osCommerce Usage Poll at osC University

[jpf]

I agree with mudding up the waters with YET another forum. We have NEVER squashed a COMMENT weather good nor BAD about Zen or CRE Loaded (or others). I know at least one "CRE" core person actually praised what we did and had ADDED so much in. But they have gone some what commercial and both Zen and CRE has changed there code such that adding in many other "base" contributions is nearly imposable or needs a complete re-write. These two at least are true FORKS as they have not included any of the original code changes/updates in years and have dome MAJOR rewites. Where as WE keep as close to the original code as possible and have included updates that they have released. However we are in a holding pattern on MS2 compatibility - simply for the fact that is what MOST of the existing contributions are based on.


I am not saying that your idea is good or bad. If you feel it will fill a void - GREAT & GOOD LUCK! Just make sure there is a void that needs filling.

PS: We always need people to add to the Wiki/Documents or help with question here!

[met00]

I agree, we need to expand on what we have here. That is one of the key reasons I play here.

I personally hate wiki's (I know they save a great deal of time in re-answering the same questions over and over, but they don't allow for the ebb and flow of cross communication), but if someone were to go through the forums and just grab the gems, they would have a great wiki.

[michael_s]

While I do agree that we (I mean we osCMax die-hards) need to expand this site and make it better, there are things that don't fit in the framework built here. Or someone has an idea and they want to run the show on their own site to see what they can do.

I remember the exact same objections back when I started the precursor to this site. What could we possibly add to the discussion? Wasn't there already a huge osCommerce forum? Wouldn't it dilute the quality of discussion? The answer to all those questions some 8 years later is a resounding No.

The important thing to remember is that osCMax.com did not just repeat the same discussion, it took the discussion in a new direction that was not happening, and even taboo, at the original site.

I look at the argument against creating new sites as counter to the basic idea of the internet. New web sites, doing things in new ways, or even the same way but better (or worse in many cases!), is what the internet is all about. There are just too many people out there who like doing things their own way to stop that train. While it can be overwhelming, the fact is that more discussion is always better, whether in a single place or spread across many sites. It's not like you have to actually walk to the different site. A click and you are there. If the site is good, it will become worth your time to visit. If it isn't you will not bother with it and neither will anyone else.

Would I love to have someone with the energy to create their own site join the community and pitch in here instead? Damn Right! But I also know that sometimes you just gotta do it your way!

New osC related sites always stimulate my creativity, energy and motivation. Whether a new site is a flash in the pan, or something more substantial, only time will tell.