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Curious Evernote testing qualifier
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Posted by Paul Korm
Jan 28, 2016 at 03:43 PM
I received an invitation from Evernote to beta test something called “Evernote Labs”. Why not, I thought. The sign up sheet asks for us to choose an option: “I am younger than 35” or “I am older than 35”. Apart from excluding anyone who is actually 35, this seemed like an curious question. Does age make a difference in one’s ability to test software? Do we get a different version of the software based on age? Is this even a legal question?
Posted by Dr Andus
Jan 28, 2016 at 04:24 PM
Paul Korm wrote:
>Does age make a difference in one’s ability to test software?
> Do we get a different version of the software based on age? Is this
>even a legal question?
I don’t see anything illegal about it, as long as it’s for market research purposes.
As for the age of 35… Let’s presume that people start purchasing software at the age of 18.
2016 - 18 = 1998
1998 can roughly be taken as the time the world wide web (and especially web-based software such as Hotmail) really took off. So perhaps what they are trying to see is if pre- and post-WWW generations have different attitudes and uses for Evernote, and which ones are more interested in or willing to test beta software. And maybe they could do some A/B testing of different features and visual styles based on age.
Posted by MadaboutDana
Jan 28, 2016 at 04:32 PM
I love your point about excluding 35-year-olds, though.
But I suppose they would argue that after your 35th birthday, you’re technically over 35 (i.e. in your 36th year).
An amusing thought, nevertheless.
Posted by Ken
Jan 28, 2016 at 05:06 PM
They may have a target demographic for their product and could possibly want to separate feedback from potential users in that market.
—Ken
Posted by Paul Korm
Jan 28, 2016 at 05:08 PM
It turned out their form fails the first time it’s submitted, so I answer the question one way and then the other way. Perhaps now, In the eyes of Evernote, I am both older and younger than 35, but not 35.