idea for a pinned thread for mods are orphaned/modder is quitting

[kelticpete]

[FYI: the concept of abandonware is in this link here | Quick definition: Abandonware is a product, typically software, ignored by its owner and manufacturer, and for which no product support is available. Although such software is usually still under copyright, the owner may not be tracking or enforcing copyright violation.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

I have been kicking around the concept of a pinned thread for mod authors to post when they officially decided they no longer have time to work on a mod or have decided to move on, with the idea that

other people can contact them about taking over the mod. (EDIT: this means that the mod author is stating they WANT someone to take it over.)

 

This is what I think happens:

 

Someone gets pumped about modding. If they find they have a gift/knack it quickly can become popular. They are now busy and have fans. This is cool but a responsibility. Eventually some of them will:

 

a) Realize they are good at modding but don't want to do it

b) Like modding but don't like to deal with negative feedback or whatever, for social reasons get tired of modding

c) Love modding but get Significant other, new job, school change, etc that means they no longer have the time

d) For other reason they just no longer have time

 

Modders tell themselves "Hey I will get back to it." They see posts asking about updates but don't answer or answer but then two years later nothing has happened.

 

I can't tell you how many threads I have seen where a mod author replies to requests for updates with "I plan on doing this soon." and I see the post was made in 2012 and that was his/her last post.

 

Perhaps subconscious anxiety keeps former modders from going to forums and answering or dealing with their old mods, in my opinion lets not debate. Others might not care.

 

But I think that this happens largely because there is currently no mechanism/protocol for what do when a modder decides to quit a mod.

 

If a modder has formed ties to other modders or has modder fans, then sometimes a modder volunteers to take on mod. But often that does not happen.

 

If we created a PINNED THREAD for modders to announce they are leaving their mod up and will allow other people to take it over, then I think some people's favorite old mods will be able to continue on.

 

Is this a silly idea? Comments? Feedback? Flames? :pirate:

Edited March 8, 2014 by kelticpete

[alienzerox]

you mean carry on where they left off? ... you would still need permissions from the original author to be able to do that...

[kelticpete]

Maybe I was unclear.

 

My whole suggestion is that the pinned thread is for the mod authors themselves to post to about the mods they are deciding to quit/leave.

 

Edit: I read my post and somehow half it was missing.

 

my bad.

Edited March 8, 2014 by kelticpete