> I'm using software for fee but, I'm also beta-testing for free.
Assuming you're talking about a beta release for some open source software package, versus a full release, I don't think the distinction matters. You're using software that you got for free. It doesn't matter if it's beta- or release-quality. You aren't entitled to different/better support for it just because the developer chose to put out a version they admit isn't quite release-quality[0]. You're entitled to exactly the same amount of support as for a release version: none whatsoever.
> "I derive value from a free product so I should never complain."
I think that's framed the wrong way. I do agree that you should probably never complain about something you got for free; that smacks of undeserved entitlement. But constructive criticism and useful bug reports are (usually, depending on the maintainer) welcome.
[0] A developer might put out a beta version for a variety of reasons. One reason, yes, might be because they intend to jump on support requests faster in order to shape things up for a proper release. But another reason might be because they simply wanted to share with people as soon as possible.
Assuming you're talking about a beta release for some open source software package, versus a full release, I don't think the distinction matters. You're using software that you got for free. It doesn't matter if it's beta- or release-quality. You aren't entitled to different/better support for it just because the developer chose to put out a version they admit isn't quite release-quality[0]. You're entitled to exactly the same amount of support as for a release version: none whatsoever.
> "I derive value from a free product so I should never complain."
I think that's framed the wrong way. I do agree that you should probably never complain about something you got for free; that smacks of undeserved entitlement. But constructive criticism and useful bug reports are (usually, depending on the maintainer) welcome.
[0] A developer might put out a beta version for a variety of reasons. One reason, yes, might be because they intend to jump on support requests faster in order to shape things up for a proper release. But another reason might be because they simply wanted to share with people as soon as possible.