Instead of generating a special plugin for every possible scenario and request, I've created a special plugin which allows Symbiostock to quickly assimilate (or infuse) code snippets for fast upgrades and improvements. In some cases it can even be used for temporary patching and bug fixes!

[SEE PLUGIN HERE]

Example: I've recently received a request to allow search results to show more images per page.

In just a short amount of time  I was able to create the code snippet to make this possible:
http://www.symbiostock.com/change-posts-per-page-symbiostock-genetics-lab-snippet/

I'm using this snippet, and search results on my site display 96 per page:
 http://www.clipartillustration.com/?s=cute&submit=Search&post_type=image


Using the Symbiostock Genetics Lab (endearingly named because I just love biology references ) we can plug this snippet in real quick and get the desired effect.

Now arguably I could put this into a theme upgrade, and perhaps in time I will, but its much much easier for me to just hand out the codez . Then when I get to it I can implement it to the theme. Not every request or upgrade should be sold as a plugin either...that will just get messy.

But in many cases people will have unique needs, so I can quickly develop fast solutions for them (paid or not) and they can take the code and implement it. I can post these snippets online for others who wish to benefit.

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I hope to build a little "infusions" library which are implemented this way - fetched online and easily plugged in.

This will be very helpful in speeding Symbiostock progress as the other developers may enjoy using this interface for testing as well.

You may wonder if this will cause more issues.

If you have command line access (quite likely you do) this plugin validates code before its written. If its broken, it will refuse to write it. The only other chances for crashes is if the code is badly written - so implement wisely. The snippets I provide will generally be well tested and safe. Same with AJT and no doubt PLRANG who use PHP.

Generally the more elaborate features will come as plugins, which are pretty and multi-featured. But small modifications will most always be handed out through the Genetics Lab plugin.

This was quite fun to make!

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CHANGE POSTS PER PAGE IN SEARCH RESULTS
http://www.symbiostock.com/change-posts-per-page-symbiostock-genetics-lab-snippet/

<?php
function gl_setposts_infusion(){
function gl_mod_search( $query ) {
global $network_search;
//$network_search = get_query_var('symbiostock_network_search');
if($network_search != true && !is_admin()){
$per_page = get_option('gl_posts_per_page', 24);
$query->set('posts_per_page', $per_page);
return;
}
}
add_action( 'pre_get_posts', 'gl_mod_search', 10);
}
add_action( 'after_setup_theme', 'gl_setposts_infusion' );

function gl_set_post_results(){
wp_verify_nonce('gl_setposts_action');
if(isset($_POST['gl_set_post_results'])){
if(is_numeric($_POST['gl_set_post_results']))
update_option('gl_posts_per_page', trim($_POST['gl_set_post_results']));
}
?>
<form method="post" action="">
    <?php wp_nonce_field('gl_setposts_action'); ?>
        <label for="gl_set_post_results">Set number of search results per page:
            <input id="gl_set_post_results" name="gl_set_post_results" type="text" value="<?php echo get_option('gl_posts_per_page', 24); ?>" />
        </label>
        <input name="set_results" class="button" type="submit" value="SET" />
</form>
<?php
}
add_action( 'gl_custom_actions_after', 'gl_set_post_results' );
?>


SPLIT COMPOUND KEYWORDS FOR PRESENT SEARCH SYSTEM
http://www.symbiostock.com/split-compound-keywords-into-individual-ones-temporary-search-aid/

(Saves backup keywords so you can revert when new database is implemented)
The "Split" command shows up right under the Genetics Lab panel.
<?php
//this script splits compound keywords into individual ones, 
//allowing our present (limited) search engine to find keyword combinations better.
//it also saves a backup in post meta, so you can revert when you upgrade later.
function gl_run_split_keywords( )
{
    $args       = array(
         'post_type' => 'image',
        'post_status' => 'publish',
        'posts_per_page' => -1,
        'caller_get_posts' => 1,
        'fields' => 'ids' 
    );
    $image_list = null;
    $image_list = new WP_Query( $args );
    if ( $image_list->have_posts() ) {
        $image_meta = array( );
        while ( $image_list->have_posts() ):
            $image_list->the_post();
            $id    = get_the_ID();
            $terms = get_the_terms( $id, 'image-tags' );
            update_post_meta( $id, 'symbiostock_terms_backup', $terms );
            if ( $terms && !is_wp_error( $terms ) ):
                $keywords = array( );
            //first populate the original kewywords
                foreach ( $terms as $term ) {
                    array_push( $keywords, $term->name );
                }
                //then split them and add the split versions
                foreach ( $terms as $term ) {
                    $split = preg_split( '/[+\s_-]/', $term->name );
                    if ( is_array( $split ) ) {
                        foreach ( $split as $word ) {
                            array_push( $keywords, $word );
                        }
                    }
                }
                $corrected_keywords            = array_unique( $keywords );
                $keyword_update[ 'tax_input' ] = array(
                     'image-tags' => $corrected_keywords 
                );
                wp_update_post( $keyword_update );
            endif;
        endwhile;
    } //$image_list->have_posts()
}
function gl_split_keywords( )
{
    if ( isset( $_POST[ 'gl_split_keywords' ] ) ) {
        gl_run_split_keywords();
    }
?>
    <p>The keyword splitter takes compound keywords and splits them into separate ones. Symbiostock uses Wordpress's database, which is not always flexibile. This is a temporary fix until the premium plugin is available, which will use its own specialized database for searches.</p>
<form method="post" action="">
        <label for="gl_split_keywords">Split keywords? 
        <input id="gl_split_keywords" name="gl_split_keywords" class="button" type="submit" value="SPLIT" />
        </label>
</form>
    <hr />
<?php
}
add_action( 'gl_custom_actions_after', 'gl_split_keywords' );
?>


I'm using this snippet, and search results on my site display 96 per page:
 http://www.clipartillustration.com/?s=cute&submit=Search&post_type=image

Nice, but now network results still have 24/page, so Google will claim many non existing pages, when searching for links taken from pagination. Maybe add to pagination links actual number per page or other value, to inform site that this links are from network results and should be somehow reworked to show something valid.

Thanks Leo, I will check that out tonight.

Thats odd. Yes, small problem but still significant. I'll see what I can do to improve that.

Is this code ready for use? If so, I will purchase the plugin. Thanks.

Yes, it works fine: obtain and install the plugin, paste the code and define# of images to display upon search - bingo. In my case I set it to 96 now.

Ok, as soon as the new code is published, I will purchase the plugin. Thanks Leo !

I had you in mind as well when I made it. It can do anything really. For your case i'd end up extending the image processor class. In the end though your situation will end up as a plugin once its perfected.

Sound great Leo!  Can I make this work now (with code you provide) until the dedicated plugin is available?

With your case (hopefully soon) I'm going to write you some code which overwrites the image processor to use command line. If it works, then I'll be producing a plugin. The code above just makes more images per page

HUGE days of working on this project. Believe me, I want to take a break.

I've just modified the above code. its PERFECT now. No side effects. I think our genetic enhancements should find its way into coming releases?

<?php
function gl_setposts_infusion(){
function gl_mod_search( $query ) {
global $network_search;
//$network_search = get_query_var('symbiostock_network_search');
if($network_search != true && !is_admin()){
$per_page = get_option('gl_posts_per_page', 24);
$query->set('posts_per_page', $per_page);
return;
}
}
add_action( 'pre_get_posts', 'gl_mod_search', 10);
}
add_action( 'after_setup_theme', 'gl_setposts_infusion' );

function gl_set_post_results(){
wp_verify_nonce('gl_setposts_action');
if(isset($_POST['gl_set_post_results'])){
if(is_numeric($_POST['gl_set_post_results']))
update_option('gl_posts_per_page', trim($_POST['gl_set_post_results']));
}
?>
<form method="post" action="">
    <?php wp_nonce_field('gl_setposts_action'); ?>
        <label for="gl_set_post_results">Set number of search results per page:
            <input id="gl_set_post_results" name="gl_set_post_results" type="text" value="<?php echo get_option('gl_posts_per_page', 24); ?>" />
        </label>
        <input name="set_results" class="button" type="submit" value="SET" />
</form>
<?php
}
add_action( 'gl_custom_actions_after', 'gl_set_post_results' );
?>

LOVE IT Looks so much better now !!! Thanks Leo !

There you go! Its right under the original post.

here as well:
http://www.symbiostock.com/split-compound-keywords-into-individual-ones-temporary-search-aid/