Adopt a hack forum?
 

Would it be feasible to establish a forum (public or private) for Coders who wish to retain credit for their original code, but who no longer wish to continue upgrading or developing their hack? A forum where other coders could reply via pm to "adopt" their hack? And with mutual consent the second coder be added as a "Supporter / Co-author"?

Please give this some serious consideration as this is a serious suggestion (not a criticism). I love vB.org! And I only wish for it to continue to grow and evolve.

Thanks.

This is quite a good idea actually.

What would also be nice:
If the supporters/co authors could edit the hack aswell, or atleast the hack info and attachments :)

I don't think there is an overwhelming demand for this. If people want to join as a co-author could they not just contact the author privately :)?

While it is a nice idea, it would have to be done in a way such that the original author explicitly gives terms of use for the code and modifications and that they are enforced. Both of those are not likely to happen.

If the forum was set up like the paid mod section, the negotiations would remain private. That way a the coders could reach a mutual agreement. There would be nothing to enforce because credit for the original work would remain and the person adopting the hack given credit as "support or co-author".

I have every sympathy with coders who for whatever reason decide they are "done" with a particular hack. But, why should their hacks become obsolete when others might be willing to carry on with them?

The present method lacks the ability for these nice people to "hook up".

Dean C, the idea is to give the original coder a way to attract attention to hacks they wish to turn over to someone else ... a way to "bow out" gracefully ... and with the knowledge that their work will be carried on by someone they trust.

As a "consumer" of hacks, I would LOVE to see something like this!

It would make me feel all warm and cozy about installing a hack. It would be just, oh so peachy!

Right now, I have to worry if tomorrow the hack author gets hit by a bus, and no one will pick it up.

With such a database, there would be a very clear list of hacks, showing activity, when was last updated... wait... sounds just like sourceforge.net!!! Yeah baby! THAT would be nice.. A sourceforge style DB of mods/hacks with activity level AND the option to contact authors of abandoned codes!

Whoa, libertate!

I love your enthusiasm ... but, since we're dealing with change here ... let's keep the notion of baby steps in mind so the powers that be don't blow the whole notion out of the water because it's too complex.

PM the hack author and offer to take over its development. :)

That only works if the author is actually still around.

Why ask for site feedback when the most anyone ever gets as a response is a defense of the status quo?

Respecfully, Erwin, do you not feel the present system could be improved?