Re: [Release] MODS For Icy Phoenix Beta.
Start a Beta Forum so that all the Beta and RC threads can be kept out of the Support forums for the current stable version. And emphasise in red the limit of response that people can expect to get, then maybe people will realise what a Beta is and stop trying to run it live.
Well, me and you have a very different approach.
I believe that what is an user issue SHOULD not be transformed in extra job for me, and extra time drained away from this project.
It is clearly stated this:
Support
Regarding the support for beta, I'll quote phpBB beta release statement:
Acyd Burn wrote:
During the beta phase a minimal level of support will be given. We will provide answers to general setup questions, configuration problems and support for determining common problems mostly related to bugs. We will not support modifications, custom code/style additions or any users using the beta packages within a live environment.
For some support questions or bug reports we may ask you to re-install the beta, clean tables in the database, purge data or other actions which are not advised to do in a live environment. So please be aware that you are still on your own if you run the beta in such an environment.
Beginning with the release candidates full support will be given.
But as you know users don't like reading such kind of things... and even if I write it in RED on top of each forum, or I ban everyone is asking support for the beta, would not prevent new users to ask. What is the benefit of it then?
We need a trade-off and during my several year in supporting communities and project I just realized that the Staff (unless you have a really "wide based" Staff with 24/7 coverage) should put the minimum efforts towards these kind of users.
You cannot change some users attitude... there is no way. That is my believe... so if they don't read announcements and few basic rules, you cannot expect they are willing to read something extra. Let them ask... and let me don't answer. This is my "motto".
Again regarding extra subforums... creating extra places dedicated to the beta could lead some people to think in this way: "If there is a special place for the beta, then I'm allowed to ask there...".
Well... the answer is no.
I'll let anyone write here in the general support forum, hoping that a good subject is posted... if users are willing to write good subjects, it is more likely that I will read the post and maybe give them support... otherwise I won't ban them or ask them to rewrite their topics. I don't have to waste my time with such kind of things... and the Staff as well.
Banning, or answer "read the rule" or "use search" is a time waste as well. And time is a precious resource which is becoming even more precious because we are lacking of Staff members here.
The fact that I'm using my time for this answer now [consider that English is not my language, and writing these kind of posts (where it is necessary not being misunderstood) requires a lot of time for me] demonstrates that I do care for users like you which are giving something back to the community... you are giving back for free, as you have received for free. This is the only way I can thank you for your contribution to this project.
I hope you now understand a little more on my way of managing this project. I do not pretend you to agree on my point... I just wanted you to know that my way to act is based upon past experience and so many time given away for free. Yes, I also received some money contributions, and I thanks everyone for those, but I can assure that I'm just covering the expenses of this project with those money... no extra gain.
I still really trust open source.
PS: I hope you like the KISS system - Not necessary - But should help to prevent most if not all installations errors.
Yes, I like it. Nice idea.