Suggestions for optimal Modification Management

[Marco van Herwaarden]

From the "Send Update" page:

Send a mail to all Users which have installed this Hack
Update info:

This is ONLY to be used to send hack update infos. No advertising, spam or other problematic text is allowed.

And still we get at regular intervals complaints from members that the update mails are being used to advertise commercial products.

Only posting this to show that it is not only a hypothetical problem.

[Revan]

Personally I don't see a need for knowing who clicked. I'd take a high number of install clicks over seeing who actually did it any day.
It could be useful for some hacks that has a specific ToS tho, like Marco's PM-something whatever hack that stated that you had to leave the "admins can read your pms" or whatnot notice in there. They would benefit from being able to monitor boards using the hack.

[Marco van Herwaarden]

Good example of where it could be usefull, but i guess that it wouldn't be the case for 95% of the hacks. (and though usefull for the author, i doubt my (as a coder) interest would weight enough to change this.

[The Geek]

The privacy argument is kind of moot when you consider that anyone that did click install and posted in the thread will easily be identified by the author - thus allowing them to spam, exploit, or whatever.
So to protect yourself it seems like we should never click install and never don't post in the thread!

My final point being - if you need to keep your download a secret: don't download it! There are always going to be tripes that abuse things. However you can't line the world in bubble wrap just in case someone falls down (though a world lined in bubble wrap would be a hoot).
Ban the buggers that don't follow the rules. If it's a blatant spam using the notification email system - ban them for 2 weeks (or whatever).

That is how you ultimately prevent people from taking the piss.

[Marco van Herwaarden]

Originally Posted by The Greek

Ban the buggers that don't follow the rules. If it's a blatant spam using the notification email system - ban them for 2 weeks (or whatever).

We have currently one under investigation. If we find that the report by a member is correct, and the update has been used for advertising only, we will ban that author for 2 weeks and redirect any complaints to you. Ok?

[Boofo]

Originally Posted by The Geek

The privacy argument is kind of moot when you consider that anyone that did click install and posted in the thread will easily be identified by the author - thus allowing them to spam, exploit, or whatever.
So to protect yourself it seems like we should never click install and never don't post in the thread!

But what about those members that click install and don't post in the thread? Like you said, posting members the author can see anyway, but there are a lot of members who download hacks and never post in the thread.

[The Geek]

Hence the reason for my double negative statement:

So to protect yourself it seems like we should never click install and never don't post in the thread!

While a lesson in shoddy grammar, the point still remains. If the primary purpose for hiding a downloaders name was to protect them from an impromptu coder dropping by your house with a bag full of Amway product, then why not extend the courtesy of protecting those that actually posted? Hence the reason its a moot (I am oddly attracted to that word) argument.

Attachment 47667
"Protect or Do not protect. There is no try."

Its actually absurd anyway. If you are so freaked by it - don't download it. Don't put rules in place for 'what may just happen'. Heck, you shouldn't let anyone even upload anything to the site. A modification you downloaded here could possible make 1-900 number telephone calls on your behalf when you're not looking! THE HORROR!

Anyway. I'm really making a mess out of my point now. So ill meander along. I really could give a rats walnut about it - I just have a bizarre habit of standing up against something if I think its odd, freaky or unfair.

@Marco - I'd be happy to have them here.

Thanks!

[Bhuwan]

bug tracker!

[uae]

Originally Posted by Bhuwan

bug tracker!

A bugtracker is a ticket tracking system that is designed especially to manage problems (software bugs) with computer programs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bug_Tracker

A mini bugtracker for every mod release.

[Paul M]

I have (a number of times) asked to be able to see who installed a hack, and also when - as this indicates what version they downlaoded - very important for support purposes.

Like anything else - if you make it known that the author of the hack can view a list of who installed it, 99% of people are just not going to care (I'd bet a fair few already think you can ) - those that do care can click uninstall.

The spaming of users from a list of names is a non starter - the only way you could do that is via PM, five at a time - that would be more effort than most people would be willing to put in, and not hard to spot.