I like the idea, even if I wouldnt really benefit from it. Some type of nice 'perk' would be nice.

However I wouldnt make it based on number of releases, but rather number of installs over a period of time (say 1 year) to prevent people flooding .org with cruddy hacks just for a cookie.

I agree that in theory the main reason for the creation of the Advanced and Master Coders was purely probally to create a sense of acheivement within the vb.org community, which, i feel admitly contains the bulk of active vBulletin "modifiers" - and therefore to be recognized, even if it is just through a Custom Title would be an appropriate distinction and against other users. Although it would be nice to provide them with additional incentives to help encourage more people to take up coding and develop the overall "value" of modifications posted i feel it would only end up creating more segregation and discontent between those coders who feel they deserve some sort of recognition or "prize", and those whom obtain the position contriversally or perhaps undeservedly in the eyes of the community.

And besides some sort of vBulletin themed award isnt going to attract many, especially considering how these guys are coders therefore will already have access to a copy of vBulletin in order to publish their work. Although, with the possible introduction of this new Commercial Modifications Directory it would be interesting to see perhaps Advanced and Master coders have their commercial modifications some how emphasised against others. Although of course this would just link back into how perhaps encouraging, or even acknowleding the process of commericalising modifications could lead to an overall reduction in the quality of work published for free at vb.org with coders resulting in wanting to (and rightly so) get something in return for their hard work and support provided.

Yeah it would be a nice idea to have some sort of strict critea with which could be automatically applied to any user who surpasses a total value of, for example, 1,000 installs would become an Advanced Coder, and 1,500 to become a Master Code. (Of course these values are mere generalizations and i myself dont have that much of an idea as to the overall consensus of what constitutes a successful hack, therefore this could be adjusted accordingly to decide "install" milestones)

There are such levels as far as I know. The staff won't say what they are however to stop people begging/spamming for installs etc.

That said, I guess I'll have to do at least a couple more myself to get such a title :(

I agree - If there was that kind of reward, I'd definatly be more inclined to produce more :)

I dont see why these sort of levels should be kept secret, i mean if someone can beg their way to 1,000 installs, (let alone 100) they surely must deserve some recognition of some sort :nervous: . I personally only install programs i am either running or interested in keeping up with modification developments and updates - i would assume the majority of users here would do likewise, therefore i doubt the minority left will have any great impact in influencing install counts, or else HoTM polls would be fixed each month too.

Perhaps tying this in with the commercial hacks idea. Advanced/Master coders get to post commercial hacks, maybe?

I've never understood the reason for keeping the levels secret. You cannot force people to install something. I personally think a few more levels would be nice, or a display similar to the reputation display, but based on hacks/installs. :)

not good... some commercial coders never participate in the forum, so they would need to "spam" the forum before being able to post their own commercial tools, and this is not good.

keep the coder level to something, and the content released on a different path...

I like the private forum idea for AC and MC's. :)

i vote YES.......because Vbulletin would not have too much advantage over all the free boards if it was not for the hard work and the extra's you guys are making