Exploratory testing as a structured process

In common usage, I think the term ‘exploratory testing’ is often used to refer to ad hoc testing–it’s lipstick on a pig. But the big thinkers in quality assurance view ET as a structured testing process. Mike Kelly lists some of the skills necessary for performing exploratory testing. Mike also points to the newest version of James and Jonathan Bach’s Exploratory Testing Dynamics [PDF] document, which is very useful.