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Open Source - What it Means for Symbiostock

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Leo Blanchette:
I'm actually pretty glad this has slowly grown. Not too many people at once...keeps my development controlled and not too overwhelming.

Also I'm quite thankful to those who help. Amazingly so.

Today I'm starting to realize that we're hitting a crucial point -

After I fix this last batch of bugs (the results of the last batch of improvements) its time to let it go and self-develop.

You've probably noticed I put a huge amount of "nature" references into this tool and endeavor. The idea of a self-prolific entity which is at first planted, then spreads on its own - whether it be your website, or this project. That was my goal since the beginning.

I've been very very much grateful for the recent contributions of some development-savvy people. They actually improved your SY experience tenfold and don't even seem to be asking for thanks. I'm hoping that people start adopting various parts of this project and start working together, and systematically working in improvements together. It seems to be happening naturally.

So here is where we are: After this last batch of "serious" bugs (the ones that get in the way of crucial functionality) I'm going to start letting this get adopted and refined by whoever wants to do it - on any level. ...and there should always be something in it for those who make the sacrifice. As for myself, I gave myself a certain amount of time to work with more-than-usual dedication, but my time is starting to run out, so this last batch of fixes which brings us to relative stability is where I will end my daily dedication to this.

This won't hurt anything - It will just leave a vacuum that needs to get filled, and will get filled with people who can use this and develop it to their and your (symbiotic) benefit.

Its been a fun ride! Its a sunny day today! Enjoyed a lot of it, but getting back to some remaining bugs soon.

So what Open Source means for Symbiostock - it means it can be whatever you want to make it from here.

cascoly:
there are 2 ways for open source to proceed - simplest is to just end development on the theme and let everything else be done by plugin, child themes, etc - that puts a lot of burden on users to keep up to date, decide among conflicting themes & plugins, etc
.  or someone could make major changes to the theme itself and release it as a new product.  that would mean 2, or more different systems would be live and changes to 1 would not easily be added to the other.


the other, more usual, way is for there to be a manager (or committee) which oversees changes to the code, and manages a controlled release of the new system into its environment

that takes more coordination, and will require some further work on documentation - before someone can change something in the theme they need to know how it works and what effects it might have In other areas.  this means controlled testing before a new version of the theme is released

which path to take depends on who's willing to devote time & energy to the project
.

Leo Blanchette:
Thanks for the insight! I think hands down solidifying the changes and working out the final bugs should "end it" for the theme - PLUGIN INTEGRATION - far better.

Of course anyone who wants to improve the theme can - but for the most part I really think plugins are the way to go. With that said I'll place hooks anywhere they are needed.

mattdixon:
You have really done an excellent job with Symbiostock. It is an obvious labour of love and they way it has pulled a community of its own is quite amazing, it really is a breath of fresh air at MSG. With users reporting sales I'd like to think it'll become an upstart someday and cause some industry waves - there's plenty of talented people here, so you never know ;-)

Thanks Leo, lots of respect to you.

Leo Blanchette:
Don't worry about it. Its been something I had in mind for a few years. G/G deal fired up to finally try it.
Sales...almost forgot to mention the sale I had this morning on my SY site! Thanks for reminding me. Gonna post it :D

Anyway, here's my situation:

I'm 1 guy. I have a nice illustration job that was offered to me and I should probably take it for the next few months. I have no "jealous" or "entitled" view of this project. Whoever wants to jump in the lego pile and start playing is welcome to.

The children are off for the Summer and I was hoping to walk away from this and carry out a rather simple work routine for the next two months. It would be silly of me to give more than a week more to this thing. Personally, I hope I can be done tonight.

So with all that said - please - start "owning" it. Have fun.

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