Becoming a Super Bug Reporter

We're all super villains, right (Golden Girl, go away)? We know what it means to be super. Everything we do is super: be it kicking puppies (SUPER kicking), eating breakfast cereal, and filing our taxes. If you're not going to be super about it, then why bother? Where's the flair? The finesse?

Today, I'm going to talk to you about not only how to submit a software bug report, but to submit a super bug report! Let's go over the basics.

* Identifying a Bug - A bug may be somewhat loosely defined, but everyone seems to agree on it meaning one thing: the software doesn't work as advertised. Don't worry about definitions, though, because they're not important. When submitting a bug report, you can submit it about anything you want, including any of the following... A feature exists but you don't know where it is. A data error is present that may as well be a program error. A feature exists but you don't know how to use it. You are using an entirely different application. And this one's my favorite: You are unable to do something that the software doesn't even claim to do.

* Ticket Title - When looking over the list of fatal errors and life-changing problems caused by their software, the developers don't really like to waste their time trying to pick through long, complicated ticket captions. When submitting a report, make sure you call it something short and easy to read, such as "bug problem" or "doesnt work." Be sure to use all-lowercase and exclude punctuation, since consistency is much easier on the eyes.

* Bug Description - In order for the developers to be able to fix the problem you are reporting, you should give some minimalist information about it. Don't be verbose or otherwise understandible--again, it's about looking through reports quickly and developers are all psychics anyway (C++ is short for "psychic"). Identify the most general aspect of the program in which you've encountered a problem, and say that the feature in its entirety is completely non-functional.

* User Information - Sometimes it's a matter of the user's computer that can cause problems. However, self-contained applications are becoming less and less about how you have your system configured and more about what operating system you are running, so be sure to mention that. For added convenience, if you're using the same operating system as the software authors, be sure to use the phrase "if that makes a difference." For example: "I'm running Windows 7 64-bit, if that makes a difference."

* Your Problem is Important - Last but not least, forget about everyone else. The bug you've encountered applies to you, first and foremost. Don't bother looking two or three threads down for a solution, workaround or simple acknowledgment of the same problem; just start a new report thread. After all, the simpler a problem is, and the more people who have it, the more the developers like to hear about it (they get to make the most people happy fastest with the least amount of effort).

And there you have it. Follow these simple guidelines and you too can be a super bug reporter!

I take exception with the entire premise of this thread. No self-respecting super-villain is going to file a bug report, it's easier to cause mayhem when things aren't working right. Hell, super-villains are the main cause of most bugs. Sometimes giant ones with radioactive eyebeams!

Is there a badge in it for me?

hey guys i found a bug purple ios still work on preimium lol well not really but set bonuses anyway im typing on my phone so dont h8 on the spelling lol!!! later doods

I bet if we institute a ban on talking about animated hair that would work.

What supervillain does his taxes?

What are these "software bugs" you're talking about?

--NT