What's the scoop on mods? I wouldn't mind having some more features but at what price?
I've been doing a little reading and it seems like Mods can open a real can of worms and cause a lot of problems. They can make your database huge and create a lot of extra work if a new upgrade comes out.
My take is that if mods are so great and stable that eventually they will wind up on the next version of Snitz but it's been a while since there's been an upgrade so I'm wondering if this is true. I'm thinking that unless I can't do without a mod that I should play it safe because I may not be able to upgrade if I have mods but I'm also thinking that I could be wrong and I might be missing out on some fun features that could easily be installed in a new forum... just not an old one.
I would just like someone's opinion because I'm setting up some new forums and would be willing to risk a good mod if it doesn't look like a hassle and I can be reasonably sure that whatever mod I chose will be upgraded soon after any new versions of Snitz are out.
My hunch is that I should stay away from mods if I want a hassle free smooth running forum.
If you like the mod and think your users will appreciate the extra features then I cant see any problems adding it in.
quote:I may not be able to upgrade if I have mods
You will be able to upgrade your forum, but you may have to wait longer for the mods to get upgraded.
The only hassle mods can cause when you upgrade is the fact you have to re-apply your changes, depending on how much that bothers you may affect your decision I suppose, you may also be left with some extra tables etc but these can be easily removed if you wished.
Most mods are upgraded to the new version, you only have to look at the mods available for 3.4.X.X to see that the vast majority of the mods people ask for have been updated.
If you want hassle free modding then just make sure to backup your forum files and database before adding in a new mod, that way you can go straight back if things get messed up, also if you can apply the changes to a offline forum then just transfer the files over, that way your main site will never be affected by any problems.
I like the option to mod and since most of these have been around for awhile a good part of the bugs are out of them. Most of the errors you get are when you try to start layering mods and the code gets messed. Even then the folks on this forum are real good about helping you out so I say MOD AWAY! I just about finished a fresh version of 3.403 with quite a few mods that I would be happy to send your way. Still want to add a few more mods and test it but it's an option for you.
It's fun, usually not too difficult, adds great funtionality to your forum, and, fun a second time when you get to re-apply the mods after upgrading!!!