exactly, Orstio.... now, I'm not against code being modified per se, i.e. at rountime, not having to do a database query to assemble all the different components (and build their parameters) is a much needed optimization especially in high demand/shared hosting environments.
But:
I need a new functionality to my forum site. I "add a button" no?
Ideally, I would like activities under that button to show up in the "Who's Online" list and be shown up as part of the site.
Currently I have to hand modify so much code my head explodes -AND this hand modification is in peril when I update.
Lets say we forget about
APIfying SMF in the manner of a CakePHP or some other (one of the many) code libraries.
Lets say that SMF is Forum, 1st, foremost and only.
It should still be much easier to add code to run within the context of SMF without the current machinations that have to take place now.
Many mod problems are to do with installation, and the tight coupling of "Theme" (appearance) and basic functionality (function) is disturbing.
It brings to mind the American system of "separation of church and state" maybe you DONT want the Pope (or the Ayotollah) in the White House.
With all this tho, SMF is still hands down (up?) right up there as one of the best, and is best in many categories for me over even VB or IPB. That it is not more 'out there' right now given its obvious quality is surprising at first.
Making it easier for people to use and distribute:... not so much an issue. The argument mentioned earlier about "How cool it would be to get a copy of SMF already installed with SMF Arcade..."
If the modules and extensions were less intimately entwined with the code, then this wouldnt be so much of an issue.
SUMMARY:
---------------
Best way to grow 3pds
1. Start with SEEDINGS: - make it easier to code extensions
the "Api/function library" has NO working examples whatsover.
also, the usage/behaviour of some of these functions are not obvious-there are caveats/pitfalls that only become apparent after a while then you go "oh!"
2. Make it easier and more transparent for this growth to be seen.
3. Feedback/Rating system for mods, kinda like ebay(tm) (Recognition)
That is the "grass roots level"
at the higher level, for people whom are already established developers and would like to enter the SMF "market"
1) Show them it can be worth their while.
Business demands transparency and predictability more than 'fairness'. Since business is all about risk, making whatever risks clear and upfront is important.
Limit license risks - make it legal for people to release a custom distribution of SMF as long as their distribution site indemnifies SMF, links to the SMF 'virgin copy' download site and that they pledge to update their modified version within 14 days (or whenever) after SMF updates itself.
Feature a 3pd every 2 weeks and what they do.
It would be a good public service as many people dont even know of whats out there.
Right now, there is a generic "wanted board" which either allows exploitation or shoddy work. (There are success stories too, but does anyone get to see?)
At least making success more visible would be a good thing for both the merchants and the marketplace
Have a 'code of ethics'' that promotes a level playing field and ensures that diligent hard working 3pds arent undercut or tarred by the fly by night ones.
For the community:
Some improvement is already visible here: You can now see in the themes section "Themes for your version of SMF" this saves a lot of time finding out exactly what is available.
@Block
And excuse me, but why are you comparing SMF with CMS systems? Is SMF a CMS or a Forum software? I agreed that modularity is important and that mods should much more be "plugins" rather than actual source code modifcations..but is that really important when SMF is not meant to house big unforeseen extensions like a CMS by nature does/should do?
Your own TinyPortal is indicative of the fact that, when people have built a community (Forum) then they need to start catering to that community.
Since not everything they need cannot be summed up as (or dismissed) as a topic, post, or thread, then something ELSE is needed.
You have 5000 members, you need more than a "sticky" you need a 'frontpage with the hilighted news item"
SMF has a "news fader", but it is woeful - its not even in a database, and again, thats where YOU fill that niche.
Obviously, if SMF evolves properly, TP and its ilk will become redundant. I can sense your disconnect there, but "but is that really important when SMF is not meant to house big unforeseen extensions like a CMS by nature does/should do?"
yes it is.
The lines are blurring all the time, while SMF should "do what it does best", "dont forget who brung you to the dance" and so on, making an arbitrary line in the sand as you describe and fearing to cross it does no good.
(gets on a MLK/Obama soapbox)
I have a dream, when CMS and Forum shall join hands (or at least, PHP code) to provide the best in community and text management, when a site is known, not just by the color of its skin (i.e. Template) but by the robustness of its forums.
When news items in SMF newsfader are not little one line blurbs, but actual NEWS that may be pulled from the calendar or from a news post, a dream where, I could assemble a complete SMF forum from a Flash .swf or even a .NET control and none would be the wiser, save for my link to http://simplemachines.org
