It is with much regret that I've decided to retire this module from the
suite due to a number of reasons, one of them being the architecture of the
module and the choices made to try and solve the limitations of 1 role per user.
In the end the module works on a small scale but it requires constant
maintenance every time a new version of the core is released. It is also a
potential security hazard as the core might change and expose a hole in the
module (this is a result of the module being too tightly coupled to the DNN core
to try and integrate itself with the core role/tab functionality).
The other reason is that module development is simply not sustainable. I
spend a lot of time each month supporting this module (it's one of the smallest
development efforts but consumes the most time in support due to the
architecture). I'll share some figures with you to illustrate this point: I
have between 15-25 Product Suite sales a month. Most customers purchase the $49
Silver Product Suite, which equates to just over $1000 a month of income (£500),
which is not enough to cover the cost of living in London.
I've had to be realistic with regards to how many modules a single person
(Smart-Thinker is comprised of 1 programmer, 1 CEO, 1 Analyst and a cook, but
unfortunately they are all the same person) can work on. My ultimate goal is to
make a suite of products that can emulate social networking sites like MySpace,
and the HomePage module does not fit in. I have hundreds of ideas for the
Groups, Events and User Profile module (keep an eye out for "My Friends"
functionality coming soon with the UserProfile module!) but I do not have enough
time to develop them all (even working full time). I either have to cease module
development or take drastic action to try and increase the amount of time I
spend on development.
I have fixed 2 outstanding issues in the HomePage module (child portal role
creation and the tool bar for non-admin edit roles), but this will be the last
release (4.3.2). The source will be made available to all Smart-Thinker
customers, but will be unsupported. I will not be able to dedicate time to this
module's support and questions on the Forums can be answered by other members. I
hope that by making the source available solutions will be shared and the
existing limitations of the module will be overcome.
I have
opened
this thread for discussion on this subject. I apologise to all HomePage
users and I hope you understand that this is a better action than simply ceasing
module development like so many other forgotten DNN developers...