Open Suggestions for the Mods and Admins (Rev:6-28-09)

[Mike Ryan]

Alright, so I have changed many of my points based on discussion found on the first page of this thread. Hopefully this will clear somethings up

1) General Discussion and Questions

This is my first point of interest, as I figured the best order would be the order in which the forums serve. A few problems with this section that I have noticed is this: regardless of our emphasis on using the search functions, the most basic of questions are being repeated. This is overall detrimental to the figure of this section. Another issue I have found is that, while the name implies discussion, the section is flooded with questions. Here are some of what I would consider solutions:

A) Rename GD&Q to Paint.NET Help and Questions. This implies that the forum, in strategy, reflects the overall theme of the category and should help clean up the amount of Troubleshooting threads in this section. Also, aesthetically it sounds and feels cleaner.

Consistently update to reflect the most recent asked questions.

C) Decrease minimoderation. Something that has happened before and is beginning to happen is again is the constant minimoderation. Granted, non-moderator users shouldn't be barred from informing a user of any rules broken and then pointing them in the right direction, but it should be stopped from happening multiple times by different users in the same thread.

2) Pictorium

I love the Pictorium section, and am happy that it is flourishing. I think that overall it was a successful upgrade from that lonely topic in GD&Q. However, I do have a few suggestions regarding this section as well, mainly its theme.

A) Move to the “Off Topic” category after renaming the Off Topic category to something more descriptive such as Community. In my honest opinion, the posting of Paint.NET created works and the criticism of said works is not Paint.NET Discussion. It is Paint.NET related, to an extent, but does not belong to be compared to Plugins, Tutorials, and Troubleshooting.

This next point is something that formed between conversations between CMD and me. I think that a subforum for competitive creations should be created. In this section, users can “battle” (similar to the Battle threads in the Alfredo) and participate in Competitions. Frankly, competition involvement has deteriorated from its past form. I think in part it is due to the placement of these threads, and that they are a better fit in the Pictorium. I would be more than happy to help create and set rules for this area, especially the rules for all supported competitions.

3) Tutorials+

Again, this section I think is a major success. However, I think that it has also generated a lot of useless tutorials and other spam like posts.

A) Depricated.

Because there are now a lot more wasted tutorials being generated, I think that a section for the highest recommended tutorials should be created. This, in terms of the Rules, would be similar to the creations display in the Pictorium.

4) Plugins

The Plugins section is the section that I believe deserves the most work and changes. It has been a forum staple for some time now, however there are improvements to be made.

A) The first change, and is similar to the point A underneath Tutorials, is renaming Plugins to Paint.NET Resources. I will explain this change a bit more throughout section 4, but the largest reason is that we need a place to actually publish recognized Localization packs as well as custom brushes and color pallettes.

Secondly, and I have mentioned this before, is a reorganization of the Plugins section to reflect the structure of our Effects menu, as well as a section for Plugin Resource packages, Adjustments, Filetypes, and… (see Localization, point 5)

C) Depricated.

5) Localization

A) First, all published Localization packages are, in essence, a Resource. As such, if the Plugins section was to become more organized as suggested, the publishing of Localization packages should be made there. Think about it: there is a forum titled “Paint.NET Resources – Publishing Only”. Would you not expect to find Effects, Adjustments, Filetypes, and Localization packages here? I think so.

Plugin Dev sections depricated...

The following contains the original posting, before the revisions of 6-28-09

Hidden Content:

I have been frequenting these forums for nearly two and half years now, and as such I have seen the community evolve, grow, and expand. From somewhat of a senior standpoint, it has been interesting to watch this growth as it happens. However, I do feel as if there are some changes that could benefit our newer users, as well as increase creation and decrease on confusion. Brace yourselves, this is going to be a long thread, however many of these suggestions come from conversations with other members. In other words, I don’t consider this thread a reflection of just my opinions.

1) General Discussion and Questions

This is my first point of interest, as I figured the best order would be the order in which the forums serve. A few problems with this section that I have noticed is this: regardless of our emphasis on using the search functions, the most basic of questions are being repeated. This is overall detrimental to the figure of this section. Another issue I have found is that, while the name implies discussion, the section is flooded with questions. Here are some of what I would consider solutions:

A) Rename GD&Q to Paint.NET Discussion. This implies that the forum, in strategy, reflects the overall theme of the category and should help clean up the amount of Troubleshooting threads in this section. Also, aesthetically it sounds and feels cleaner.

Create a General Questions thread. This thread is for the most basic and primitive questions regarding the software. Consider it something similar to the Alfredo’s thread, in which topics that do not require full threads can be discussed.

C) Decrease minimoderation. Something that has happened before and is beginning to happen is again is the constant minimoderation. Granted, non-moderator users shouldn't be barred from informing a user of any rules broken and then pointing them in the right direction, but it should be stopped from happening multiple times by different users in the same thread.

2) Pictorium

I love the Pictorium section, and am happy that it is flourishing. I think that overall it was a successful upgrade from that lonely topic in GD&Q. However, I do have a few suggestions regarding this section as well, mainly its theme.

A) Move to the “Off Topic” category. In my honest opinion, the posting of Paint.NET created works and the criticism of said works is not Paint.NET Discussion. It is Paint.NET related, to an extent, but does not belong to be compared to Plugins, Tutorials, and Troubleshooting.

This next point is something that formed between conversations between CMD and me. I think that a subforum for competitive creations should be created. In this section, users can “battle” (similar to the Battle threads in the Alfredo) and participate in Competitions. Frankly, competition involvement has deteriorated from its past form. I think in part it is due to the placement of these threads, and that they are a better fit in the Pictorium.

3) Tutorials+

Again, this section I think is a major success. However, I think that it has also generated a lot of useless tutorials and other spam like posts.

A) First, I think that one of the best changes for this section is rename Tutorials to Guides. This, again, is just a terminology change for the purpose portraying a sense of cleanliness and correctness. I would not consider every posted tutorial a ‘tutorial’, but many of those that I don’t consider I would call a ‘guide’. While technically these have no differences in definition, it would clean up many new user misconceptions

Because there are now a lot more wasted tutorials being generated, I think that a section for the highest recommended tutorials should be created. This, in terms of the Rules, would be similar to the creations display in the Pictorium.

4) Plugins

The Plugins section is the section that I believe deserves the most work and changes. It has been a forum staple for some time now, however there are improvements to be made.

A) The first change, and is similar to the point A underneath Tutorials, is renaming Plugins to Add-ons. I will explain this change a bit more throughout section 4, but the largest reason is that our standard simple dialog effects have evolved into full canvas tools and advanced adjustments, along with extremely powerful Filetypes. No longer are we extending core features of Paint.NET, but we are in fact adding on functionality that otherwise wouldn’t be available. And besides, plugin isn’t a real word

Secondly, and I have mentioned this before, is a reorganization of the Plugins section to reflect the structure of our Effects menu, as well as a section for Plugin Add-On packages, Adjustments, Filetypes, and… (see Localization, point 5)

C) If point 4.B were enacted, I think that because a section labeled Plugin Packages exists many new users would feel as if they could create and distribute their own packs. As many of us know, this is not allowed as we are not allowed to redistribute. However, similar to Mozilla’s recent ability for users to create pages that link to other Add-Ons, I think in this situation it would be safe to allow users the same privilege. Kind of how Simon and Pyrochild have their plugin packs, minus the download link. This would give the current Plugin Indexing project in the Plugin Developer’s Center a real home for publishing as well.

5) Localization

Yes, I am skipping Troubleshooting. Localization is the least populated, least posted section in the forums. Why? Because its existence is worthless. If we were to integrate the two components of the Localization forum into other sections, I think that overall this component of Paint.NET would make more sense to the end user.

A) First, all published Localization packages are, in essence, an Add-On. As such, if the Plugins section was to become more organized as suggested, the publishing of Localization packages should be made there. Think about it: there is a forum titled “Add-Ons – Publishing Only”. Would you not expect to find Effects, Adjustments, Filetypes, and Localization packages here? I think so.

Next are the threads regarding the creation of Localization packages. If we were to consider these packages ‘add-ons’, then wouldn’t it make sense to move Localization development to the Plugin Add-On Developer’s Center?

6) Plugin Developer’s Center

Many of these changes are just to represent the terminology changes, and to allow for the introduction of Localization development in this center.

A) Rename to Add-On Creation and Development Center. This is, as said, just a reflection of the above changes if they were made. It implies that if it was published in the Add-On section, than this is the place to learn how to create those resources and too seek help with that creation and development.

Integrate Localization development. Already been discussed enough, me thinks.

Overall, I hope you can see my reasoning behind many of the above changes. Even if 1/10 of the above suggestions were followed through, I think that this forum would overall be a better place. As well, if anybody would like me to add any of their suggestions to the above list just PM me with the suggestion and I will make it known. Anyways, here goes nothing...

[Mike Ryan]

Alright, so I have changed many of my points based on discussion found on the first page of this thread. Hopefully this will clear somethings up

1) General Discussion and Questions

This is my first point of interest, as I figured the best order would be the order in which the forums serve. A few problems with this section that I have noticed is this: regardless of our emphasis on using the search functions, the most basic of questions are being repeated. This is overall detrimental to the figure of this section. Another issue I have found is that, while the name implies discussion, the section is flooded with questions. Here are some of what I would consider solutions:

A) Rename GD&Q to Paint.NET Help and Questions. This implies that the forum, in strategy, reflects the overall theme of the category and should help clean up the amount of Troubleshooting threads in this section. Also, aesthetically it sounds and feels cleaner.

Consistently update to reflect the most recent asked questions.

C) Decrease minimoderation. Something that has happened before and is beginning to happen is again is the constant minimoderation. Granted, non-moderator users shouldn't be barred from informing a user of any rules broken and then pointing them in the right direction, but it should be stopped from happening multiple times by different users in the same thread.

2) Pictorium

I love the Pictorium section, and am happy that it is flourishing. I think that overall it was a successful upgrade from that lonely topic in GD&Q. However, I do have a few suggestions regarding this section as well, mainly its theme.

A) Move to the “Off Topic” category after renaming the Off Topic category to something more descriptive such as Community. In my honest opinion, the posting of Paint.NET created works and the criticism of said works is not Paint.NET Discussion. It is Paint.NET related, to an extent, but does not belong to be compared to Plugins, Tutorials, and Troubleshooting.

This next point is something that formed between conversations between CMD and me. I think that a subforum for competitive creations should be created. In this section, users can “battle” (similar to the Battle threads in the Alfredo) and participate in Competitions. Frankly, competition involvement has deteriorated from its past form. I think in part it is due to the placement of these threads, and that they are a better fit in the Pictorium. I would be more than happy to help create and set rules for this area, especially the rules for all supported competitions.

3) Tutorials+

Again, this section I think is a major success. However, I think that it has also generated a lot of useless tutorials and other spam like posts.

A) Depricated.

Because there are now a lot more wasted tutorials being generated, I think that a section for the highest recommended tutorials should be created. This, in terms of the Rules, would be similar to the creations display in the Pictorium.

4) Plugins

The Plugins section is the section that I believe deserves the most work and changes. It has been a forum staple for some time now, however there are improvements to be made.

A) The first change, and is similar to the point A underneath Tutorials, is renaming Plugins to Paint.NET Resources. I will explain this change a bit more throughout section 4, but the largest reason is that we need a place to actually publish recognized Localization packs as well as custom brushes and color pallettes.

Secondly, and I have mentioned this before, is a reorganization of the Plugins section to reflect the structure of our Effects menu, as well as a section for Plugin Resource packages, Adjustments, Filetypes, and… (see Localization, point 5)

C) Depricated.

5) Localization

A) First, all published Localization packages are, in essence, a Resource. As such, if the Plugins section was to become more organized as suggested, the publishing of Localization packages should be made there. Think about it: there is a forum titled “Paint.NET Resources – Publishing Only”. Would you not expect to find Effects, Adjustments, Filetypes, and Localization packages here? I think so.

Plugin Dev sections depricated...

The following contains the original posting, before the revisions of 6-28-09

Hidden Content:

I have been frequenting these forums for nearly two and half years now, and as such I have seen the community evolve, grow, and expand. From somewhat of a senior standpoint, it has been interesting to watch this growth as it happens. However, I do feel as if there are some changes that could benefit our newer users, as well as increase creation and decrease on confusion. Brace yourselves, this is going to be a long thread, however many of these suggestions come from conversations with other members. In other words, I don’t consider this thread a reflection of just my opinions.

1) General Discussion and Questions

This is my first point of interest, as I figured the best order would be the order in which the forums serve. A few problems with this section that I have noticed is this: regardless of our emphasis on using the search functions, the most basic of questions are being repeated. This is overall detrimental to the figure of this section. Another issue I have found is that, while the name implies discussion, the section is flooded with questions. Here are some of what I would consider solutions:

A) Rename GD&Q to Paint.NET Discussion. This implies that the forum, in strategy, reflects the overall theme of the category and should help clean up the amount of Troubleshooting threads in this section. Also, aesthetically it sounds and feels cleaner.

Create a General Questions thread. This thread is for the most basic and primitive questions regarding the software. Consider it something similar to the Alfredo’s thread, in which topics that do not require full threads can be discussed.

C) Decrease minimoderation. Something that has happened before and is beginning to happen is again is the constant minimoderation. Granted, non-moderator users shouldn't be barred from informing a user of any rules broken and then pointing them in the right direction, but it should be stopped from happening multiple times by different users in the same thread.

2) Pictorium

I love the Pictorium section, and am happy that it is flourishing. I think that overall it was a successful upgrade from that lonely topic in GD&Q. However, I do have a few suggestions regarding this section as well, mainly its theme.

A) Move to the “Off Topic” category. In my honest opinion, the posting of Paint.NET created works and the criticism of said works is not Paint.NET Discussion. It is Paint.NET related, to an extent, but does not belong to be compared to Plugins, Tutorials, and Troubleshooting.

This next point is something that formed between conversations between CMD and me. I think that a subforum for competitive creations should be created. In this section, users can “battle” (similar to the Battle threads in the Alfredo) and participate in Competitions. Frankly, competition involvement has deteriorated from its past form. I think in part it is due to the placement of these threads, and that they are a better fit in the Pictorium.

3) Tutorials+

Again, this section I think is a major success. However, I think that it has also generated a lot of useless tutorials and other spam like posts.

A) First, I think that one of the best changes for this section is rename Tutorials to Guides. This, again, is just a terminology change for the purpose portraying a sense of cleanliness and correctness. I would not consider every posted tutorial a ‘tutorial’, but many of those that I don’t consider I would call a ‘guide’. While technically these have no differences in definition, it would clean up many new user misconceptions

Because there are now a lot more wasted tutorials being generated, I think that a section for the highest recommended tutorials should be created. This, in terms of the Rules, would be similar to the creations display in the Pictorium.

4) Plugins

The Plugins section is the section that I believe deserves the most work and changes. It has been a forum staple for some time now, however there are improvements to be made.

A) The first change, and is similar to the point A underneath Tutorials, is renaming Plugins to Add-ons. I will explain this change a bit more throughout section 4, but the largest reason is that our standard simple dialog effects have evolved into full canvas tools and advanced adjustments, along with extremely powerful Filetypes. No longer are we extending core features of Paint.NET, but we are in fact adding on functionality that otherwise wouldn’t be available. And besides, plugin isn’t a real word

Secondly, and I have mentioned this before, is a reorganization of the Plugins section to reflect the structure of our Effects menu, as well as a section for Plugin Add-On packages, Adjustments, Filetypes, and… (see Localization, point 5)

C) If point 4.B were enacted, I think that because a section labeled Plugin Packages exists many new users would feel as if they could create and distribute their own packs. As many of us know, this is not allowed as we are not allowed to redistribute. However, similar to Mozilla’s recent ability for users to create pages that link to other Add-Ons, I think in this situation it would be safe to allow users the same privilege. Kind of how Simon and Pyrochild have their plugin packs, minus the download link. This would give the current Plugin Indexing project in the Plugin Developer’s Center a real home for publishing as well.

5) Localization

Yes, I am skipping Troubleshooting. Localization is the least populated, least posted section in the forums. Why? Because its existence is worthless. If we were to integrate the two components of the Localization forum into other sections, I think that overall this component of Paint.NET would make more sense to the end user.

A) First, all published Localization packages are, in essence, an Add-On. As such, if the Plugins section was to become more organized as suggested, the publishing of Localization packages should be made there. Think about it: there is a forum titled “Add-Ons – Publishing Only”. Would you not expect to find Effects, Adjustments, Filetypes, and Localization packages here? I think so.

Next are the threads regarding the creation of Localization packages. If we were to consider these packages ‘add-ons’, then wouldn’t it make sense to move Localization development to the Plugin Add-On Developer’s Center?

6) Plugin Developer’s Center

Many of these changes are just to represent the terminology changes, and to allow for the introduction of Localization development in this center.

A) Rename to Add-On Creation and Development Center. This is, as said, just a reflection of the above changes if they were made. It implies that if it was published in the Add-On section, than this is the place to learn how to create those resources and too seek help with that creation and development.

Integrate Localization development. Already been discussed enough, me thinks.

Overall, I hope you can see my reasoning behind many of the above changes. Even if 1/10 of the above suggestions were followed through, I think that this forum would overall be a better place. As well, if anybody would like me to add any of their suggestions to the above list just PM me with the suggestion and I will make it known. Anyways, here goes nothing...

[Mike Ryan]

Alright, so I have changed many of my points based on discussion found on the first page of this thread. Hopefully this will clear somethings up

1) General Discussion and Questions

This is my first point of interest, as I figured the best order would be the order in which the forums serve. A few problems with this section that I have noticed is this: regardless of our emphasis on using the search functions, the most basic of questions are being repeated. This is overall detrimental to the figure of this section. Another issue I have found is that, while the name implies discussion, the section is flooded with questions. Here are some of what I would consider solutions:

A) Rename GD&Q to Paint.NET Help and Questions. This implies that the forum, in strategy, reflects the overall theme of the category and should help clean up the amount of Troubleshooting threads in this section. Also, aesthetically it sounds and feels cleaner.

Consistently update to reflect the most recent asked questions.

C) Decrease minimoderation. Something that has happened before and is beginning to happen is again is the constant minimoderation. Granted, non-moderator users shouldn't be barred from informing a user of any rules broken and then pointing them in the right direction, but it should be stopped from happening multiple times by different users in the same thread.

2) Pictorium

I love the Pictorium section, and am happy that it is flourishing. I think that overall it was a successful upgrade from that lonely topic in GD&Q. However, I do have a few suggestions regarding this section as well, mainly its theme.

A) Move to the “Off Topic” category after renaming the Off Topic category to something more descriptive such as Community. In my honest opinion, the posting of Paint.NET created works and the criticism of said works is not Paint.NET Discussion. It is Paint.NET related, to an extent, but does not belong to be compared to Plugins, Tutorials, and Troubleshooting.

This next point is something that formed between conversations between CMD and me. I think that a subforum for competitive creations should be created. In this section, users can “battle” (similar to the Battle threads in the Alfredo) and participate in Competitions. Frankly, competition involvement has deteriorated from its past form. I think in part it is due to the placement of these threads, and that they are a better fit in the Pictorium. I would be more than happy to help create and set rules for this area, especially the rules for all supported competitions.

3) Tutorials+

Again, this section I think is a major success. However, I think that it has also generated a lot of useless tutorials and other spam like posts.

A) Depricated.

Because there are now a lot more wasted tutorials being generated, I think that a section for the highest recommended tutorials should be created. This, in terms of the Rules, would be similar to the creations display in the Pictorium.

4) Plugins

The Plugins section is the section that I believe deserves the most work and changes. It has been a forum staple for some time now, however there are improvements to be made.

A) The first change, and is similar to the point A underneath Tutorials, is renaming Plugins to Paint.NET Resources. I will explain this change a bit more throughout section 4, but the largest reason is that we need a place to actually publish recognized Localization packs as well as custom brushes and color pallettes.

Secondly, and I have mentioned this before, is a reorganization of the Plugins section to reflect the structure of our Effects menu, as well as a section for Plugin Resource packages, Adjustments, Filetypes, and… (see Localization, point 5)

C) Depricated.

5) Localization

A) First, all published Localization packages are, in essence, a Resource. As such, if the Plugins section was to become more organized as suggested, the publishing of Localization packages should be made there. Think about it: there is a forum titled “Paint.NET Resources – Publishing Only”. Would you not expect to find Effects, Adjustments, Filetypes, and Localization packages here? I think so.

Plugin Dev sections depricated...

The following contains the original posting, before the revisions of 6-28-09

Hidden Content:

I have been frequenting these forums for nearly two and half years now, and as such I have seen the community evolve, grow, and expand. From somewhat of a senior standpoint, it has been interesting to watch this growth as it happens. However, I do feel as if there are some changes that could benefit our newer users, as well as increase creation and decrease on confusion. Brace yourselves, this is going to be a long thread, however many of these suggestions come from conversations with other members. In other words, I don’t consider this thread a reflection of just my opinions.

1) General Discussion and Questions

This is my first point of interest, as I figured the best order would be the order in which the forums serve. A few problems with this section that I have noticed is this: regardless of our emphasis on using the search functions, the most basic of questions are being repeated. This is overall detrimental to the figure of this section. Another issue I have found is that, while the name implies discussion, the section is flooded with questions. Here are some of what I would consider solutions:

A) Rename GD&Q to Paint.NET Discussion. This implies that the forum, in strategy, reflects the overall theme of the category and should help clean up the amount of Troubleshooting threads in this section. Also, aesthetically it sounds and feels cleaner.

Create a General Questions thread. This thread is for the most basic and primitive questions regarding the software. Consider it something similar to the Alfredo’s thread, in which topics that do not require full threads can be discussed.

C) Decrease minimoderation. Something that has happened before and is beginning to happen is again is the constant minimoderation. Granted, non-moderator users shouldn't be barred from informing a user of any rules broken and then pointing them in the right direction, but it should be stopped from happening multiple times by different users in the same thread.

2) Pictorium

I love the Pictorium section, and am happy that it is flourishing. I think that overall it was a successful upgrade from that lonely topic in GD&Q. However, I do have a few suggestions regarding this section as well, mainly its theme.

A) Move to the “Off Topic” category. In my honest opinion, the posting of Paint.NET created works and the criticism of said works is not Paint.NET Discussion. It is Paint.NET related, to an extent, but does not belong to be compared to Plugins, Tutorials, and Troubleshooting.

This next point is something that formed between conversations between CMD and me. I think that a subforum for competitive creations should be created. In this section, users can “battle” (similar to the Battle threads in the Alfredo) and participate in Competitions. Frankly, competition involvement has deteriorated from its past form. I think in part it is due to the placement of these threads, and that they are a better fit in the Pictorium.

3) Tutorials+

Again, this section I think is a major success. However, I think that it has also generated a lot of useless tutorials and other spam like posts.

A) First, I think that one of the best changes for this section is rename Tutorials to Guides. This, again, is just a terminology change for the purpose portraying a sense of cleanliness and correctness. I would not consider every posted tutorial a ‘tutorial’, but many of those that I don’t consider I would call a ‘guide’. While technically these have no differences in definition, it would clean up many new user misconceptions

Because there are now a lot more wasted tutorials being generated, I think that a section for the highest recommended tutorials should be created. This, in terms of the Rules, would be similar to the creations display in the Pictorium.

4) Plugins

The Plugins section is the section that I believe deserves the most work and changes. It has been a forum staple for some time now, however there are improvements to be made.

A) The first change, and is similar to the point A underneath Tutorials, is renaming Plugins to Add-ons. I will explain this change a bit more throughout section 4, but the largest reason is that our standard simple dialog effects have evolved into full canvas tools and advanced adjustments, along with extremely powerful Filetypes. No longer are we extending core features of Paint.NET, but we are in fact adding on functionality that otherwise wouldn’t be available. And besides, plugin isn’t a real word

Secondly, and I have mentioned this before, is a reorganization of the Plugins section to reflect the structure of our Effects menu, as well as a section for Plugin Add-On packages, Adjustments, Filetypes, and… (see Localization, point 5)

C) If point 4.B were enacted, I think that because a section labeled Plugin Packages exists many new users would feel as if they could create and distribute their own packs. As many of us know, this is not allowed as we are not allowed to redistribute. However, similar to Mozilla’s recent ability for users to create pages that link to other Add-Ons, I think in this situation it would be safe to allow users the same privilege. Kind of how Simon and Pyrochild have their plugin packs, minus the download link. This would give the current Plugin Indexing project in the Plugin Developer’s Center a real home for publishing as well.

5) Localization

Yes, I am skipping Troubleshooting. Localization is the least populated, least posted section in the forums. Why? Because its existence is worthless. If we were to integrate the two components of the Localization forum into other sections, I think that overall this component of Paint.NET would make more sense to the end user.

A) First, all published Localization packages are, in essence, an Add-On. As such, if the Plugins section was to become more organized as suggested, the publishing of Localization packages should be made there. Think about it: there is a forum titled “Add-Ons – Publishing Only”. Would you not expect to find Effects, Adjustments, Filetypes, and Localization packages here? I think so.

Next are the threads regarding the creation of Localization packages. If we were to consider these packages ‘add-ons’, then wouldn’t it make sense to move Localization development to the Plugin Add-On Developer’s Center?

6) Plugin Developer’s Center

Many of these changes are just to represent the terminology changes, and to allow for the introduction of Localization development in this center.

A) Rename to Add-On Creation and Development Center. This is, as said, just a reflection of the above changes if they were made. It implies that if it was published in the Add-On section, than this is the place to learn how to create those resources and too seek help with that creation and development.

Integrate Localization development. Already been discussed enough, me thinks.

Overall, I hope you can see my reasoning behind many of the above changes. Even if 1/10 of the above suggestions were followed through, I think that this forum would overall be a better place. As well, if anybody would like me to add any of their suggestions to the above list just PM me with the suggestion and I will make it known. Anyways, here goes nothing...

[Mike Ryan]

Alright, so I have changed many of my points based on discussion found on the first page of this thread. Hopefully this will clear somethings up

1) General Discussion and Questions

This is my first point of interest, as I figured the best order would be the order in which the forums serve. A few problems with this section that I have noticed is this: regardless of our emphasis on using the search functions, the most basic of questions are being repeated. This is overall detrimental to the figure of this section. Another issue I have found is that, while the name implies discussion, the section is flooded with questions. Here are some of what I would consider solutions:

A) Rename GD&Q to Paint.NET Help and Questions. This implies that the forum, in strategy, reflects the overall theme of the category and should help clean up the amount of Troubleshooting threads in this section. Also, aesthetically it sounds and feels cleaner.

Consistently update to reflect the most recent asked questions.

C) Decrease minimoderation. Something that has happened before and is beginning to happen is again is the constant minimoderation. Granted, non-moderator users shouldn't be barred from informing a user of any rules broken and then pointing them in the right direction, but it should be stopped from happening multiple times by different users in the same thread.

2) Pictorium

I love the Pictorium section, and am happy that it is flourishing. I think that overall it was a successful upgrade from that lonely topic in GD&Q. However, I do have a few suggestions regarding this section as well, mainly its theme.

A) Move to the “Off Topic” category after renaming the Off Topic category to something more descriptive such as Community. In my honest opinion, the posting of Paint.NET created works and the criticism of said works is not Paint.NET Discussion. It is Paint.NET related, to an extent, but does not belong to be compared to Plugins, Tutorials, and Troubleshooting.

This next point is something that formed between conversations between CMD and me. I think that a subforum for competitive creations should be created. In this section, users can “battle” (similar to the Battle threads in the Alfredo) and participate in Competitions. Frankly, competition involvement has deteriorated from its past form. I think in part it is due to the placement of these threads, and that they are a better fit in the Pictorium. I would be more than happy to help create and set rules for this area, especially the rules for all supported competitions.

3) Tutorials+

Again, this section I think is a major success. However, I think that it has also generated a lot of useless tutorials and other spam like posts.

A) Depricated.

Because there are now a lot more wasted tutorials being generated, I think that a section for the highest recommended tutorials should be created. This, in terms of the Rules, would be similar to the creations display in the Pictorium.

4) Plugins

The Plugins section is the section that I believe deserves the most work and changes. It has been a forum staple for some time now, however there are improvements to be made.

A) The first change, and is similar to the point A underneath Tutorials, is renaming Plugins to Paint.NET Resources. I will explain this change a bit more throughout section 4, but the largest reason is that we need a place to actually publish recognized Localization packs as well as custom brushes and color pallettes.

Secondly, and I have mentioned this before, is a reorganization of the Plugins section to reflect the structure of our Effects menu, as well as a section for Plugin Resource packages, Adjustments, Filetypes, and… (see Localization, point 5)

C) Depricated.

5) Localization

A) First, all published Localization packages are, in essence, a Resource. As such, if the Plugins section was to become more organized as suggested, the publishing of Localization packages should be made there. Think about it: there is a forum titled “Paint.NET Resources – Publishing Only”. Would you not expect to find Effects, Adjustments, Filetypes, and Localization packages here? I think so.

Plugin Dev sections depricated...

The following contains the original posting, before the revisions of 6-28-09

Hidden Content:

I have been frequenting these forums for nearly two and half years now, and as such I have seen the community evolve, grow, and expand. From somewhat of a senior standpoint, it has been interesting to watch this growth as it happens. However, I do feel as if there are some changes that could benefit our newer users, as well as increase creation and decrease on confusion. Brace yourselves, this is going to be a long thread, however many of these suggestions come from conversations with other members. In other words, I don’t consider this thread a reflection of just my opinions.

1) General Discussion and Questions

This is my first point of interest, as I figured the best order would be the order in which the forums serve. A few problems with this section that I have noticed is this: regardless of our emphasis on using the search functions, the most basic of questions are being repeated. This is overall detrimental to the figure of this section. Another issue I have found is that, while the name implies discussion, the section is flooded with questions. Here are some of what I would consider solutions:

A) Rename GD&Q to Paint.NET Discussion. This implies that the forum, in strategy, reflects the overall theme of the category and should help clean up the amount of Troubleshooting threads in this section. Also, aesthetically it sounds and feels cleaner.

Create a General Questions thread. This thread is for the most basic and primitive questions regarding the software. Consider it something similar to the Alfredo’s thread, in which topics that do not require full threads can be discussed.

C) Decrease minimoderation. Something that has happened before and is beginning to happen is again is the constant minimoderation. Granted, non-moderator users shouldn't be barred from informing a user of any rules broken and then pointing them in the right direction, but it should be stopped from happening multiple times by different users in the same thread.

2) Pictorium

I love the Pictorium section, and am happy that it is flourishing. I think that overall it was a successful upgrade from that lonely topic in GD&Q. However, I do have a few suggestions regarding this section as well, mainly its theme.

A) Move to the “Off Topic” category. In my honest opinion, the posting of Paint.NET created works and the criticism of said works is not Paint.NET Discussion. It is Paint.NET related, to an extent, but does not belong to be compared to Plugins, Tutorials, and Troubleshooting.

This next point is something that formed between conversations between CMD and me. I think that a subforum for competitive creations should be created. In this section, users can “battle” (similar to the Battle threads in the Alfredo) and participate in Competitions. Frankly, competition involvement has deteriorated from its past form. I think in part it is due to the placement of these threads, and that they are a better fit in the Pictorium.

3) Tutorials+

Again, this section I think is a major success. However, I think that it has also generated a lot of useless tutorials and other spam like posts.

A) First, I think that one of the best changes for this section is rename Tutorials to Guides. This, again, is just a terminology change for the purpose portraying a sense of cleanliness and correctness. I would not consider every posted tutorial a ‘tutorial’, but many of those that I don’t consider I would call a ‘guide’. While technically these have no differences in definition, it would clean up many new user misconceptions

Because there are now a lot more wasted tutorials being generated, I think that a section for the highest recommended tutorials should be created. This, in terms of the Rules, would be similar to the creations display in the Pictorium.

4) Plugins

The Plugins section is the section that I believe deserves the most work and changes. It has been a forum staple for some time now, however there are improvements to be made.

A) The first change, and is similar to the point A underneath Tutorials, is renaming Plugins to Add-ons. I will explain this change a bit more throughout section 4, but the largest reason is that our standard simple dialog effects have evolved into full canvas tools and advanced adjustments, along with extremely powerful Filetypes. No longer are we extending core features of Paint.NET, but we are in fact adding on functionality that otherwise wouldn’t be available. And besides, plugin isn’t a real word

Secondly, and I have mentioned this before, is a reorganization of the Plugins section to reflect the structure of our Effects menu, as well as a section for Plugin Add-On packages, Adjustments, Filetypes, and… (see Localization, point 5)

C) If point 4.B were enacted, I think that because a section labeled Plugin Packages exists many new users would feel as if they could create and distribute their own packs. As many of us know, this is not allowed as we are not allowed to redistribute. However, similar to Mozilla’s recent ability for users to create pages that link to other Add-Ons, I think in this situation it would be safe to allow users the same privilege. Kind of how Simon and Pyrochild have their plugin packs, minus the download link. This would give the current Plugin Indexing project in the Plugin Developer’s Center a real home for publishing as well.

5) Localization

Yes, I am skipping Troubleshooting. Localization is the least populated, least posted section in the forums. Why? Because its existence is worthless. If we were to integrate the two components of the Localization forum into other sections, I think that overall this component of Paint.NET would make more sense to the end user.

A) First, all published Localization packages are, in essence, an Add-On. As such, if the Plugins section was to become more organized as suggested, the publishing of Localization packages should be made there. Think about it: there is a forum titled “Add-Ons – Publishing Only”. Would you not expect to find Effects, Adjustments, Filetypes, and Localization packages here? I think so.

Next are the threads regarding the creation of Localization packages. If we were to consider these packages ‘add-ons’, then wouldn’t it make sense to move Localization development to the Plugin Add-On Developer’s Center?

6) Plugin Developer’s Center

Many of these changes are just to represent the terminology changes, and to allow for the introduction of Localization development in this center.

A) Rename to Add-On Creation and Development Center. This is, as said, just a reflection of the above changes if they were made. It implies that if it was published in the Add-On section, than this is the place to learn how to create those resources and too seek help with that creation and development.

Integrate Localization development. Already been discussed enough, me thinks.

Overall, I hope you can see my reasoning behind many of the above changes. Even if 1/10 of the above suggestions were followed through, I think that this forum would overall be a better place. As well, if anybody would like me to add any of their suggestions to the above list just PM me with the suggestion and I will make it known. Anyways, here goes nothing...

[Simon Brown]

4, but the largest reason is that our standard simple dialog effects have evolved into full canvas tools and advanced adjustments, along with extremely powerful Filetypes. No longer are we extending core features of Paint.NET, but we are in fact adding on functionality that otherwise wouldn’t be available. And besides, plugin isn’t a real word

The effects system still reflects clear boundaries between effects and Paint.NET - in contrast to the Firefox extension system, where add-ons can do almost anything to Firefox [kosher].

C) If point 4.B were enacted, I think that because a section labeled Plugin Packages exists many new users would feel as if they could create and distribute their own packs. As many of us know, this is not allowed as we are not allowed to redistribute. However, similar to Mozilla’s recent ability for users to create pages that link to other Add-Ons, I think in this situation it would be safe to allow users the same privilege.

Renaming the section "author plugin packages" with the description "a place for plugin authors to publish packages of their own plugins" should be clear. I don't see the point of letting users link to plugins when search serves that function.

Kind of how Simon and Pyrochild have their plugin packs, minus the download link. This would give the current Plugin Indexing project in the Plugin Developer’s Center a real home for publishing as well.

Actually, both Pyrochild and I offer downloads of plugin packs - in fact, I no longer allow users to download them separately unless they follow the link to directly browse the plugins on my website.

[Simon Brown]

4, but the largest reason is that our standard simple dialog effects have evolved into full canvas tools and advanced adjustments, along with extremely powerful Filetypes. No longer are we extending core features of Paint.NET, but we are in fact adding on functionality that otherwise wouldn’t be available. And besides, plugin isn’t a real word

The effects system still reflects clear boundaries between effects and Paint.NET - in contrast to the Firefox extension system, where add-ons can do almost anything to Firefox [kosher].

C) If point 4.B were enacted, I think that because a section labeled Plugin Packages exists many new users would feel as if they could create and distribute their own packs. As many of us know, this is not allowed as we are not allowed to redistribute. However, similar to Mozilla’s recent ability for users to create pages that link to other Add-Ons, I think in this situation it would be safe to allow users the same privilege.

Renaming the section "author plugin packages" with the description "a place for plugin authors to publish packages of their own plugins" should be clear. I don't see the point of letting users link to plugins when search serves that function.

Kind of how Simon and Pyrochild have their plugin packs, minus the download link. This would give the current Plugin Indexing project in the Plugin Developer’s Center a real home for publishing as well.

Actually, both Pyrochild and I offer downloads of plugin packs - in fact, I no longer allow users to download them separately unless they follow the link to directly browse the plugins on my website.

[Simon Brown]

4, but the largest reason is that our standard simple dialog effects have evolved into full canvas tools and advanced adjustments, along with extremely powerful Filetypes. No longer are we extending core features of Paint.NET, but we are in fact adding on functionality that otherwise wouldn’t be available. And besides, plugin isn’t a real word

The effects system still reflects clear boundaries between effects and Paint.NET - in contrast to the Firefox extension system, where add-ons can do almost anything to Firefox [kosher].

C) If point 4.B were enacted, I think that because a section labeled Plugin Packages exists many new users would feel as if they could create and distribute their own packs. As many of us know, this is not allowed as we are not allowed to redistribute. However, similar to Mozilla’s recent ability for users to create pages that link to other Add-Ons, I think in this situation it would be safe to allow users the same privilege.

Renaming the section "author plugin packages" with the description "a place for plugin authors to publish packages of their own plugins" should be clear. I don't see the point of letting users link to plugins when search serves that function.

Kind of how Simon and Pyrochild have their plugin packs, minus the download link. This would give the current Plugin Indexing project in the Plugin Developer’s Center a real home for publishing as well.

Actually, both Pyrochild and I offer downloads of plugin packs - in fact, I no longer allow users to download them separately unless they follow the link to directly browse the plugins on my website.

[Simon Brown]

4, but the largest reason is that our standard simple dialog effects have evolved into full canvas tools and advanced adjustments, along with extremely powerful Filetypes. No longer are we extending core features of Paint.NET, but we are in fact adding on functionality that otherwise wouldn’t be available. And besides, plugin isn’t a real word

The effects system still reflects clear boundaries between effects and Paint.NET - in contrast to the Firefox extension system, where add-ons can do almost anything to Firefox [kosher].

C) If point 4.B were enacted, I think that because a section labeled Plugin Packages exists many new users would feel as if they could create and distribute their own packs. As many of us know, this is not allowed as we are not allowed to redistribute. However, similar to Mozilla’s recent ability for users to create pages that link to other Add-Ons, I think in this situation it would be safe to allow users the same privilege.

Renaming the section "author plugin packages" with the description "a place for plugin authors to publish packages of their own plugins" should be clear. I don't see the point of letting users link to plugins when search serves that function.

Kind of how Simon and Pyrochild have their plugin packs, minus the download link. This would give the current Plugin Indexing project in the Plugin Developer’s Center a real home for publishing as well.

Actually, both Pyrochild and I offer downloads of plugin packs - in fact, I no longer allow users to download them separately unless they follow the link to directly browse the plugins on my website.

[Simon Brown]

Also, if plugins were to be organised into categories I suggest a subforum inside it for called "misc add-ons" for topics like "palettes go here" and "share your custom brushes."

[Simon Brown]

Also, if plugins were to be organised into categories I suggest a subforum inside it for called "misc add-ons" for topics like "palettes go here" and "share your custom brushes."

[Simon Brown]

Also, if plugins were to be organised into categories I suggest a subforum inside it for called "misc add-ons" for topics like "palettes go here" and "share your custom brushes."

[Simon Brown]

Also, if plugins were to be organised into categories I suggest a subforum inside it for called "misc add-ons" for topics like "palettes go here" and "share your custom brushes."

[david.atwell]

An interesting list. Let me see if I can make some sense of some of it. You've obviously thought it through quite a bit, so I'll try to put as much thought into the replies.

GD&Q

Rename GD&Q to Paint.NET Discussion.

I don't think so. As a new user, I'd be looking for someplace to ask questions, not discuss things. "Questions" needs to remain in the title.

Create a General Questions thread.

I think this is ok, but I prefer a more comprehensive FAQ that addresses the most common questions. An offtopic-style thread for questions would be flat-out impossible to navigate. Questions would overflow answers and this would be a wreck. There's really no good way to make an Offtopic-style thread in GD&Q work. I've thought about that before.

Decrease minimoderation.

Agreed wholeheartedly. While a polite point toward the rules is awesome, tackling the newbie is clearly biting.

Pictorium

Move to the “Off Topic” category.

I lean toward no. Keeping it in PdN discussion reinforces the fact that everything has to be created in Paint.NET.

I think that a subforum for competitive creations should be created.

I really like this. In fact, I might do this within the next couple of days.

Tutorials+

Rename Tutorials to Guides.

No, no, very much no. People are looking for tutorials, and Guides sound like people who are waiting to help. We'll get more questions in the forum than ever before.

A section for the highest recommended tutorials should be created.

A Tutorials Galleria? Maybe. That's ideally what Stickying is supposed to do.

Plugins

Renaming Plugins to Add-ons.

"Add-on" isn't a word, either. :-P This is, frankly, a ludicrous idea, and I think would cause more confusion than anything else. They're called plugins in the program. If Rick renamed them, that's one thing. But since that's the name of the folder in the program, I think the forum should reflect that. How about "Plugins and Add-Ons"? Then Simon's idea about incorporating plugin packs and palettes, and your idea about incorporating localization (a link to it, at least, as the hardcoded program can't be changed by us) would still work.

Reorganization of the Plugins section to reflect the structure of our Effects menu

I agree, but I'm still tired from the Tutorials+ reorganization. That took months. Give me a while.

I don't understand 4.C.

Localization

The publishing of Localization packages should be made [in Plugins]

Doesn't work with my flat-out "no" earlier, does it? :-P This one really can't move because the program has a hard-coded link to the forum for non-English-speakers to get to it.

Wouldn’t it make sense to move Localization development to the Plugin Add-On Developer’s Center?

No. Again, this makes things more difficult for people who don't speak English.

Plugin Developer’s Center

Rename to Add-On Creation and Development Center.

Doesn't make sense with my flat-out "no" earlier.

Integrate Localization development.

See above.

Overall, interesting list. But let's focus more on small moves, eh? :-P I don't want 13,418 users to have to relearn a forum wholesale.

My two cents/pence/rubles/rupees.

[david.atwell]

An interesting list. Let me see if I can make some sense of some of it. You've obviously thought it through quite a bit, so I'll try to put as much thought into the replies.

GD&Q

Rename GD&Q to Paint.NET Discussion.

I don't think so. As a new user, I'd be looking for someplace to ask questions, not discuss things. "Questions" needs to remain in the title.

Create a General Questions thread.

I think this is ok, but I prefer a more comprehensive FAQ that addresses the most common questions. An offtopic-style thread for questions would be flat-out impossible to navigate. Questions would overflow answers and this would be a wreck. There's really no good way to make an Offtopic-style thread in GD&Q work. I've thought about that before.

Decrease minimoderation.

Agreed wholeheartedly. While a polite point toward the rules is awesome, tackling the newbie is clearly biting.

Pictorium

Move to the “Off Topic” category.

I lean toward no. Keeping it in PdN discussion reinforces the fact that everything has to be created in Paint.NET.

I think that a subforum for competitive creations should be created.

I really like this. In fact, I might do this within the next couple of days.

Tutorials+

Rename Tutorials to Guides.

No, no, very much no. People are looking for tutorials, and Guides sound like people who are waiting to help. We'll get more questions in the forum than ever before.

A section for the highest recommended tutorials should be created.

A Tutorials Galleria? Maybe. That's ideally what Stickying is supposed to do.

Plugins

Renaming Plugins to Add-ons.

"Add-on" isn't a word, either. :-P This is, frankly, a ludicrous idea, and I think would cause more confusion than anything else. They're called plugins in the program. If Rick renamed them, that's one thing. But since that's the name of the folder in the program, I think the forum should reflect that. How about "Plugins and Add-Ons"? Then Simon's idea about incorporating plugin packs and palettes, and your idea about incorporating localization (a link to it, at least, as the hardcoded program can't be changed by us) would still work.

Reorganization of the Plugins section to reflect the structure of our Effects menu

I agree, but I'm still tired from the Tutorials+ reorganization. That took months. Give me a while.

I don't understand 4.C.

Localization

The publishing of Localization packages should be made [in Plugins]

Doesn't work with my flat-out "no" earlier, does it? :-P This one really can't move because the program has a hard-coded link to the forum for non-English-speakers to get to it.

Wouldn’t it make sense to move Localization development to the Plugin Add-On Developer’s Center?

No. Again, this makes things more difficult for people who don't speak English.

Plugin Developer’s Center

Rename to Add-On Creation and Development Center.

Doesn't make sense with my flat-out "no" earlier.

Integrate Localization development.

See above.

Overall, interesting list. But let's focus more on small moves, eh? :-P I don't want 13,418 users to have to relearn a forum wholesale.

My two cents/pence/rubles/rupees.

[david.atwell]

An interesting list. Let me see if I can make some sense of some of it. You've obviously thought it through quite a bit, so I'll try to put as much thought into the replies.

GD&Q

Rename GD&Q to Paint.NET Discussion.

I don't think so. As a new user, I'd be looking for someplace to ask questions, not discuss things. "Questions" needs to remain in the title.

Create a General Questions thread.

I think this is ok, but I prefer a more comprehensive FAQ that addresses the most common questions. An offtopic-style thread for questions would be flat-out impossible to navigate. Questions would overflow answers and this would be a wreck. There's really no good way to make an Offtopic-style thread in GD&Q work. I've thought about that before.

Decrease minimoderation.

Agreed wholeheartedly. While a polite point toward the rules is awesome, tackling the newbie is clearly biting.

Pictorium

Move to the “Off Topic” category.

I lean toward no. Keeping it in PdN discussion reinforces the fact that everything has to be created in Paint.NET.

I think that a subforum for competitive creations should be created.

I really like this. In fact, I might do this within the next couple of days.

Tutorials+

Rename Tutorials to Guides.

No, no, very much no. People are looking for tutorials, and Guides sound like people who are waiting to help. We'll get more questions in the forum than ever before.

A section for the highest recommended tutorials should be created.

A Tutorials Galleria? Maybe. That's ideally what Stickying is supposed to do.

Plugins

Renaming Plugins to Add-ons.

"Add-on" isn't a word, either. :-P This is, frankly, a ludicrous idea, and I think would cause more confusion than anything else. They're called plugins in the program. If Rick renamed them, that's one thing. But since that's the name of the folder in the program, I think the forum should reflect that. How about "Plugins and Add-Ons"? Then Simon's idea about incorporating plugin packs and palettes, and your idea about incorporating localization (a link to it, at least, as the hardcoded program can't be changed by us) would still work.

Reorganization of the Plugins section to reflect the structure of our Effects menu

I agree, but I'm still tired from the Tutorials+ reorganization. That took months. Give me a while.

I don't understand 4.C.

Localization

The publishing of Localization packages should be made [in Plugins]

Doesn't work with my flat-out "no" earlier, does it? :-P This one really can't move because the program has a hard-coded link to the forum for non-English-speakers to get to it.

Wouldn’t it make sense to move Localization development to the Plugin Add-On Developer’s Center?

No. Again, this makes things more difficult for people who don't speak English.

Plugin Developer’s Center

Rename to Add-On Creation and Development Center.

Doesn't make sense with my flat-out "no" earlier.

Integrate Localization development.

See above.

Overall, interesting list. But let's focus more on small moves, eh? :-P I don't want 13,418 users to have to relearn a forum wholesale.

My two cents/pence/rubles/rupees.

[david.atwell]

An interesting list. Let me see if I can make some sense of some of it. You've obviously thought it through quite a bit, so I'll try to put as much thought into the replies.

GD&Q

Rename GD&Q to Paint.NET Discussion.

I don't think so. As a new user, I'd be looking for someplace to ask questions, not discuss things. "Questions" needs to remain in the title.

Create a General Questions thread.

I think this is ok, but I prefer a more comprehensive FAQ that addresses the most common questions. An offtopic-style thread for questions would be flat-out impossible to navigate. Questions would overflow answers and this would be a wreck. There's really no good way to make an Offtopic-style thread in GD&Q work. I've thought about that before.

Decrease minimoderation.

Agreed wholeheartedly. While a polite point toward the rules is awesome, tackling the newbie is clearly biting.

Pictorium

Move to the “Off Topic” category.

I lean toward no. Keeping it in PdN discussion reinforces the fact that everything has to be created in Paint.NET.

I think that a subforum for competitive creations should be created.

I really like this. In fact, I might do this within the next couple of days.

Tutorials+

Rename Tutorials to Guides.

No, no, very much no. People are looking for tutorials, and Guides sound like people who are waiting to help. We'll get more questions in the forum than ever before.

A section for the highest recommended tutorials should be created.

A Tutorials Galleria? Maybe. That's ideally what Stickying is supposed to do.

Plugins

Renaming Plugins to Add-ons.

"Add-on" isn't a word, either. :-P This is, frankly, a ludicrous idea, and I think would cause more confusion than anything else. They're called plugins in the program. If Rick renamed them, that's one thing. But since that's the name of the folder in the program, I think the forum should reflect that. How about "Plugins and Add-Ons"? Then Simon's idea about incorporating plugin packs and palettes, and your idea about incorporating localization (a link to it, at least, as the hardcoded program can't be changed by us) would still work.

Reorganization of the Plugins section to reflect the structure of our Effects menu

I agree, but I'm still tired from the Tutorials+ reorganization. That took months. Give me a while.

I don't understand 4.C.

Localization

The publishing of Localization packages should be made [in Plugins]

Doesn't work with my flat-out "no" earlier, does it? :-P This one really can't move because the program has a hard-coded link to the forum for non-English-speakers to get to it.

Wouldn’t it make sense to move Localization development to the Plugin Add-On Developer’s Center?

No. Again, this makes things more difficult for people who don't speak English.

Plugin Developer’s Center

Rename to Add-On Creation and Development Center.

Doesn't make sense with my flat-out "no" earlier.

Integrate Localization development.

See above.

Overall, interesting list. But let's focus more on small moves, eh? :-P I don't want 13,418 users to have to relearn a forum wholesale.

My two cents/pence/rubles/rupees.

[Mike Ryan]

Never expected any of these to be executed even before the end of the year. Ideas to keep in mind for the future, really. I typed the last half of that up on my iPod, as I am typing this now. So when I get home I'll have more lengthy replies for you, David and Simon. But for now I am going to minimize on the finger bleed.

[Mike Ryan]

Never expected any of these to be executed even before the end of the year. Ideas to keep in mind for the future, really. I typed the last half of that up on my iPod, as I am typing this now. So when I get home I'll have more lengthy replies for you, David and Simon. But for now I am going to minimize on the finger bleed.

[Mike Ryan]

Never expected any of these to be executed even before the end of the year. Ideas to keep in mind for the future, really. I typed the last half of that up on my iPod, as I am typing this now. So when I get home I'll have more lengthy replies for you, David and Simon. But for now I am going to minimize on the finger bleed.

[Mike Ryan]

Never expected any of these to be executed even before the end of the year. Ideas to keep in mind for the future, really. I typed the last half of that up on my iPod, as I am typing this now. So when I get home I'll have more lengthy replies for you, David and Simon. But for now I am going to minimize on the finger bleed.

[Simon Brown]

This one really can't move because the program has a hard-coded link to the forum for non-English-speakers to get to it.

Not that I can see :? (I presume you mean the languages subforum):

[Simon Brown]

This one really can't move because the program has a hard-coded link to the forum for non-English-speakers to get to it.

Not that I can see :? (I presume you mean the languages subforum):

[Simon Brown]

This one really can't move because the program has a hard-coded link to the forum for non-English-speakers to get to it.

Not that I can see :? (I presume you mean the languages subforum):

[Simon Brown]

This one really can't move because the program has a hard-coded link to the forum for non-English-speakers to get to it.

Not that I can see :? (I presume you mean the languages subforum):

[Simon Brown]

Several similar suggestions of my own, I realise this probably isn't the best place but they are related and it seems better than flooding the forum:

Use GD&Q for troubleshooting and have a separate bug reports section or a public bug tracker. My reason for this is that sometimes the line might be blurred between trying to achieve something and struggling with a technical problem - for example, a user might want to install two versions of PDN side-by-side - this is related both to troubleshooting as well as trying to achieve something.

Also, I suggest moving tutorials and plugins into a dedicated "publishing" section - this would separate areas for users to ask questions from publishing sections, possibly resulting in less confusion - although my hypothesis is that the majority of questions in tutorials+ are asked by users who go to a link to see a tutorial and click the "new topic" link in subsilver2 to post their question, not taking note of the breadcrumbs. Additionally, I suggest adding a new section to this category where common but answered questions could be moved, allowing the user to see answers to questions already answered by other users.

As for the issue of the pictorium being in the "off-topic" category giving the impression that it isn't just for Paint.NET, a possible solution would be to rename the category to "community."