Read in NYT, software testing used to be done by serious computer users. Now, testers are motivated less by service than by the status of being among the first to try the newest software.

"There's a lot of cachet associated with being an early adopter," said Nicco Mele, 26, a former Internet strategist for Howard Dean's presidential campaign who runs the Internet consulting firm EchoDitto. "It's similar to how, every time you're in a meeting, everyone wants to show off who's got the coolest new phone."