Require "install" in order to download a modification?
 

This is a modification currently present on www.vbhackers.com, and it is really a good way of ensuring that coders recieve an accurate install count.

Perhaps if you are concerned about excess email notifications from hacks, you could create an additional "opt-in" checkbox for hack email updates.

*throws 2 cents into the well*

That doesn't make sense ...
if you are going to "require" Install to download why not just count the downloads? :confused:

Well, some people do re-download the mod 2-3 times or more :o

And it does count on it

We won't force people to click install. The point of the install feature is allow people to keep record of the modification they physically install on their boards.

There are many times when I download a modification to look at the code - I haven't installed the modification on my forum and I don't want my records to show I have installed that modification.

We've incorporated the AJAX install/uninstall feature so that if you want to signify that you've installed the modification you can do so without a page refresh. :)

One could always click "uninstall" after downloading. ;)

I suppose that it is really unnecessary to make it required. My reasoning was just that it would allow for an accurate list of all users whom are using the modification which would be useful both for accurate install counts and notification in the event of security flaws. With AJAX forcing the click of the "install" button wouldn't be that big of a deal.

But, as I said, I definitely see your viewpoint on the subject. It is far more userfriendly to not require it.


And in response to Shazz and Princeton:

Perhaps I was not entirely clear in my post. My suggestion was to require the clicking of the Install button before the download link was made available. All "installed" hacks would have their download links available, if a user were to download a hack more than once the install count would not go up only the download count. (vbhackers.com has this system active if you are unclear and care enough to check it out lol)

We have also considered sending a one time reminder (after a period of time) to someone who has downloaded a mod for the first time, but not marked it as installed, inviting them to do so, just in case they forgot.

Oh, I was not aware that you currently kept a list of all users whom have downloaded a specific hack.

Another perspective ...
When I upgrade to a newer version I generally don't go back and click uninstall of previous versions as it diminishes actaul installs reflective of that version.

Maybe others do.

I don't mean to continue advocating for my little suggestion, but it really would not be necessary to click uninstall on previous versions unless the thought of possibly recieving a hack-update/security-alert email was unimaginably appauling to the user.

For many reasons we do not force an Install on a member that downloads a modification. We have no plans to change this.

I LOVE it.... i downloaded a couple hacks from here, and didnt click install.... but i was having some cache problems and all my files were corrupt.

Because i didnt click install i couldnt easily remember and find the hacks that needed to be replaced once i got the problem solved.

that reminder would have helped :)

my point is the same can be done by modifying the attachment download function(s) ... if you are going to require it you might as well do it for them

Good point. :) I see what you were trying to say now.