FREE vB licenses for Hack/Mod creators

[Razasharp]

I totally agree Amy, you see Jelsoft have the best of both worlds because this way, they benefit from all the hacks on vb.org yet on the other hand wash their hands of them by saying they do not support hacks, and then point everyone here when people ask for increased functionality.

Peoples needs are changing too - gone are the days where people simply bolt-on a forum to a static html site. Nowadays people want myspace functionality, directories/photos/communities etc.

I think there is a void in the market and if forum software producers are not careful it will be filled by a 3rd party, but not only will it fill the void, it will take the forum market with it.

Hacks are adding some (but not all) of the functionality people need. I really really think coders need motivation, support and real incentives to continue doing what they do, and if possible some 'new' incentives may make them go a little further...

As I have said many times, I'm not having a go at Jelsoft, the staff at vb.com (and in particular Jake) has been a huge help to me, and I feel very loyal because of it - all I am trying to do highlight some very important issues which I feel deserve real consideration, for the benefit for all those involved, and in particular, to those that have the most to lose.

[Revan]

Originally Posted by amykhar

You have to understand that there is a lot more to releasing here than just posting code. The support requirments can be overwhelming. So, while I'm never going to say to Jelsoft "reward me or I'll stop sharing", I wouldn't tell them they were off the mark if they were to consider some sort of a reward to entice the serious coders back and to keep them here.

Truth.
Not only the above, but finding motivation and inspiration to do free work on here (which can sometimes be very unrewarding) is equally as hard.
Call me a greedy bastard but I have yet to see anyone code and release a large scale mod for free, and being completely selfless about it.

[Regs]

You're a greedy bastard.

Check out some of Tamarian's releases here for a start.

[EricaJoy]

I agree with this and would support it monetarily if .com wouldn't do it themselves. I think coders that have mods with 200+ installs should get some sort of reward for their efforts. Generally those tend to be the best and most supported modifications so they are helping vbulletin.com in the long run. I know if this site didn't exist and the coders didn't exist, I'd sell my vb license and switch back to phpbb in a heartbeat. Coders efforts rarely get much but a HOTM badge at the most and visibility in the vb community. 30% off license renewal? Chump change IMO. .com should consider themselves lucky if thats the only reward they would ever have to give the people that put in lots of effort to making THEIR product better.

[Razasharp]

Originally Posted by Revan

Truth.
Not only the above, but finding motivation and inspiration to do free work on here (which can sometimes be very unrewarding) is equally as hard.
Call me a greedy bastard but I have yet to see anyone code and release a large scale mod for free, and being completely selfless about it.

Apart from the odd exception perhaps?.. but why should they? It's not as though vB is open source where producers and coders have a common belief to do it for(free).

As a community we are very grateful to the coders who do do this for free. But. Most of us can see 'well I can understand some of them being reluctant to realease free hacks?' when someone else is profitting from 'their' work.

People can call me a greedy bastard as well if they want, but I wouldn't do work for free to make another company money. I might do it 'just' to help other members of my community for their own sites (as in an open source situation) or I might charge people to use any large hacks (as do many people - just look at the gallery add-ons etc)

Can you see that the situation is different? 'free' Coders aren't just helping community members, but are also helping Jelsoft make more money (in a fairly substantial way, adding value to their product). All I am saying is I hope Jelsoft can recognise this and reward them for their efforts - it will not only encourage more people to do the same but in the long term go towards ensuring vB is still number one months/years from now

[Logikos]

Amy and Razasharp bring up some very nice points. I've been slacking with releasing code work cause I don't have the inspiration as I used to. The only thing I can see going sour is. A coder releases a great hack. 1000+ installs, and is supporting it very well. Jelsoft gives that coder a % off his yearly fee. Once they do that, this wonderfull coder is no longer around now?

I see alot of people coding, getting something out of it, and leaving.

[Razasharp]

Originally Posted by Live Wire

Amy and Razasharp bring up some very nice points. I've been slacking with releasing code work cause I don't have the inspiration as I used to. The only thing I can see going sour is. A coder releases a great hack. 1000+ installs, and is supporting it very well. Jelsoft gives that coder a % off his yearly fee. Once they do that, this wonderfull coder is no longer around now?

I see alot of people coding, getting something out of it, and leaving.

But in all fairness, it still was worthing something to Jelsoft... and thats the hack itself. That was released and people installed and will continue to install.

I do see your point but there has to be a balance somewhere. Maybe they/you get something after a number of hacks? The details could always be worked out later

[Logikos]

Well I guess thats what we call a business. Can't make everyone happy. Though I hope someone rewarding is done, it would keep me interested in coding more often for the community. Its a drag supporting all your work, everyday, updating, recoding new work, porting, more supporting, testing...ect...

[Paul M]

I have to say that there are days that I wonder why I bother releasing anything, because at the end of it all you get nothing useful for all the time you spend supporting things. :alien:

Yes, some get to sit at the top of the hottest hacks for a while - and theres that little warm glow as your 7000th install gets clocked up, or you fix the umpteenth broken flashchat installation, but that's about it really. Sadly, it doesn't put food on the table. :lick:

I guess I must just be mad. :banana:



Gee, I'm so depressed now ........ and still another 7+ hours at work

[Logikos]

I feel the same way Paul. I argue with myself if I should release this hack I made.