[sremick]

...Cathy resigned? As in, she left completely.

Just curious. And I'm asking in regards to SMF developers (core, mod, etc) and not just site admins who are ditching SMF because of the drama.

Not to say it's likely to happen or this thread will accomplish anything. Just thought it'd be interesting to have a list, to see how much significance such a hypothetical action would carry.

[Beard]

smf is dead no matter how much people will bs that point so I wouldnt

[Madron]

If is a huge word.  I would however support a new project if one was in the works.  Premium member style donations of course.

[sremick]

I understand. The question isn't how likely this is to occur. I realize there are many hard feelings on that point.

I was just wondering, if suddenly SMF was free of Cathy, how many of you see her as the main impediment, still love SMF, and would return to it as long as she wasn't there.

I would hesitate to say "SMF is dead" if there were still people wanting to work on it, once the perceived roadblocks were removed. My perception is that most developers have nothing against SMF the forum software, and only have issues with SMF the management.

[redone]

Many previous senior developers have expressed an interesting in doing something new. The bigger question is how long would it take to get to that position?

I think we could have a first beta out by the time that actually happens (if it ever does). It's not as simple as it maybe looks. On going discussions will eventually require some very large changes and I personally doubt they will happen. I could be wrong though.

You have to understand that sm.org has to arrive at a point to enable developers to return and that could take a long, long time.

[vbgamer45]

I haven't left and still have hopes that everything will be resolved.

I still think it would be way easier and faster if the SMF issue gets resolved.

Starting a new forum software is a ton of work and probably will take a least a year before something is ready then even longer yet for it to get picked up and used by users. The more developers you have doesn't make things go faster necessary.

[sremick]

Many previous senior developers have expressed an interesting in doing something new. The bigger question is how long would it take to get to that position?

A lot more time than picking up where they left off on SMF2 I'd imagine.

It's not as simple as it maybe looks.

Oh, I never assumed it was. In fact, knowing that "starting over" with something independent and new was so non-simple was part of the reason it's not my first choice, as refreshing as a fresh-start might appeal.

While a clean break and do-over certainly avoids all existing issues, it leaves the problem of the most possible time before new software is in our hands.

You have to understand that sm.org has to arrive at a point to enable developers to return and that could take a long, long time.

I do understand that as well. That's a side issue... I was just curious how many would be willing to return if that one single issue was removed, that's all.

[TristanPerry]

Starting a new forum software is a ton of work and probably will take a least a year before something is ready then even longer yet for it to get picked up and used by users. The more developers you have doesn't make things go faster necessary.

I sort of agree, but at the same time SMF 2.0 has been in "development" for 3-4 years now. If it's agreed upon that the right thing to do is start a new software, then I don't see the amount of work/time-line as a big deal TBH. I know what you are saying though

[Jeff]

I'm fairly confident the people here could put out a version 1 faster than it took a version 2 there.

[sremick]

I'm fairly confident the people here could put out a version 1 faster than it took a version 2 there.

That I don't doubt. But I think SMF2 final (along with 2.1, 2.2, and 2.5) could be produced faster than a 1.0 of something new from-scratch, with the same team of developers. With the added benefit of retaining brand-recognition.

[Norv]

I'm fairly confident the people here could put out a version 1 faster than it took a version 2 there.

That I don't doubt. But I think SMF2 final (along with 2.1, 2.2, and 2.5) could be produced faster than a 1.0 of something new from-scratch, with the same team of developers. With the added benefit of retaining brand-recognition.

Could be, at least 2.0 final is not far IMHO.

Each will choose to work on whatever they enjoy and is worth their time, at the end of the day.

[redone]

I think everyone needs to think long term. Yes a development cycle takes time, but take a look a year down the road.

SMF as a forum is not perfect and there is many room for improvements. The kind of user features and interaction developers are discussing are very exciting.

I would rather take the longer haul and have some awesome software than simply stick with the norm. Afterall everyone has to start somewhere. SMF itself was created out of desire for change,.

[bloc]

Simple.

If she resigned from the team and some of the other things were in place, like a better license and proper leader elections etc. I would seek out to re-join the team. There are lots of stuff in the SMF default theme/theme system which needs improving.

At the same time I will follow Phoenix here with excitement, because it is a step up from SMF. If SMF maintains status quo, I guess I'll only await Phoenix instead - but TinyPortal and SMF themes will still be my focus for a long time yet.

[sremick]

I think everyone needs to think long term. Yes a development cycle takes time, but take a look a year down the road.

SMF as a forum is not perfect and there is many room for improvements. The kind of user features and interaction developers are discussing are very exciting.

I would rather take the longer haul and have some awesome software than simply stick with the norm. Afterall everyone has to start somewhere. SMF itself was created out of desire for change,.

In  general I agree, however it creates a dilemma for me and I imagine I'm not unique/alone.

Currently on 1.1.11 I have found the antiquated look and functionality of SMF1 to be a deterrent to many potential new users to my forum. I was hoping to be on SMF2 by now. With development on SMF2 ground to a virtual standstill due to the political drama, there's no telling when I might be able to upgrade to it (when will RC3 arrive with most of the developers gone? Or SMF2 final?) And then when (if) SMF2 is finally released, that also doesn't address the fact that most mod developers are also boycotting the project for the time being, due to dissatisfaction with management. Many of the mods on my forum are "make it or break it" mods which help distinguish my site from the competition. If I were to abandon too many because I was forced to accept only what features were in SMF2 core, I would have a hard time retaining my existing users and acquiring new ones.

I hate to imagine having to settle for SMF1 or SMF2 RC2 for 1-2 years until a "Phoenix Forum" 1.0 is produced. My site will feel dated and locked in the past, and I will leech users in the interim. I'm happy to ultimately have a better alternative, but in the meantime I need some sort of continuity to keep me relevant in the modern forum user-market.

I would hope that improvements, features and interactions people have in-mind could be incorporated into SMF with proper evolution, development and release continuity. It isn't always necessary to replace your car in order to get a new car stereo.

[redone]

I think people will make decisions regarding switching on there own merits. There was another post regarding switching forum software

Nobody says you have to jump ship but I can understand people will be in a corner on this.