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Public area => The Pub => Plugins => Topic started by: Nao on July 12th, 2011, 05:22 PM

Title: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on July 12th, 2011, 05:22 PM
Considering the number of upcoming changes in the package system (and the fact that no single 'package' will work on SMF without a serious rewrite), we decided last year to rename the feature.
We settled on Add-ons, but a recent discussion made us reconsider the question. It is apparent that many, if not most SMF users call packages 'mods' and will continue to do so under Wedge. So it might make sense to use 'mods' to begin with.

Feel free to chip in!
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: spoogs on July 12th, 2011, 05:48 PM
Whats' the outcome of the discussion about whether or not code edits would be allowed?

I'm personally not in the least concerned about what things are 'officially' termed but the following comes to mind:
Plugins/Add-ons/Modules - adds new features/functions with minimal code edits (if any)[1]
Modifications/Hacks - adds new features/functions by modifying the code[2]
Tips & Tricks - just messes about with existing code without adding new features
 1. more like from the experienced modders
 2. more likely from the not so experienced modders or those still learning
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on July 12th, 2011, 05:53 PM
Quote
Whats' the outcome of the discussion about whether or not code edits would be allowed?
Good question. Officially, it's that I'm still trying to take on board all the feedback, toss it into a blender and figure out how to make something that works for everyone. I suspect the final answer will be that code edits will be allowed, but strongly discouraged.

But I'm agreeing with your definitions and it is the mods/hacks group I want to specifically target for reduction because experience suggests it causes more problems than it solves. (It does solve problems no other solution can, but when it's the prime solution, it causes more problems.)
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: spoogs on July 12th, 2011, 06:01 PM
I probably should have added this to the existing discussion but I'll stick it here for now.

[1]I think the code edits should be allowed but discouraged, reason is that it can be a stepping stone for those who dont understand hooks much or aren't as versed in fiding the ones they need. For example if a package is submitted[2] that mostly modifies code but it adds new features/functions and has no security issues it ahould be approved but noted to the mod author that there are ways to get it done without so many edits... so now it's up to that author to try and improve their work to plugin/add-on quality[3].
 1. I'm no coder/programmer by any means
 2. assuming there will be a review process of sorts
 3. at least that's my simplistic take on it
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on July 12th, 2011, 06:07 PM
Quote
reason is that it can be a stepping stone for those who dont understand hooks much or aren't as versed in fiding the ones they need
I see a problem in that logic, and it's the same reason I wanted to take them out: if you leave them in, people will use them even when there are better ways because it's what they're used to. People are still using edits when hooks can do the job better.

I'd rather 'encourage', with a cricket bat if necessary, them to do it more cleanly. On the other hand, that presumes that we're going to be doing an official panel review of mods before users get to see them, and I'd rather not go down that road if I can help it. Been there, learned from it - you can encourage users to do it better all you like but unless you flat out say "I will not approve that until you do x", mod authors don't. There is at least one - but probably more - mod out that I ended up totally rewriting because the mod author didn't understand the objection I rose to their work, but they refused to learn how to improve their work so afterwards they never submitted another mod.

What I can see happening is that I'll end up writing a ton of mods and so on. Only then I'll have to support them, argh.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on July 12th, 2011, 06:16 PM
Here's how I see it (I feel like I've said it already?):
- Authors can do what they want,
- Then they can upload their mod to wedge.org or whatever through a customized AeMe download system,
- Then users will vote on whether they like it or not...
- And a mention will appear in big red bold letters saying the mod is using file edits. This mention will either be added by user votes, flag (set by the team), or 'simply' by looking into the mod files and searching for anything that modifies the files.

The goal being to educate users into preferring a plugin-type mod, rather than a hack-type mod.
Of course, if a mod is all alone in its own category, whether it has file edits or not doesn't matter. But if it has file edits, and someone suddenly makes a similar mod without file edits, users will automatically switch to it. I think.

Ps: guys, could you elaborate on your votes? I did do it for my own :P
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: spoogs on July 12th, 2011, 06:20 PM
@ Arantor - Fair enough assessment and I agree, I was also of the mindset that if a modder submits a package with much edits and doesn't improve upon it by moving to fewer edits where possible and someone else[1] provides a cleaner package so be it.

:edit: Just seeing Nao's post and yeah that's more along the lines I was heading I guess.

 1. not necessarily you :P
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Road Rash Jr. on July 12th, 2011, 06:21 PM
I voted for add-on because they add to the functionality of wedge.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on July 12th, 2011, 06:30 PM
A module adds to the functionality, as well :p
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modular_programming
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Norodo on July 12th, 2011, 06:57 PM
Modules, like Drupal. It only makes sense.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Road Rash Jr. on July 12th, 2011, 07:02 PM
Quote from Nao/Gilles on July 12th, 2011, 06:30 PM
A module adds to the functionality, as well :p
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modular_programming[/quote]
 
Module Add-Ons
Module Modifications
Noun defined by verb.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Clara Listensprechen on July 12th, 2011, 07:43 PM
Packs works for me, because any given pack (compressed file) could be a modification, a module, an add-on or a plug-in, none of which are really the same thing.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on July 12th, 2011, 07:47 PM
Well... A modification is different yeah, but a module, an add-on and a plugin are the same to me. Potato potato ;)
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Alanthar on July 12th, 2011, 11:13 PM
Add-on.
Adding functionality on top of wedge without interrupting the core.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on July 12th, 2011, 11:55 PM
Okay, I've removed the least voted option (Modifications), and I'm asking you guys to make up your mind :P
It's hard to make a decision at that point, considering all of the three last options have as many votes (okay, Plugins has less, but it's my second best choice :P)
:edit: Enabled ability to change your vote.

@Alanthar: again, this... definition would apply to 'mods' and 'plugins' as well.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on July 12th, 2011, 11:58 PM
Plugin, to me, implies something less in-depth as far as expansion goes, that you just plug it in but the sum total of where the two meet is over a thin interface, much as you have the concept of motherboard and daughterboard[1]

I dislike mod because it has all the connotations I want to discourage. And really, add-on to me covers everything - there's no limit on scope, nor are we implying a semi-fixed classification to things. People do create avatar packs and smiley packs, and these are add-ons in a sense, but they're not mods (yet use the same interface)
 1. Yes, this is a real technical term.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Snape on July 13th, 2011, 12:19 AM
Call me a traditionalist, but 'mods' has been used in forum software for what seems like forever, so it has the most user-friendly sound to it.  Of course, wedge by design isn't meant to be a soft entry into the forum world, so maybe you want to break tradition...
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: godboko71 on July 13th, 2011, 12:24 AM
I like add-on because at this time, I would not say that the forum is modular in nature. To me Module would lean towards there being a basic core, and every real function would be a module (some might be core modules, but modules none the less.

Then again, I think plug-ins, add-on's, and modules are all vastly different things.

Plug-in: Normal a minor feature, might be added within an theme, skin, add-on, or module.
Add-on: A feature of any size that adds function to other parts of the system.
Module: A stand alone feature, that feature may hook, or otherwise interact with core, modules, add-ons, and or plug-ins.

To give this some examples, if SMF/Wedge where more modular in nature:

Core: Users/Roles/Base Permissions/Themes/Modules (the module for Modules)/Blocks/Authentication/Anything that would be common to almost all developments

Modules: Forum/Gallery(Which may be several modules in a modular setup)/Calendar/Stats/Helpdesk/Profiles/Social/Foot Notes/The list goes on

Add-ons: In a modular setup add-ons don't have a need to exist, they are either a template thing, a plug-in or a module

Plug-in: Editor/Only one I can think off off the top of my head.

Anyway I like Add-ons and voted that way :-P
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on July 13th, 2011, 12:26 AM
Quote
so it has the most user-friendly sound to it.
A term that indicates you have to modify files is the most friendly? I suppose it is one step up from hacks in that respect, but it's still a long way short of add-ons, plugins or even packages in that respect, IMHO.

I'd also note that there's a difference between being a soft entry, and being intuitive to use; we plan to be the latter, so that while it might seem steep, it needn't be *that* steep...

@godboko71: Nice summing up :)
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on July 13th, 2011, 12:35 AM
Pete, nothing says a module has to modify files. Even a mod as in modification doesn't carry that meaning in an absolute manner.

Perhaps my issue with addons is the dash. Or the fact that the French translation has nothing to do with the original name -- extension. Phonetically I mean. While mod is a popular term for French geeks.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on July 13th, 2011, 12:44 AM
Quote
Even a mod as in modification doesn't carry that meaning in an absolute manner.
The only contexts I've come across the term mod, as a noun and semi-implicitly as a verb are tracker mods, moderators and modifications - and in every case where the term 'mod' is used in the latter, it is to modify files. Yes, I know there's an equal association of mod->module as there is for mod->modification but I have yet to hear of anyone using mod->module in that context outside of this discussion. Drupal has modules - and they're explicit about calling them modules. WP has plugins. The reason: both systems encourage no file edits.
Quote
While mod is a popular term for French geeks.
And in what context is it popular? The single biggest example I'd come across prior to SMF was Garry's Mod, which is an altering extension to CoD.
Posted: July 13th, 2011, 12:44 AM

In other news, can I rename this 'the bikeshed thread'? :D
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Norodo on July 13th, 2011, 01:25 AM
GMod is a Half Life mod.

Then a Half Life 2 mod.

(http://i.imgur.com/z86En.jpg)

This is also a mod. Well two.  8-)
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on July 13th, 2011, 01:48 AM
I thought it was CoD. I don't get out much. But hopefully my point is well taken ;)
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Clara Listensprechen on July 13th, 2011, 01:51 AM
I voted for Mod.  What Snape said.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: spoogs on July 13th, 2011, 01:57 AM
I went ahead and went for Add-ons. After viewing this topic a few times I started making a few associations

Add-on strikes me as a more global term for adding on features.
Plugin strikes me as a type of add-on and further the type of add-on that makes minimal file edits.
Mod for module will mainly be taken as mod for modification especially by SMFers.
*A modification strikes me as a type of add-on as well, just 1 that adds new features by making file edits.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: live627 on July 13th, 2011, 07:52 AM
Add-ons. Because they add tothe forum.

Modules might even be shortened to mods. Plus it reminds me of Dream Portal.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on July 13th, 2011, 08:44 AM
Quote from live627 on July 13th, 2011, 07:52 AM
Add-ons. Because they add tothe forum.

Modules might even be shortened to mods. Plus it reminds me of Dream Portal.
Addon can remove, too.

Why would mods be a problem?

Tight race in here. I'm rooting for mods. Pete is rooting for addons. I feel like it's the fight of the century :^^;:
Posted: July 13th, 2011, 07:57 AM

Interesting pattern.

Look at the primary language of the voters for Addons. See...?
Cultural thing maybe?
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on July 13th, 2011, 12:59 PM
Seriously, 66% of Plugin voters aren't native English speakers, and a similar ratio for Mod voters.
On the other hand, at least 10 of the 14 Add-on voter are native English speakers. Maybe more (there's a limit to IP analysis :P)

So it makes me think the word 'add-on' is very natural to you guys, while non-English countries never use it, and prefer to use other words, like extensions, plugins or mods.
So my guess is that all of the Wedge translations will use another word as well.

Now the question would be -- what is the most UNIVERSALLY understood word to qualify a module/plugin/whatever, regardless of the DETAILS of the implementation?

I'd tend to say plugin but I'm not sure. Definitely not 'add-on'...
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: snoopy-virtual on July 13th, 2011, 01:28 PM
Quote from Nao/Gilles on July 13th, 2011, 12:59 PM
So it makes me think the word 'add-on' is very natural to you guys, while non-English countries never use it, and prefer to use other words, like extensions, plugins or mods.
Don't know, I am Spanish and I use add-ons. But of course maybe I am not a good example after so many years living in Scotland and all the time I was working with Americans and British in Tenerife. Maybe you have a point there.  :hmm:
Quote from Arantor on July 13th, 2011, 12:44 AM
In other news, can I rename this 'the bikeshed thread'? :D
As Norodo pointed out mods used to have motorbikes (see the photo) so they should have a bikeshed.  :lol:
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on July 13th, 2011, 01:30 PM
Quote
Maybe you have a point there.
*nods* I wouldn't be surprised if that were the reason, ultimately.
Quote
so they should have a bikeshed.
Not the context I meant ;)
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Norodo on July 13th, 2011, 01:34 PM
I have little doubt that add-on is understood by most people. I just find module to be a much nicer word. Modules make me think of little pieces of a puzzle, making a better whole, while add-on sounds like something superfluous, like a spoiler on a ricer.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on July 13th, 2011, 01:42 PM
Quote
while add-on sounds like something superfluous
Isn't that what a non-core feature is, by its nature?
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Norodo on July 13th, 2011, 01:46 PM
*shrug*

I like to think I'm not "pimping" my forums. I'm adding functionality. But this I guess is my own connotation

Oh and...

(http://i.imgur.com/bw11o.png)

TA DA. :D
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on July 13th, 2011, 02:28 PM
Let me guess, you're Colin and you like being surrounded by beautiful women :P

As for add-on, I wouldn't dare to criticize the word itself. It just doesn't sound right to me to start using a word that will eventually end up like 'package', i.e. not used at all in favor of 'mod' or 'plugin', but maybe that's just me.

At any rate, I launched this poll to gauge the public opinion on the matter. The numbers tell me to leave it be and not change anything (as everything is already an 'add-on' internally), but since half of our visitors disagree, I'll just... Leave the poll on until we reconsider the question (if we ever do.)
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: wizzle on July 13th, 2011, 02:45 PM
Mods >> modifies the core
Add-on >> might or might not
Plugin >> uses receptacles for power
Just the way I see it. ;)
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: billy2 on July 13th, 2011, 03:48 PM
Add-ons are adding to the core - its a no brainer.

Fk - sound like Peter Jones (Dragons Den)

Billy
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on July 16th, 2011, 10:12 AM
Just checking here... Even though I still respectfully disagree with the opinions posted here, what matters is the outcome of the poll. At 62%, I think add-on is a clear winner and I'll try to refrain from asking that question again :lol:
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: DoctorMalboro on July 16th, 2011, 02:10 PM
Plugins sounds more like something you add but it doesn't modify the core of the software. I think it's right to call it that way...
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: KaBo0M! on August 26th, 2011, 08:02 PM
Quote from wizzle on July 13th, 2011, 02:45 PM
Mods >> modifies the core
Add-on >> might or might not
Plugin >> uses receptacles for power
Just the way I see it. ;)
I agree with Wizzle

I missed the poll but I like add-ons simply because it is less confusing for people who are new to running forums or even posting on them.  Mods get confused as moderators and Plugins reminds me of the "plug-ins" "Plug it in Plug it in" commercial :P
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: ARG on August 27th, 2011, 06:37 AM
I say call them "Things that hopefully creators bother to update them for current versions of Wedge" but that's not on the list.   :eheh:

I also missed the poll but I agree that Add-Ons  would work just fine.  ;)
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: live627 on August 27th, 2011, 06:57 AM
Quote from ARG on August 27th, 2011, 06:37 AM
I say call them "Things that hopefully creators bother to update them for current versions of Wedge" but that's not on the list.   :eheh:
Update your shit or else! :niark:

 That is admittedly a big problem of SMF. Of course, Wedge addon authors would probably drop  their creations, since they'd like to hit and run, but one of Wedge's goals is to try to alleviate that problem by making them largely version independent. Or such is the plan...
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on August 27th, 2011, 10:17 AM
Quote
That is admittedly a big problem of SMF. Of course, Wedge addon authors would probably drop  their creations, since they'd like to hit and run
*shrug* Not our problem. I know I'll be beefing up our <insert extension-of-software name> repository though.
Quote
but one of Wedge's goals is to try to alleviate that problem by making them largely version independent. Or such is the plan...
Yes, that's the plan. File edits are still going to be fragile where used, but for the most part it should be possible to extend stuff without needing to keep up on maintenance.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on September 28th, 2011, 12:26 AM
So... Given that after months of discussion, I'm still unsure about the use of the word 'add-ons' and its variation(s) (addons), I'm relaunching the poll from scratch, with just two options this time.

Pete prefers add-ons but doesn't mind either way.
I prefer plugins because that's the word we use even when discussing add-ons --- and I prefer to see us use actual words to represent something, rather than a "target word" that nobody will use and everyone will replace with someone else. Just like it doesn't make sense for SMF to keep using the word "package" when everyone over there is saying "mod"...

I also like plugins because we made sure that plugins would never modify any Wedge files (except in some rare situations where no alternative solution is available). And plugins, to me, represent the easiness of enabling/disabling the things: you don't even have to install them in the first place... It's plug-and-play.

So, either plugin or add-on! Thanks!
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on September 28th, 2011, 01:00 AM
Yeah, an awful lot of the mechanics are set up around "enabling", which for non edit based work is generally just adding a few settings to the DB, which is really what we're talking about here.

Just for the record, the target word tossed about was "Wedgets", though "Wedgelets" crept in somewhere.

:edit: If you're wondering why we care, it's because we want to make the whole experience more meaningful for users, not just in terms of extending the core but how you interact with Wedge.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: spoogs on September 28th, 2011, 01:23 AM
Since we're polling again I'd rather go for Wedgets... I kinda like Wedgelets also but I'm associating that with hacks in my head for some reason.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: MultiformeIngegno on September 28th, 2011, 01:52 AM
+1 for wedgets, it's funny and rather.. clear!
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Cassiel on September 28th, 2011, 04:13 AM
Clear? The other two words are way more clear that "wedgets". With "wedgets" people have to make the association with "widgets" and even then IMO "widgets" isn't as widely used as "add-on" or "plugin".

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of using the word "wedgets", but in terms of practicality (which it seems is what Nao and Arantor are going for) the other two make more sense to use.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Jorin on September 28th, 2011, 07:18 AM
I totally agree, Cassiel. When using Wordpress for example a widget isn't the same as a plugin. So if a wedget will be a plugin, this is kind of  :huh: :hmm:
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on September 28th, 2011, 07:47 AM
I'd put my veto on Wedget. I suggested the name it's true. But it was only as a joke. We could use it for sidebar blocks or something but not to plugins. I can guarantee it won't be used in the end.

Btw votes were blocked. Sorry about that.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: billy2 on September 28th, 2011, 08:16 AM
Votes are blocked? I just did ?
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Jorin on September 28th, 2011, 08:23 AM
WERE blocked!  ;)
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: billy2 on September 28th, 2011, 08:27 AM
ahhh, its early  :lol:

...... and agree the hyphen needs to go
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: MultiformeIngegno on September 28th, 2011, 11:42 AM
@Cassiel: wow, then I'm ultra smart!
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on September 28th, 2011, 02:39 PM
Interesting to see the current split in the poll. I haven't voted, specifically to avoid biasing things, but it does seem to reflect what Nao had already observed before about the split between folks that prefer plugins and folks that prefer add-ons.

And yes, WP plugins != widgets, a WP widget is the equivalent of a template block in the skeleton here. A WP plugin may add, or display as, a widget.

In our terms, it's much the same, and for the same reason.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Drunken Clam on September 28th, 2011, 04:15 PM
Of the two choices, I've gone for add-ons.[1]
 1. Although I will still refer/think to/of them as 'Extensions', whatever they end up being called!  :ph34r:
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on September 28th, 2011, 05:11 PM
Quote from Arantor on September 28th, 2011, 02:39 PM
Interesting to see the current split in the poll. I haven't voted, specifically to avoid biasing things, but it does seem to reflect what Nao had already observed before about the split between folks that prefer plugins and folks that prefer add-ons.
Yes... For those who didn't follow: I made the suggestion that native English speakers tended to prefer 'add-ons', while non-native speakers preferred 'plugins'.
The reason is probably that 'add-ons' is the 'correct' word to define these, but that it doesn't ring much of a bell to anyone who doesn't speak English on a daily basis.
It would be okay if Wedge was available from the start in 150 languages, but it won't be the case. Many non-native English speakers will be using the English version for that reason, and that includes modders as well. I think they'd like it best if they could call functions like loadPluginSomething() instead of loadAddonSomething() because that would be easier for them to remember.
Also, the various 'major' folders in Wedge have universal names: 'Sources', 'Themes', 'avatars'... ('attachments' not so much, but then again that's why I've renamed it to 'files' and was thinking of 'uploads' as well.) Uploading plugins to an Addons folder would possibly be a bit more confusing than to a Plugins folder. Things like that...

Now, I suppose it depends on how many Wedge users have English as their main language.
Right now, it looks like it's a 50/50.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on September 29th, 2011, 12:10 AM
20 votes - most of our regular voters. We'll hardly get to more than 30 votes on this poll so I'm assuming the results are quasi-final, with a (very!) short victory for 'plugins'.
So basically, it confirms what I said before, and we're going to have a war between English and non-English speakers :P

Would like Pete's opinion on my post above.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on September 29th, 2011, 12:24 AM
I tend to agree about distribution, that the number of people using Wedge, with English being, or not being, first language. I also agree with the logic about users who don't have English as their first language being able to acclimatise to Wedge having 'plugins', especially as other software has it and that it is, therefore, a consistent term - far more than add-on is ever likely to be.

That covers non-English users, but for English-first-language people, add-on might be more logical but plugin is certainly more consistent with other software and as such more likely to be understood by users of other software.

For first time users, though, I'd argue add-on is probably more approachable than plugin, which is why I went with that originally, but all things considered, I think you're probably right to be championing plugin.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on September 29th, 2011, 12:58 PM
Well, as per Wikipedia's definitions --
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_(computing)
Plugins (or Plug-ins :lol:) are considered to be the small software that adds features, while add-ons (or addons :P) are considered to 'include' plugins, themes and other elements that can be added to it, so basically you don't *have* to stop calling them 'add-ons', I think it's really up to anyone's taste...

The idea is that we offer an add-on area (which we'll have to name eventually, with a po... Sorry :P), which offers themes to download, as well as plugins. That's what SMF calls 'Modifications' on their website, except it should be 'packages' if they were faithful to their terminology... :P

So, basically, loadAddonSomething() should be loadPluginSomething() because that's really something for plugins only, not for themes. In a sense, we can (and should) find a clear line between plugins and addons. Both words have their space in Wedge and that's what the poll seems to be saying. :)

PS: add-on might be more 'approachable', but don't forget that the first target for add-ons is *webmasters*, and they're rarely complete noobs :)
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on September 29th, 2011, 04:02 PM
Go on, then, yo've convinced me to rebadge things as plugins as far as new functions go :P

As long as we get away from 'mods', though.
Quote
PS: add-on might be more 'approachable', but don't forget that the first target for add-ons is *webmasters*, and they're rarely complete noobs
You are kidding, right? A tour of duty in the SMF support boards teaches you that most people running forums are not web masters how you and I would know the definition and most of them, honestly, don't even seem to know how to read instructions first - or, more infamously, will go round, tick boxes in admin, then wonder why it doesn't work how they expected. The number of people who write in with "it was working fine, then I did something and it changed it to <something> and now I don't know how ti fix it", especially with query less URLs (index.php/topic,1.0.html format), or ordering posts to have newest first.

This is why I assume user stupidity first and wait to be convinced otherwise.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on September 29th, 2011, 10:36 PM
(Started renaming add-ons manually. Will finish tomorrow... Hopefully. Busy day ahead IRL.)
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on September 29th, 2011, 10:40 PM
Easy way to do it is to match addon without the hyphen, since any reference without the hyphen can be substituted wholesale (especially if you're going to make it plugins/ rather than Plugins/)
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on September 29th, 2011, 10:47 PM
Nope ;)
'an add-on' = 'a plugin'
So I'd rather do the changes manually. No more than 500 so it should be fine.
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on September 29th, 2011, 10:49 PM
Where is it used without a hyphen in the language files then? Last I saw, any use without a hyphen was internal...
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on September 29th, 2011, 10:58 PM
I think I've seen a couple.

Bed time!
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on September 29th, 2011, 11:02 PM
Go to bed,
Go to bed,
Go to bed, devel'per Nao... *insert music*
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: MultiformeIngegno on September 30th, 2011, 10:19 AM
Lol :D
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Nao on September 30th, 2011, 10:40 AM
I know that me saying 'bed time' all the time has everyone laughing, but I like doing that because it means "if you're waiting for an answer -- go to bed, too!"
Title: Re: [Naming poll] Packages
Post by: Arantor on September 30th, 2011, 10:47 AM
Heh, well as it happened I went to bed uncharacteristically early last night (11pm as opposed to my usual 2am)