Rewarding Beta testers?

[MerrionComputin]

So - the scéail is that I have the .Net printer watch component working reasonably well now and think it is a viable component for selling - but I'd need to do a beta test program first as there are so many types of printer driver and operating system combination to test it upon.

The question is - should the beta version be time limited (because otherwise why would anyone move on to the production version?) and should participants in the beta who have contributed get a reduction on the price of the finalised component?

[KayJay]

A reduction on the price of the finallized product seems to be a right thing to do.

[hellswraith]

If they are active in reporting bugs or giving a suggestion to fix or improve things, it is only right to give them the release copy of it. These people are essentially working for you, you need to pay them something. If you don't, why would they want to beta test your component? Why should I give up my time?

Also, I think the reduced price isn't the best way to go. I know it is a reduced price, but I still feel like I have to pay you to try your component. Doesn't sit well with me.

That is my 2 cents.