The Newbie Rule

Q: I saw a reference to the "newbie" rule either being in effect or not for applying for testing gear.

Can someone enlighten me on what this rule is?

A: A tester who has completed and uploaded their required two Owner Reviews, but has not yet completed a full test series (initial, field, long-term all submitted, edited, and uploaded) are said to be "newbies."

Newbies, as a general rule, are limited to testing a single item until their test series is completed. If an item is listed as the "newbie rule applies," then this would count toward one item out. If a newbie is currently testing an item, odds are greatly reduced in test selections if they apply for this type of test call (the GoLite Wizard for example).

If the newbie limit does not apply to an item (the Seychelle Flip Top, for instance) then newbies are welcome and encouraged to apply even if they are already testing another item.

In all cases, newbies are encouraged to submit applications if they can give the item a good test, and especially if applications for an item seem sparse. Writing applications keeps a newbie thinking like a gear tester, shows interest in the list and process, and who knows, the newbie might get lucky. :)

At what seems like long last, a newbie finally uploads their first Long Term Report and becomes a "veteran."