test.  You know why, because I can't tell you one substantive thing they have posted.   

Yet we have chosen many many testers with counts of 200 or less even 100 or less believe it or not, as they made the posts count.  We as a Staff know everyone has different time responsibilities.    So being active doesn't mean posting 30 times a day.   You could easily post 5 to 6 times a week and still be considered active if those posts were generating good questions or comments.   We do take the time as a staff to read and notice what people are writing.    

Thanks for chiming in and keep up what you have started, and I'm sure 2021 will be full of great testing opportunities.  

PS. Thank you and your airline for being the leader in passenger safety with the middle seat policy.  It has been the airline of my choice for the past couple years and will remain so, once I start flying again. 

[cksurfdude 7,525]

2 hours ago, necostanzo said:

... provide my expertise to our local Srixon/Cleveland rep by being a certified fitter. I'm considered by my golfing friends as the most knowledgeable and understanding of the golf swing and they are always asking me to fit them in their next set of clubs. I'm particularly focused on driver shafts and am considered a "shaft hoe" having played most aftermarket Fujikura and graphite design shafts. I follow Russ Ryden at golf shaft reviews and enjoy the technical aspects of his reviews. 

(..etc.)

Dude .. you're over-qualified  (..joking..joking..)

But I'll be looking for info from you on golf shafts!

[Berg Ryman 3,346]

A few thoughts from me, even though they don't really mean as much as what's been said here by the moderating group, but this is just my perspective as someone who has been lucky enough to test the past few years.

1) Specifically for my guy @necostanzo, I'm so happy you came at this thread from a point of understanding and reasoning rather than jealousy and rage. I cannot tell you how many posts we've seen here from people who are just mad they never get picked, but you're willing to learn and understand the process, which will go a long way toward earning respect and acclaim from everyone here. Also, big ups to the forum members here for not going nuts on you for this post, showing again why this forum is the best on the internet for golf talk, because we know how this post might go on other places.

2) How to contribute on short time? Well, here are my two tips for this. First, quality over quantity. If you show your knowledge, your style, your humor, your excitement, etc... it goes a long way over just spamming the post button to get that number up. Second, be known, for a good reason. Don't be a headache for staff, don't become overly confrontational, basically don't be a total jerk and create those headaches for moderating staff because they're going to be those involved in selecting people.

3) This goes back to the post @GolfSpy MPR made in the thread, be realistic with your weather situation and time situation when applying. I know I'm never getting selected for those early tests or the winter tests requiring outdoor play, like this TSI test, because I'm in the snowbelt. I know also because of my job and age (young legal aid attorney), I can't put in the amount of rounds of others here like the retired members or those with memberships to places and courses near by can, and sometimes you just need to accept that. Sure Cobra Connect Challenge is great, and who wouldn't love to be treated like a star by Cobra and get a whole new bag, but I'm never going to get to play enough to be a major player in that space.

4) To save yourself from the heartbreak, I offer this advice. Know thyself. Find an opportunity that excites you and will convince you to get out more and want you to do your best. I've been fortunate for my opportunities that they were parts of my bag I was looking to upgrade and I think my work in those reviews really opened my eyes as to what I want and need, even if those clubs may have not been that. 

[cksurfdude 7,525]

1 hour ago, Berg Ryman said:

Find an opportunity that excites you and will convince you to get out more and want you to do your best.

Great point!

Imho, apply to test for something that you'd be considering buying for yourself.

Also not to beat it to death, but be aware that testing / analysis + reviewing / writing clearly about it all = a really big commitment in time & effort. 

All that said .. and I've mentioned it elsewhere .. but participating in a testing opportunity has actually made me a better golfer!

[Lacassem 6,875]

27 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

Great point!

Imho, apply to test for something that you'd be considering buying for yourself.

Also not to beat it to death, but be aware that testing / analysis + reviewing / writing clearly about it all = a really big commitment in time & effort. 

All that said .. and I've mentioned it elsewhere .. but participating in a testing opportunity has actually made me a better golfer!

Writing clearly was big for me. Never was good with explaining myself, something that made sense for me usually didn’t to someone else. I think the review process not i only kept me going with the clubs looking for that big stand out thing but when it came down to putting it on paper (or computer does this) it sort of came easy...why? Because it’s something I enjoy. lol @Berg Ryman said should be something you enjoy and the rest comes “easy” 

[Shankster 24,544]

PING Glide 2.0 testing brought me here.

I had been reading the blog for a few years before I realized there was a forum.  Even then, I thought, a forum?  Why?  I applied for, and was not chosen for the Glide 2.0’s, but Golf Spy Stroker was... look at him now. 
 

I became really active... in the forums, and was picked up for the i200 review which was pretty awesome.  Not that I got a free set of clubs, but I wrote a review about a set of clubs and people actually enjoyed it.  I got more out of that than the free set of clubs.

I do not use social media much, so this place is my landing spot for pretty much any topic.  You’ll find so many topics from the Random thread (it really is a bunch of random stuff, often turning into a place to get ideas for a new thread), the “got problems” thread... people actually listen to your problems... for free!!
 

This place is extremely unique, a group of people who share a common love of the best sport on the planet.  Even for the TSi thread I felt bad for applying, I had just finished a review of the Cleveland wedges, and thought about removing my name from the applications.  But as a long time active member, the Mods picked a super duper group of people to test and review the driver.  
 

Moral of the story is do not get discouraged. Join in on some of the conversations.  There will be more opportunities like this in the future, since I’ve been here they have gotten bigger, more abundant and you could say “better” but that isn’t even fair.  I think when you see the Titleist name in a testing OP you’ll get around 3500 applicants... but a quick glance on another forum offering the same test has less than 500 applicants for the same test...
 

anyways, please join the chatter on here.  We are a welcoming group here I’d say.

In no way, shape, or form am I trying to be a jerk.  Just giving you a different perspective on the testing opportunity stuff.  

[necostanzo 29]

Absolutely. I'll try to take the time to get more involved. I usually have time on layovers to contribute and I'm more than willing to share my knowledge. 

Thank you for the words of encouragement. Cheers, "Delta" Nick

[sirchunksalot 7,616]

9 minutes ago, necostanzo said:

Absolutely. I'll try to take the time to get more involved. I usually have time on layovers to contribute and I'm more than willing to share my knowledge. 

Thank you for the words of encouragement. Cheers, "Delta" Nick

It's great to have you here and I look forward to the knowledge I know you'll share. I'll echo the sentiment of some of the other members and say this is a great group of people here and the most welcoming folks on the internet. 

[HeathS16 1,335]

11 hours ago, necostanzo said:

I have to admit...I get excited every once in a while I get an email from MGS announcing "Testers wanted". Since I'm an extreme golf club tester having purchased most every single golf club year after year, I keep applying but never get selected. I just read their selection rules and have come to the conclusion that I'll never get selected. I'm not complaining, it's just the reality of their selection process. I'll give you the recent Titleist TSi driver testing selection.
6 golfers selected. Average content (posts) submitted 2464... That's an average of over 2000 posts....I don't think I've ever contributed to any online community in my history of internet surfing more than 100-200 posts...I only contribute when I have something worthwhile to say or something I think everyone will benefit. As for this post, I just want most of the people who enjoy reading and following MGS but who never posts many things to know that you're wasting your time even applying. 
There is nothing random about their selection of Testers:
#1. You must be a frequent contributor
#2. You must not be a twat
Pretty simple, but I wish they would consider making "one random" selection giving people like myself and the majority of the readers of MGS an outside chance of getting to test. They might be surprised that if they make a random selection, that tester might give the most thorough and enlightened review.
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy MGS and will continue reading and contributing. 

I know there have been some good responses to this but I thought I’d share my bit as well.

I am very much like you when it comes to posting on MGS, I post less than others and really only respond when I feel I can really contribute something. This is the way I have been since becoming a member in 2016. When I was selected for my first test it was when I had maybe 100 posts probably less but what I had done is submitted an unofficial review of a course I played while on a trip to London (The Shire London, which is an amazing course and and a Seve Design!). Soon after that unofficial review went up I was selected to test the RYX-3s, and I was still a newbie at the time.

Being an airline pilot, I’m sure you play some awesome courses all over the place! Might try posting in that part of the forum as a great way to contribute in addition to insights you might have on other topics.

Just thought I would share! Glad to have you as a part of the community and safe travels during this crazy COVID time!


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Edited October 17 by HeathS16
Adding a link to my review.

[rbsiedsc 456]

29 minutes ago, necostanzo said:

Absolutely. I'll try to take the time to get more involved. I usually have time on layovers to contribute and I'm more than willing to share my knowledge. 

Thank you for the words of encouragement. Cheers, "Delta" Nick

If you ever fly into pdx on a weekend let me know. Let’s game a round if we can. Notice appreciated of course. 

[Golfspy_CG2 24,160]

28 minutes ago, necostanzo said:

Absolutely. I'll try to take the time to get more involved. I usually have time on layovers to contribute and I'm more than willing to share my knowledge. 

Thank you for the words of encouragement. Cheers, "Delta" Nick

And i think i speak for many.  The random thread would be s great place to share the occasional story from your job. I know we would find some of the things you deal with very interesting.  Im sure it’s even more interesting and stressful these days.  
 

Perhaps even a thread titled, Where In The World Is NIck.  You could make it an ongoing diary and share any cool courses you played, or just cool stopovers!

 

if you ever layover at BWI shoot me a PM, the course i work at is a 15 minute uber ride away.  The round would be on me.   And you probably don’t know this yet.  I may have an extra set or two in my office you could use

[Tom the Golf Nut 1,457]

I'm a Delta guy. I'm flying out this Monday for a golf tournment in Kansas City. So tell your buddies to take care of my clubs! 

Now seriously... Thanks for all you do to get us to our destinations safely.

Looking forward to your posts.

[revkev 21,702]

@Nick I hope you do become more "active".  I'm around a screen a lot and have been around MGS for a long time so have lots of posts.  When I came, there were no testing opportunities.  Once they started they were often assigned rather than given an open opportunity.  I've seen lots of relative newbies get opportunities and also seen guys disappear after being selected but very few lately which stands as a testimony to the process.

The Moderators know what the OEMs are looking for.  Sometimes we think this is an ideal test for us when it's really not.  

You would make a great tester beyond a doubt - I hope you do follow through and jump in some.

 

BTW do you know a young Delta Pilot by the name of Josh M?  He is the son of a my pastoral partner in Sheboygan WI.  Very proud of that young man.  

[Buffly 313]

13 hours ago, necostanzo said:

I have to admit...I get excited every once in a while I get an email from MGS announcing "Testers wanted". Since I'm an extreme golf club tester having purchased most every single golf club year after year, I keep applying but never get selected. I just read their selection rules and have come to the conclusion that I'll never get selected. I'm not complaining, it's just the reality of their selection process. I'll give you the recent Titleist TSi driver testing selection.

6 golfers selected. Average content (posts) submitted 2464... That's an average of over 2000 posts....I don't think I've ever contributed to any online community in my history of internet surfing more than 100-200 posts...I only contribute when I have something worthwhile to say or something I think everyone will benefit. As for this post, I just want most of the people who enjoy reading and following MGS but who never posts many things to know that you're wasting your time even applying. 

There is nothing random about their selection of Testers:

#1. You must be a frequent contributor

#2. You must not be a twat

Pretty simple, but I wish they would consider making "one random" selection giving people like myself and the majority of the readers of MGS an outside chance of getting to test. They might be surprised that if they make a random selection, that tester might give the most thorough and enlightened review.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy MGS and will continue reading and contributing. 

I stopped trying to be a tester. I love participating in the forums and posting new topics now and again. That is enough for me. 

I guess one of my favorite things is playing old equipment too. That is one of my favorite things - beating my buddies with their new equipment with my old stuff. 

[Apolloshowl 2,105]

This has turned into a really good thread with a lot of great information and recommendations for anyone who is relatively knew to the community as well wanting to get more involved. 
Much of this has already been said, but for most ppl here it is the testing opportunities that bring them here and many don't give it a second thought as to how ppl are chosen and believe its more of a prize. Having been very fortunate to be a part of a few tests over the years, they are not prizes and are a ton of work (in a good way). I love doing them and honestly was never sure I would get a opportunity to, but still loved the community and being involved. 
Testing takes a lot of time and some more then others, however it makes it a lot easier to enjoy if it is a product you are excited about! This has been said on several occasions, but cannot be stressed enough. As readers we can tell when you are excited about the product and feel it in the writing. 
I think I am coming up on being here 5 years and for the first 2 or so years I was basically just applying for testing with the odd post. It wasn't until later that I started to find my place here and become more involved. Since then it's easily my most used site and have had the pleasure to meet a few members and play rounds with them. 
So in the end although testing is what brings a lot of us here, it is the community and the ppl here that are what make this place so special. Keep being you and as what was said quality over quantity and find opportunities you like and I am sure at some point in the future your name will get selected. 
And if all that fails really work hard at your fantasy golf or football game and earn a golden ticket! haha
Thanks for your post and hope we can use this thread for those who are new to see what testing is really about and how to increase the likelihood of being selected. 

[MattF 9,051]

16 hours ago, Berg Ryman said:

Second, be known, for a good reason. Don't be a headache for staff,

I'm buggered then...

[azstu324 2,580]

So many great posts on this one! It's so apparent that the MGS community is full of soul, character, and admiration for one another.

Without even knowing, you actually took a first major step in the right direction with this thread. You posted something that invoked interest. Something that inspired others to participate and follow along. You reached out to those who perhaps might have more experience and can impart their wisdom AND you were a voice for others who might have the same valid questions.

As others have mentioned, testing is an "all-in" experience. The moderators follow us all. Note our conduct, and our willingness to bring value to the forum and our fellow members. When I was picked for my first testing opp a few years back, I had maybe applied to a few testings prior but also had established a decent track record of posts and content. I don't think I even paid any attention to the testing opportunities for a good while before finding out about them. Bottom line make the forum your #1 priority and the testing opportunities will come naturally.

Lastly, you now have the roadmap to testing opportunity success within this thread. Not IF, but WHEN the time comes to be chosen for a testing opportunity, no matter what the product, give the review 110% of your effort. I've been chosen to test an entire set of irons AND a box of $30 mid-level golf balls and was equally honored and excited to be a part of both. Although I really didn't end up liking the golf balls, I put just as much effort and energy into making sure anyone reading, fully understood my perspective, and with as much detail and data that I could provide.



the more I practice, the luckier I seem to get..

[DaveP043 3,758]

20 hours ago, necostanzo said:

Absolutely. I'll try to take the time to get more involved. I usually have time on layovers to contribute and I'm more than willing to share my knowledge. 

Thank you for the words of encouragement. Cheers, "Delta" Nick

A good friend from my home club is with Delta, I think the term is "check airman".  Without giving out the full name, first name is Paul, good fella, pretty intense.  

Edited October 17 by DaveP043

[PMookie 11,201]

On 10/16/2020 at 10:39 AM, necostanzo said:

I have to admit...I get excited every once in a while I get an email from MGS announcing "Testers wanted". Since I'm an extreme golf club tester having purchased most every single golf club year after year, I keep applying but never get selected. I just read their selection rules and have come to the conclusion that I'll never get selected. I'm not complaining, it's just the reality of their selection process. I'll give you the recent Titleist TSi driver testing selection.

6 golfers selected. Average content (posts) submitted 2464... That's an average of over 2000 posts....I don't think I've ever contributed to any online community in my history of internet surfing more than 100-200 posts...I only contribute when I have something worthwhile to say or something I think everyone will benefit. As for this post, I just want most of the people who enjoy reading and following MGS but who never posts many things to know that you're wasting your time even applying. 

There is nothing random about their selection of Testers:

#1. You must be a frequent contributor

#2. You must not be a twat

Pretty simple, but I wish they would consider making "one random" selection giving people like myself and the majority of the readers of MGS an outside chance of getting to test. They might be surprised that if they make a random selection, that tester might give the most thorough and enlightened review.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy MGS and will continue reading and contributing. 

So far, this year, I’ve seen folks get picked who have had less than 100 posts... 

I have a question for you: should someone be picked who only comes here for free clubs? They’ll never participate, they’re simply here for themselves? 
 

I’ve been here for over 10 years. I too only post when I have something worthwhile to say, but I disagree with the notion that a random person should be selected to try new gear, and be trusted to fully review it in an honest and complete fashion. Over THREE THOUSAND people entered to review the TSi driver. One could apply for everything, every year, and STILL not get picked. Every single person who entered believed they deserved to be chosen.... Over 3,000 are upset. I applied. I didn’t get chosen... Those of us who have been around, have contributed with posts, and even give MGS money, don’t win! 

So, hopefully you’ll choose to be a part of the BEST golf community on the Internet, and will contribute ideas, thoughts, opinions, etc. MGS isn’t about getting free clubs, so here’s hoping you’ll experience that...

[Tarheelvolvo 510]

On 10/16/2020 at 11:39 AM, necostanzo said:

I have to admit...I get excited every once in a while I get an email from MGS announcing "Testers wanted". Since I'm an extreme golf club tester having purchased most every single golf club year after year, I keep applying but never get selected. I just read their selection rules and have come to the conclusion that I'll never get selected. I'm not complaining, it's just the reality of their selection process. I'll give you the recent Titleist TSi driver testing selection.

6 golfers selected. Average content (posts) submitted 2464... That's an average of over 2000 posts....I don't think I've ever contributed to any online community in my history of internet surfing more than 100-200 posts...I only contribute when I have something worthwhile to say or something I think everyone will benefit. As for this post, I just want most of the people who enjoy reading and following MGS but who never posts many things to know that you're wasting your time even applying. 

There is nothing random about their selection of Testers:

#1. You must be a frequent contributor

#2. You must not be a twat

Pretty simple, but I wish they would consider making "one random" selection giving people like myself and the majority of the readers of MGS an outside chance of getting to test. They might be surprised that if they make a random selection, that tester might give the most thorough and enlightened review.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy MGS and will continue reading and contributing. 

When I was selected to test out the new Wilson D7's last year, I was in the 100's range for posts, had only been a member for maybe 8months, and had never tested anything of real substance until then.

Since then I only enter my name for something I truly want to test, am passionate about, and know I will be committed to writing a full review of. Sure I'm as bummed as the next guy when I don't get selected, but I'm not in it for free clubs (but seriously, it is a nice perk!). I'm in it to evaluate a tool and convey my unique experience to the community and answer questions.

Don't lose heart, don't feel like you shouldn't post because no one will read it, don't take the tact of only posting "when you have something to say" because your advice or unique angle on ANY subject may be just what someone needs to hear at that time. Also, take it upon yourself to test something out and let the rest of the community know about it! There are only a few "official testing" opportunities and way too many gear options out there, so let us know your experience!