What do you do when there isn't support?

[Syren]

I'm using a mod that I downloaded from the phpbb.com site. However, the topic for the mod in the Mods in Development forum there is locked per the author's request. It's stated that if you need support, you can get it at his forum. However, the only way to get support over there is if you "donate" (read pay) for it.

Now I understand that mod authors do this stuff for free in their own spare time, for which many like me are sincerely thankful. But to close the support topic for it and then pretty much force someone to "donate" (pay) for support if and when they need it, isn't really a nice thing to do. Especially when there are people, like me, who are literally barely scraping by living paycheck to paycheck and simply cannot afford to "donate" (pay) for it.

So what am I, and others in the same boat as I am, suppose to do now to get support for a mod that I need some assistance with?

It's not even a matter of needing any error help. I just need help in figuring out what files I can edit in order to redesign the look/layout of it.

I looked but the mod isn't offered here. So am I completely out of luck?

[~HG~]

I guess the way around it is to give us details of the mod in question (download link) and what you want done with it and I am sure that someone that has time on their hands can help you with what you want.

It could mean a partial rewrite of the mod or even a total rewrite to suit your requirements but it could be done.
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~HG~

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[Syren]

I can't tell you how much that would be totally appreciated. Should I post the information here in this thread or elsewhere?

[Patrick]

Hey Syren,

Thanks for the questions.

Regarding charging for support, there isn't really anything particularly wrong with it. Afterall, everyone's time is valuable and how they choose to spend it or receive compensation for it is their choice. Just because someone releases a hack, etc., doesn't mean that they are also inclined to provide individualized support for it, etc., as that can be time consuming. If they do, that's great. If they don't, that's also fine.

I can understand your frustration, though. Like ~HG~ said, you are welcome to post a thread here. We allow hacks to be discussed here and supported, even if they are not in our database.

I would recommend going ahead and starting a new one with the hack name in the subject, just so that it's a little more likely to attract people.

Thanks,

Patrick
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[Syren]

Thank you, Patrick. I understand that mod authors want to and should be paid or "donated" to for their hard work. I do. It's just discouraging when people like me can't do that simply because they can't afford it, not that they don't want to donate to help support their volunteered efforts. I sincerely appreciate being able to get some help here, thank you so much

[Patrick]

No problem.

Patrick
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Author, Managing Online Forums (New Book)
Have a suggestion or a bit of feedback relating to phpBBHacks.com? Please contact me!
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