question about pattern testers

[settler]

this is really hard i dont want to offend anyone
i have writen a few patterns and well you cant test them yourself because you know what the pattern is
my friend is testing a pattern for me and well it is taking her months to get round to doing it and i dont like to nag her i was hoping for weeks
i want to sell the patterns
i dont mind the testers usuing the pattern for them selves as they are doing me a great service i just wouldnt like my work sold by anyone else
confidentuallity is maybe the word i am looking for
i am so nervous about this as i takes a lot of work
i need my mind putting at rest

[crochet smartcat]

I have not had alot of experience with the testers here, but IMHO I think most of the people here that test respect the designer and would never resell someone else's pattern.

One thing you should do when you ask for testers is specify how soon you would like them to test it. I personally would not be offended if someone said I need this pattern tested this weekend (as long as it was a realistic amount of time). Personally I would prefer it, as then I can have an idea of whether or not I really have time for it and can fit it into my schedule. In everyone's life the unexpected happens, and we have to put some things on hold, but the tester should notify the designer of a change in circumstances that will not allow them to meet the expected deadline.

If your friend is taking too long, then have someone else test it and when your friend finishes, thank them generously and don't mention that you also had someone else test it.

[settler]

thanks i think i will give it a try
what about yarn hooks etc do tester provide there own
i feel guilty about that or is that normal

[donnalynn2]

I have had several patterns tested here at Crochetville. So far I haven't had many problems with the testers. The only thing I can tell you is to make sure you post a finish date. I know that in one of my tests I made it very clear that I needed it done by a certain date (well over a month's time) and when I e-mailed all my testers about a week before the due date, one of my testers told me something came up and she couldn't do it. That really upset me. Here she now has my pattern, didn't do what she promised and I had to go out and find another tester in place of her.

Because of this I have started making lists of people who have tested my patterns, who signed up but didn't finish the project or in the time frame, etc. Start a little database so that if someone burns you once, you will know next time not to use them.

Other than that one time I have had a very positive experience with the testers here. They have been so helpful catching my mistakes.

P.S. One more thing to think about... If you're really concerned, make sure that the person who is testing your patterns has been around here for awhile. If they only have 2 posts I wouldn't give them the pattern, but maybe make it so someone needs to have a certain number of posts to be sure you've got someone who isn't just going to drop off the face of the earth.

GOOD LUCK!

[donnalynn2]

thanks i think i will give it a try
what about yarn hooks etc do tester provide there own
i feel guilty about that or is that normal

You provide the tester with the pattern and they do the rest. They use their own yarn, hooks and whatever else is needed... In the end they will have that item that they can keep or give away. You shouldn't be financing the materials. (Unless you're rich and want to be generous!) :D