The Palantir Private Preview Program

[DarkCntry]

If I do get in the PPP...P I think I'll be estatic, I love testing any sort of new content, although this beta program seems like an uber version of Bullroarer. Can anyone from Isenguard confirm this?

Probably not, considering that unless something drastic happened, their NDAs are still classified as in-effect.

[Arbalister]

Probably not, considering that unless something drastic happened, their NDAs are still classified as in-effect.

ROFL, that's almost word for word what *this* post was going to say. :-)

[Kehleyr]

this is not a preview. its a test server. you are not 'seeing new content before it's released to the public', you are testing, finding bugs and providing feedback.

You may want to check the thread title there buddy. "Private Preview Program". Seeing new content before it is released to the public is a benefit for providing testing manpower and opinions to the QA and dev team. They are "previewing" their new content to us and asking for opinions and feedback, that's a big part of testing my friend!

This is actually an argument of semantics, here in Turbineland.

Private Preview is equivalent to test in the eyes of Turbine. As folks have mentioned earlier in this thread, there were some, shall we say, taboos about using the word test for programs such as these, so we called it preview.

Your role in this program will be exactly the same as a Beta Tester. It just doesn't have a definitive end, as Palantir will roll into the next development cycle instead of closing down when one goes live as a beta program does.

[hunter5610]

Applied yesterday. It would be great to help continued development of one the best mmo's on the market.

Curtis

[SashaPayneDiaz]

I think it'd be fun to help test the new Isengard area. Throw my helm in the ring!...

[Tiars]

Q: Why no F2P or Premium members? Don’t we matter, too??
A: Of course you do. We are working with a brand new billing process for this program. We simply need to restrain the number of variables for the initial launch to assure all is working as we need it to. Once those kinks are ironed out we will begin the process of bringing in other subscription types.

In the meantime, just because you aren’t part of Palantir does not mean you cannot voice your opinion. These forums are here for you – use them!

I am glad that you are planning on opening this up to F2P and Premium members. Even though I an a retired software developer and tester, my free time is limited so I chose the Premium membership as best fitting my play style. I paticipated in the closed betas for several games and continue to do so. In two MMORPGs I am very active on their test servers. So I know that I could provide constructive testing and feedback.

Without getting the feedback from the F2P and Premium community before it goes live you may be hampering their game satisfaction when the changes go live. Also if some of the changes hope to encourage them to move into the VIP category, you will be missing out on feedback if it is achieving your intended goals.

I will be back to appy once you open it up for the F2P and Premium Players.

[Carysta]

Logged into the forums today just to browse and was super excited to see this post! I think the PPPP would be very interesting to be a part of, so I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for an invitation!

[Shadalarion]

Little confused here, thought we already had a Test Server on Bullroarer? If you all going to have a Private Preview server does that mean you doing away with the Public Test Server? If so I might as well uninstall it to make room on my harddrive then.

Also playing devil's advocate here, as with any type of NDA you going to cheaters and exploiters get in to find exploits. How you going to combat or prevent cheaters or exploiters from gaining access to your Private Server? Mind you they will may fill out the applications but those applications will not tell if that person is a cheater or exploiter. A lot of known cheaters/exploiters have been knowned to have multiple accounts.

[Arbalister]

Little confused here, thought we already had a Test Server on Bullroarer? If you all going to have a Private Preview server does that mean you doing away with the Public Test Server? If so I might as well uninstall it to make room on my harddrive then.

Also playing devil's advocate here, as with any type of NDA you going to cheaters and exploiters get in to find exploits. How you going to combat or prevent cheaters or exploiters from gaining access to your Private Server? Mind you they will may fill out the applications but those applications will not tell if that person is a cheater or exploiter. A lot of known cheaters/exploiters have been knowned to have multiple accounts.

There's been a private test server since launch. Bullroarer isn't a test server...it is what it claims - a preview server. After things graduate from the private server, they go to Bullroarer. Foir a very limited time, too.

And...that said...it pretty much answers your other question. It's been around since launch and most people don't know it. :-) They must be doing something right as regards NDA enforcement.

[Kehleyr]

Little confused here, thought we already had a Test Server on Bullroarer? If you all going to have a Private Preview server does that mean you doing away with the Public Test Server? If so I might as well uninstall it to make room on my harddrive then.

Bullroarer is the Public Preview (Test) server. That is, if you have an account with LOTRO, you can access Bullroarer when it is open. When not in Beta, Bullroarer tends to only be open 2-3 weeks per content push, right before it's patched to Live.

Palantir is the Private Preview (Test) server. It is invitation only, and you only get an invite if your application is accepted by Quality Assurance. Content on Palantir can be very raw, and is usually active on the server for 2-3 months, dependent on the development cycle.

Both are test/preview servers. The primary differences are access and priority of bugs found.

[Crell_1]

Do you have to be a subscriber from when you apply until access is granted, or must you maintain it for the entire length of the program?

[Kehleyr]

Do you to be a subscriber from when you apply until access is granted, or must you maintain it for the entire length of the program?

Participants must maintain an active, valid subscription if they wish to remain members of the program.

The program length is indefinite - only eligibility for participation can change with subscription status.

[Galuhad]

Edit: question was pointless after reading first page of the thread

[gildhur]

Edit: question was pointless after reading first page of the thread

That's pretty much an axiom of internet forums.

[Xero852]

I remember someone telling me that they read something on the old Isengard test forums that basically said "once you're accepted to Isengard test server you're permanently accepted unless something drastic happens or you get yourself kicked out"... Said person is wondering if they have a good chance of getting accepted to Palantir? They have already sent in an application, from my understanding, the same one that got them accepted to Isengard (but slightly updated).

I'm asking for this person, do old Isengard testers have a "higher chance" of getting in than brand new applicants? All the FAQ information seems to hint that this is the case, but it's very vague... This person is just worried that the time he put into Isengard previously won't be considered and that he'll have the same chances as everyone else to get accepted...

[DarkCntry]

I remember someone telling me that they read something on the old Isengard test forums that basically said "once you're accepted to Isengard test server you're permanently accepted unless something drastic happens or you get yourself kicked out"... Said person is wondering if they have a good chance of getting accepted to Palantir? They have already sent in an application, from my understanding, the same one that got them accepted to Isengard (but slightly updated).

I'm asking for this person, do old Isengard testers have a "higher chance" of getting in than brand new applicants? All the FAQ information seems to hint that this is the case, but it's very vague... This person is just worried that the time he put into Isengard previously won't be considered and that he'll have the same chances as everyone else to get accepted...

It actually states in the OP FAQ that Isengard testers have no priority in being selected, however it can be used to 'pad' the application.

[Xero852]

It actually states in the OP FAQ that Isengard testers have no priority in being selected, however it can be used to 'pad' the application.

It doesn't really say that they do/don't have priority. It just says that previous Isengard testers need to re-apply since they're starting over. Unless I'm missing something.

[Kehleyr]

It doesn't really say that they do/don't have priority. It just says that previous Isengard testers need to re-apply since they're starting over. Unless I'm missing something.

Q: If I was on Isengard previously, do I have to put a lot of effort into my application, or can I just mention I was on before?
A: Every application is getting the same treatment, whether you were part of Isengard before or not. Everyone’s forum history and game history is going to be reviewed. We encourage you to mention you were part of Isengard in the past, but beyond that keep in mind this is a brand new program you are applying for.

[Xero852]

Yea... He's already done all of that. I believe he's just wondering how much emphasis "being in Isengard" will have on being accepted to Palantir. I see his point of view, if people who weren't in Isengard got into Palantir before him it might be a little upsetting hehe.

Thanks for the response though Rachel (Kehleyr)! Hopefully my friend and I can join in this program once the invitations start going out!

[Arbalister]

Q: If I was on Isengard previously, do I have to put a lot of effort into my application, or can I just mention I was on before?
A: Every application is getting the same treatment, whether you were part of Isengard before or not. Everyone’s forum history and game history is going to be reviewed. We encourage you to mention you were part of Isengard in the past, but beyond that keep in mind this is a brand new program you are applying for.

That looks vaguely clear in a crystal-like fashion. :-P

[Arbalister]

Yea... He's already done all of that. I believe he's just wondering how much emphasis "being in Isengard" will have on being accepted to Palantir. I see his point of view, if people who weren't in Isengard got into Palantir before him it might be a little upsetting hehe.

Like the FAQ says...None.

[Elderban]

New EP, so I am guessing they are approaching everything with a clean slate.

And if someone did get into the program prior to a former Isengard player/tester, how would they know?

[Laire]

I guess this would be a good time to ask, about when should we begin refreshing our emails and spam folder obsessively to look for an invite? Have invites already begun to roll out, or should we expect them later, assuming we get in?

[jakoblin]

Please pick me for the program.

[Kehleyr]

I guess this would be a good time to ask, about when should we begin refreshing our emails and spam folder obsessively to look for an invite? Have invites already begun to roll out, or should we expect them later, assuming we get in?

There will be a post to this thread when the invites go out. Unfortunately emails will only be sent to those accepted.

We do not have a set date for when these emails go out, so please be patient.