Future of Product Testing on THP

[ddec]

First of all I am not a crusader, nor am I wanting free stuff. I don't know who all the lefties are here...and as I said earlier, some companies don't cater all their gear to left handers and I know that. I just stated my opinion and if some of you don't respect my opinion that is fine. You know the old saying about opinions...

Now you've lost me. Let's see if I can recap
1) You were mad that some get chosen to test more than others
2) You were mad because lefty testing is sometimes limited
3) you were mad because you didn't get to test the burner 2.0's
4) you were chosen to test 2 things things since joining and gave 1 away after trying it once.

 

[Hawk]

I just don't think it's in any way appropriate to complain about something like this. Nobody here owes you anything. This site is a place to share information and make friends. Not a place to feel slighted because you are left handed and didn't get a golf club.

 

[Super Tuna]

Slight diversion:

Wanted to add that CL is currently testing his second set of irons. You know why he gets to do that?

Spoiler

Because he did such a damn great job the first time

Because he has Voodoo in his veins? I think CL's iron sale count between the Di's and VR's must be getting up there. (All in good fun CL)

 

[JB]

That is not up to us, but if you look at many of our club testing, LH have been allowed and been a part of it.
Nike, Wilson, TaylorMade, Cleveland have all set items in LH to test and they have been a part of the testing. We can obviously not ask a company like Boccieri to include LH when they dont make LH clubs.

I think there is a disconnect here as to what testing is really for. Its not to find out if something works for one's game, but more about reporting what different types of golfers experience in trying a product. If every review was supposed to be what works for "me", we would just ask people to write reviews of what is in their bag.

Im not really following the thoughts here. It seems as though it was first about you not getting to test Burner 2.0s and then after the last ball testing, you decided this site was not really for you. I can respect that, but there are people that have been here for years that have never tested a thing. Heck it took Duey (a very active member) almost 3 years to get chosen for something. Smallville is a mod and never been chosen to test clubs.

I have an honest question for you. What makes you believe you should have been chosen to test the Burner 2.0s?
Activity?
Previous reviews?
Previous testing?

Dead set honest, because you opened with that and that you felt slighted not to be chosen. I would really like to know why you believe you should have been chosen?

Activity on the forum is what makes people get chosen. Whether that means people get chosen more than once for equipment should mean to some that becoming more active might lead to that. Since joining THP 6 or so months ago, you have been chosen to test two things. In my opinion that is not too shabby.

I am very sorry you feel as though you deserved and should have been selected to test Burner 2.0 irons. However there were hundreds that signed up for that test and 5 sets to go around. I thought the company did a pretty good job of selecting people based on activity level on this site while still picking some new testers.

In fact in the last 6 forum testing opportunities new testers have been selected every single time. Including a few that had ALL new testers. We have been transparent since the very beginning and said activity level will always drive who gets to test. But testing is a privilege, not a right and those that work hard and stay active on THP over time will get to test equipment. Im sorry you feel differently and feel as though that the 2 times you have had a chance to test in the first 6 months, were not enough, some others have been here even longer and have never tested a thing.

I appreciate you sharing your opinion and respect it, but unfortunately I disagree with it in this case.

I think this is a very valid question here. We are quick to pass on merchandise as testers to others if they do not work when it is things such as golf balls or a training aid, but the thought that "I didnt like them so I passed them along" is not really what testing should be about. It should be about trying things out in detail and writing reviews based on that. Both pro or con. And then repeat. Losing balls in my opinion does not mean the test ends, one can still be in there answering any questions that someone might have based on the experience that you did have while you had them.

Im not coming down on someone's opinion because its clear they feel slighted in some way based on their tenure and testing, but I dont think the same thing would happen if they did not like a set of irons. I dont think they would ship them off.

First of all I am not a crusader, nor am I wanting free stuff. I don't know who all the lefties are here...and as I said earlier, some companies don't cater all their gear to left handers and I know that. I just stated my opinion and if some of you don't respect my opinion that is fine. You know the old saying about opinions...

I have said that I respect your opinion, but I have also asked some questions. We are always trying to improve how we do things, and would love to have some input. I asked some legitimate questions I think and since you feel a little slighted, I would think you would like to help us correct things in the future. Please take the time to answer if you get a chance, I have quoted my posts above.

 

[DawgDaddy]

I don't disagree with the fact I got to test two products within six months of being here and I truly appreciate that and am willing to test more stuff. All I want to see where clubs are concerned is that LEFT handed golfers be allowed to participate more in the process.

I never saw anyone really ask many questions about the yellow B330 RX ball, if I had, I would have answered any question anyone had or any other product I was testing for that matter. I want to help the OEM's with their products and give fair and honest evaluations. I just knew after using the Polaras a couple of times they were not for me.

Thanks for a great site which I will continue to follow with great interest.

Man, I don't want to seem like I am jumping in to bash you but mdbuschsr was on the Bridgestone yellow RX thread with so many questions that he and I began a dialog and became friends. I know I only had a sleeve of the balls but I probably average losing a ball every round and a half to 2 rounds, so about 2 weeks into the test I still had all 3 and sent him one to evaluate himself. I even asked him not to reveal the source when he published his thoughts so as no one would think I had given up on the testing, it was just a way to get one more THPer involved in my eyes.
I look forward to reading all reviews that are written and even read the ones directed to our lady participants golf products just to know even more about the sport I love, you never know when someone is going to ask your opinion about any piece of golf equipment, so I just try to stay informed as well as possible.
And Hawk is spot on, no one here deserves anything except for the real leaders of THP and they deserve even more than they receive.

 

[JTnumbers]

I will say whenever I will get chosen to test things. I will be eternally grateful and will test it to the best of my ability. I realise that as a new poster I need to earn respect before I can be trusted to test stuff. Having said that, I really hope I get the opportunity to test anything. I think that is one of the unique and cool things about this site.

 

[ripper]

JB and GG, I would like to thank you guys for all the opportunities and didnt know where to post this so I will do it here. In my personal case, I have not signed up to test products, because I am living in Mexico right now. I tried to do it with a blind ball test (Taylormades) as I can usually get up the US once a month for meetings, but that time, it got cancelled and I got to the balls weeks late. I don't feel its right to offer to test something and then not be able to, or to have to make THPers wait a few extra weeks to hear my reviews. I know you guys don't ask for explanations, but I wanted to give you one, as I think I owe it you. THP is a great site, and even though I cant test products, I love it and participate as much as I can. Again, we are all so grateful for the effort you guys put into this, thank you.

 

[Toddo]

I try to make several posts in a week's period. I gave three or four reviews on the B330's, which I thought were fair and thorough. The Polara's I gave a couple of posts on if I recall. Being in the media business, I try to be fair, objective and factual with my opinions. I am loyal to Taylor Made as it is the product that I play. Considering that I am playing five year old irons in the RAC LT2's, these were obviously an upgrade and I feel I would have given a fair. objective and factual opinion of the 2.0's compared to what I am currently playing. I want to be an active tester and I apologize if some you think I have sour grapes, I am just very passionate about the game and passionate about TM product.

And again, let me reiterate this is a great site and the leaders are to be commended for a job VERY well done and I have learned a lot about products and the game being here. Sometimes I let my passion get in the way of things...

 

[hartattack52]

How can anyone complain about the testing or the way it is done? I think it is great and I love reading the reviews about each product. It shouldn't matter who gets chosen. It isn't about that individual, it is about reviewing the product for all the members. You got selected twice already. I would say you are pretty damn lucky, and do not see what you could possibly have to complain about.

 

[GolferGal]

I try to make several posts in a week's period. I gave three or four reviews on the B330's, which I thought were fair and thorough. The Polara's I gave a couple of posts on if I recall. Being in the media business, I try to be fair, objective and factual with my opinions. I am loyal to Taylor Made as it is the product that I play. Considering that I am playing five year old irons in the RAC LT2's, these were obviously an upgrade and I feel I would have given a fair. objective and factual opinion of the 2.0's compared to what I am currently playing. I want to be an active tester and I apologize if some you think I have sour grapes, I am just very passionate about the game and passionate about TM product.

And again, let me reiterate this is a great site and the leaders are to be commended for a job VERY well done and I have learned a lot about products and the game being here. Sometimes I let my passion get in the way of things...

Maybe I am misreading this but you felt that 2 or 3 posts in the testing thread was sufficient? I am just going to be flat out honest, it is not. Giving that little feedback will guarantee you will never be chosen again. And now to openly admit that you are really only here to test TM stuff will make it even harder. To me that says you will not be able to be an unbiased tester because you only want to test one brand. So you say you aren't in it for the free gear, yet the only thing you really want to test is for the brand you are loyal too. I am sorry but that bothers me and I had to say something.

 

[JTnumbers]

How can anyone complain about the testing or the way it is done? I think it is great and I love reading the reviews about each product. It shouldn't matter who gets chosen. It isn't about that individual, it is about reviewing the product for all the members. You got selected twice already. I would say you are pretty damn lucky, and do not see what you could possibly have to complain about.

+1. without a doubt

 

[JB]

I try to make several posts in a week's period. I gave three or four reviews on the B330's, which I thought were fair and thorough. The Polara's I gave a couple of posts on if I recall. Being in the media business, I try to be fair, objective and factual with my opinions. I am loyal to Taylor Made as it is the product that I play. Considering that I am playing five year old irons in the RAC LT2's, these were obviously an upgrade and I feel I would have given a fair. objective and factual opinion of the 2.0's compared to what I am currently playing. I want to be an active tester and I apologize if some you think I have sour grapes, I am just very passionate about the game and passionate about TM product.

And again, let me reiterate this is a great site and the leaders are to be commended for a job VERY well done and I have learned a lot about products and the game being here. Sometimes I let my passion get in the way of things...

I appreciate you answering some of the questions. I think that clears up some stuff for me. It really does come down to what people look at testing to be. In your case you were willing to do the work and reviews, but you were looking to upgrade your set of irons.

There were hundreds of people that signed up for testing irons that have more activity and been here longer, and never get picked. You felt as though you should have because you needed new irons. I understand that, but if everybody that needed new irons joined THP and we gave them some, we would not be around too much longer. I have said in all my posts, activity is the driving record to getting chosen. You have been here 6 months, have less than 300 posts and have been chosen twice to test things. I think that says a lot about what THP has to offer.

 

[Toddo]

Fine, I have stated my opinion and will be pulling my account.

 

[ddec]

I try to make several posts in a week's period. I gave three or four reviews on the B330's, which I thought were fair and thorough. The Polara's I gave a couple of posts on if I recall. Being in the media business, I try to be fair, objective and factual with my opinions. I am loyal to Taylor Made [/B]as it is the product that I play. Considering that I am playing five year old irons in the RAC LT2's, these were obviously an upgrade and I feel I would have given a fair. objective and factual opinion of the 2.0's compared to what I am currently playing. I want to be an active tester and I apologize if some you think I have sour grapes, I am just very passionate about the game and passionate about TM product.

And again, let me reiterate this is a great site and the leaders are to be commended for a job VERY well done and I have learned a lot about products and the game being here. Sometimes I let my passion get in the way of things...

how would that make you an objective tester of TM equipment? Would you really not be biased?

 

[ripper]

I try to make several posts in a week's period. I gave three or four reviews on the B330's, which I thought were fair and thorough. The Polara's I gave a couple of posts on if I recall. Being in the media business, I try to be fair, objective and factual with my opinions. I am loyal to Taylor Made as it is the product that I play. Considering that I am playing five year old irons in the RAC LT2's, these were obviously an upgrade and I feel I would have given a fair. objective and factual opinion of the 2.0's compared to what I am currently playing. I want to be an active tester and I apologize if some you think I have sour grapes, I am just very passionate about the game and passionate about TM product.

And again, let me reiterate this is a great site and the leaders are to be commended for a job VERY well done and I have learned a lot about products and the game being here. Sometimes I let my passion get in the way of things...

So you basically wanted an upgrade to your current irons from THP, which you basically already know you will like. Kind of defeats the purpose of testing doesnt it?

 

[ddec]

Fine, I have stated my opinion and will be pulling my account.

Why not stay around? If you are passionate about the game why not talk golf with us in other threads.

 

[tomahawk18]

Fine, I have stated my opinion and will be pulling my account.

WOW! So lame!

 

[Thechosen1]

Since joining this site I want to just say that THP has opened my eyes to new companies/products. I was glad to have read the ML4 driver thread and all I heard was great things about that, same goes for the Boccieri series. I have played a round with their putter but it was for me. I never knew they had heavy drivers and even Fairway woods till the testing thread popped up. Same even goes for Vision golf ball testing. I would have never of given them a chance till being chosen for testing or reading their reviews. Opened my eyes for sure thanks to THP

 

[JB]

Its clear that Toddo wants to do things a different way, so lets just move on from the greed of wanting a free updgrade of clubs and back to the testing that we will continue to do here. LOTS of good things coming up.

 

[Bullfrog]

I have said in all my posts, activity is the driving record to getting chosen. You have been here 6 months, have less than 300 posts and have been chosen twice to test things. I think that says a lot about what THP has to offer.

:clapp: +1 MILLION on this one! JB you said all that needs to be said about this topic.

 

[MikeF]

Its clear that Toddo wants to do things a different way, so lets just move on from the greed of wanting a free updgrade of clubs and back to the testing that we will continue to do here. LOTS of good things coming up.

I like the sound of that

 

[ddec]

Its clear that Toddo wants to do things a different way, so lets just move on from the greed of wanting a free updgrade of clubs and back to the testing that we will continue to do here. LOTS of good things coming up.

I'm with you JB. More forum testing has/is getting started soon. Plus The Morgan Cup 2 weeks from today. It's a very exciting time to be on THP.

 

[Bullfrog]

Its clear that Toddo wants to do things a different way, so lets just move on from the greed of wanting a free updgrade of clubs and back to the testing that we will continue to do here. LOTS of good things coming up.

OH YES!! Dangling the carrot again JB??? I love when you dangle the carrot... Plus the Morgan cup is soon! It is exciting!!

 

[JB]

OH YES!! Dangling the carrot again JB??? I love when you dangle the carrot... Plus the Morgan cup is soon! It is exciting!!

Nah, but we have FW Wood now, towel signup now, and some more things coming up very soon.

 

[JTnumbers]

Looks like I joined at the right time :smile: