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What are good tips to run an alpha/beta consumer program for a web app? I want to engage the early users, test out a number of things and generate buzz. What are any tips or resources you can think of.

One company that I can think of that did a great job with their beta was Mint. Any other good references points?

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More than a tip, this is a resource you can use to create your beta program for your web app. There is a new company, a very cool start-up called Prefinery, I am using their services right now and it is absolutely awesome, it just works. I suggest you take a look at their website...

http://www.prefinery.com/

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+1 Handy link Ricardo, looks very interesting. May use when we're ready to beta test. I note also located in TX - any connection? – user1084 Nov 7 '09 at 9:21
Unfortunately not... we just happen to be in the same State. I found out about Prefinery at a local tech event earlier this year in Austin, learned about their product, and I like it. – Ricardo Nov 7 '09 at 17:08
Thanks Ricardo, prefinery looks really cool we may certainly end up using it. I will let you guys know if we do. – JerLevine Nov 8 '09 at 23:37
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One thing Joel mentioned a few times is that when you get a pool of testers- do not give them all the same release. Stagger them - because once they report a bug or issue the claim is that they won't do any more. So you treat them as a one-time use.

I have no idea if that is accurate, but that is one suggestion.

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