[spence2]

I think we are all agreed about protecting the rights of the hackers (bless 'em!).

The flaw is in the process in place here. Obviously, there are fundamental and complex changes in the coding from vB2 to vB3. Most hacks will not "port" without extensive re-designing. This being the case, there should be a standardized method for the vB2 hackers to grant or deny permission.

Would anyone else agree that a reasonable time period could be established for the "owners" of vB2 hacks to announce their intentions via this forum? Emails change. PM's assume the person still lingers. And, obviously, there are some people who are intensely interested in one piece of software for a limited amount of time...hack it...move on and honestly couldn't "give a rip!"

If we assume that a forum announcement could be posted in this community, then those who respond that they wish to port their own hacks could have those hacks placed in the Beta section. That way, everyone would know.

Those who failed to respond would remain the owners of their vB2 hacks. But, having been given fair notice and adequate time to respond, I think a logical conclusion would be that they are disinterested. And so, those hacks could then be opened for collaborative efforts. A standardized way of creditiing the original coder would not be that hard to implement.

All it takes is a little organization here to standardize and expedite the process in a fair manner to all.

I'm sure others could come up with a better system than what I have proposed...but, any system would be better than the current "no system at all."