                       Free Shit through Beta-Testing
                       ------------------------------
                              By:  Z 
                       ------------------------------

        Ok, this article is going to show you how to get free stuff from
        companies through the beta programs.  Many people are oblivious
        to the number of companies that beta test.  I am going to help
        you fool the companies into thinking that you are the person that
        they want to beta test, and how to get around actually doing
        any work.

        I will also provide a list of beta test numbers for many companies
        that make cool shit.  The first step is to decide what you want...
        well, this easy.. you want everything.. but I would do one at a
        time.  If there is a drop-off site that you know.. by all means use
        it, but it isnt necessary.

        First, you should create a false identity for each item.  Now you
        obvously are not going to order two beta-test packs from each CO.
        because they will get suspicious.. also if you try to beta-test
        from a company that is owned or is ca-hootz with another company
        that you have beta-tested from.  Some companies [a few I have
        tested for] like to re-use good beta-testers, so if you are just
        reading this file to see what companies have beta-testing places
        open... you are more likely to get more stuff legitimately, but
        you will have to do some work.

        Once you apply to be a beta-tester, you should recieve some sort of
        Non-Disclosure form.. this is a form which says that anything else
        they send you is private, and they can screw you if they catch you
        releasing/distributing/replicating/talking about their product.
        I think that no-matter what you sign, you are still liable.. so
        just make something up, or you wont get any further in the process.
        Once a whole bunch of people have applied to be beta testers, the
        people at the company go down the list of what everyone says about
        themselves, and they see who will best represent the market/users
        of the product they are testing.  They then remove from the list
        of hopefuls the names of people that they dont need.  The remaining
        people are chosen.

        Once you are notified, you recieve the item, and possibly a phone
        call...  If this is software, copy it immediatly.  If your paranoid
        about finger prints, use gloves.. be as darn paranoid as you want..
        it never hurts... when you sign forms.  Once you get it, and it is
        software.. copy it and send it back or return it and say you never
        signed as a beta-tester.. try to deny everything.. I havent tried
        this, but a friend says that that is the best thing to do..
        Other ways are to say "It didnt arrive yet" if they bother you,
        or just make excuses...  If it is hardware, keep it, tell them you
        have had no probs with it, so you didnt report anything.

        NOTE: With beta testing hardware, sometimes companies ask for you
        to pay a low cost... do it, it is prolly a hell of a lot cheaper
        than the cost once they get on the markets.

        Companies of all sorts do beta-testing, to see if their item is
        usable, and if it has flaws... try every company of something you
        want... modem companies, software, processor, and even companies 
        not it computers beta-test.   Well, here is my small list of #'s
        of some beta testing companies. Call (800-555-1212) and ask bout
        a company if you dont see it, or try. Also, since this is a small
        list, try getting a computer shopper, or any computer mag, and
        call the companies that are there and ask for their beta-testing
        department.

        Final Note.. Online services such as prodigy and compuserve are
        constantly upgrading the things that they can charge you for..,
        and they often use beta testers.. you only have a shot if you
        already subscribe to it, but its a way to get something free, so
        inquire about it! This list is so small cause everyone has diff.
        interests.. if you want those 2 listed below..good, else follow
        what I said above :)

        ------------------------------------------------------------------
        COMPANY            | PHONE          | PRODUCT/NOTE
        ------------------------------------------------------------------
        Microsoft          | (800) 426-9400 | Ask for beta info on anything
                           |                | that you hear is coming out
                           |                | soon
        PPI                | (805) 496-7707 | Cool Modems
        -------------------------------------------------------------------
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