MSN messenger

[sub]

Reduced interest in plugins may be coming from from the built-in stuff being 'good enough' for most people now. While many of the built in screens are still pretty basic, they were even more simplistic in the past, and lacking a lot of important features and that sent a lot of people looking for the 'MyVideos, MyMusic, MyPhotos' plugins etc. I think most people agree that the built-in screens are quite capable of performing those basic functions now. Also much improved are the recordings screen and tv guide etc, though there are still equivalents that provide more functions for those that need them (TV Listings, MovieWiz etc).

[McBainUK]

This is true in my case, I no longer use Music plugins as the built in one is good enough and suits the directory structure of my music collection.

Doesn't explain the cases where a plugin is not a replacement/enhancement for a built-in screen though.

[sub]

Doesn't explain the cases where a plugin is not a replacement/enhancement for a built-in screen though.

...unless the built-in screens provide pretty much all the functionality that most users want, and these extra plugins only fill a niche need. An MSN Messenger plugin is a perfect example of of this. I think there would be a small group of people would that would love to have this type of plugin, and would be vocal about getting extra features etc, but the vast majority of users would probably never download it.

[McBainUK]

Think you might have hit the nail on the head.

It's kind of disheartening to be considered a niche. But if, as a plugin developer, you're using your own plugin and working to add features that you would want to use, then all is good I suppose.

(think I might have hijacked the thread a bit, sorry hetwiel)

[hetwiel]

Hehehe yeah you ppl made the standard edition to good! go make it buggy so ppl come to the forums (or press uninstall ofc). Nevertheless MediaPortal has msn plugin, but then again, mediaportal sucks

Ill spam u lads some threads if still needed, got a tiny little bit of a slow i-net atm, overloading it with utorrent whehehe DL 10 divx movies at once is funny

[hetwiel]

hmmm edit button leads to delete or dont delete message, booo

anyways, off-topic
Dont worry bout the hijacking me thread thingy, im just glad to see an active community
I seem to have forgotten how my instalation went a few days ago, im certain it went smooth or i wouldve remembered but dunno bout subscription options or info screens bout plugins etc etc. Maybe a nice tweak to the install? Or you think it wud annoy ppl?

I heard bout the plugin functionality thru gathering.tweakers.net (dutch) and i cant really say its obvious that there is even such an active community behind the home site. It aint mentioned on first sight.

Nevertheless.... Great job! your work is most appreciated (though i only currently work with weather/skin plugin and communityskin. Coz im not much bout the advanced options, specially coz me most brilliant and computer gifted mom has access to the media pc