Maybe it's a good idea to start up a "Steam Beta Program". People can apply for the program on the website (and also turn it off there). If someone has enabled it Steam will automatically download the beta updates. This has a few benefits;
1) Only motivated people who want to Beta test sign up for the Beta program (No "forced", "clumsy" updates) 2) This removes some pressure on the kettle on VALVe's side; people can not complain since they have choosen to Beta test. 3) The beta testers get the latest content, which would be their main reason to become one. Same for servers; servers can update their server with the beta software so beta players (and later) can play on it. This way some servers can get a few extra hits because they are special Beta servers. (Maybe add a nice "Beta symbol" icon for Beta steam browsers) This would make the following roadmap: 1) VALVe HQ decides to add a few features and fixes a few bugs 2) The beta crew gets the update. They have 1 day to send in their bug reports. 3) The other people get the update too OR the update will get delayed and the beta testers will get a "rollback-update". Really, think of it. It turns people who complain into active feedback and bug-report providers. _______________________________________________ To unsubscribe, edit your list preferences, or view the list archives, please visit: http://list.valvesoftware.com/mailman/listinfo/hlds_linux
