Prior to launching our first upgrade in the new year, we need a group of enthusiastic Felt volunteers to help with testing. This is a really important step for us before going live with our changes, and it’s an opportunity for you to get a sneak peek at what’s in store!

Being a tester involves spending several hours on Felt during the period of 17–24 January 2011. You’ll be given access to our testing site along with a list of exercises and will be asked to provide feedback on various aspects of your experience.

As written communication is a large part of this process, good language skills are important. You will also need regular internet access and the ability to print a small number of pages included in the test pack (instructions, exercise list, etc.).

We are looking to engage people across a range of operating systems and browsers, with varying levels of familiarity with Felt. We’d love to hear from you whether you’re a geek or technophobe, Felt guru or newbie, shopper or seller, or anywhere in between. Your feedback will be valued and appreciated by us regardless.

To ensure that we cover as wide a range of users as possible within our test group, we are selecting testers by application. Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 7 January and if selected, you’ll be contacted on Monday 10 January and receive your test pack shortly thereafter.

Click here to apply to be a Felt tester!

What a year it’s been! In 2010 we attended the fabulous Craft 2.0, Fruit Bowl Craft Jam, A Craft Affair and A Craft Christmas Market, survived a mag 7.1 earthquake and reached 13,000 users. Visits per day trebled, Felt’s growth rate increased by 150% and we saw thousands of exciting new handmade products listed by awesome makers from all over the country. Felt was also a finalist for Best Trading Site in the Net Guide Web Awards.

While all this was going on we’ve been hard at work in the background, coming up with new ways to improve the site. I’m excited to announce that we’re just about ready to reveal the fruits of our labour.

In 2011 you’ll see some changes on Felt. Specifically, we’re focusing on how we can make it easier for you to use the site, whether you’re a seller, a buyer or simply a browser. Starting with a wee bit of a makeover, we’ll be improving some existing features, introducing a few cool new bits and paving the way for exciting new features further down the track.

Your feedback and support in getting to this point has been invaluable and I’m really looking forward to sharing these improvements with you. The new year is going to be an exciting one – watch this space!