Your thoughts - Trimble's Possible Extensions Warehouse?
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We already have a Ruby library depot, with complements to Didier, which he has maintained since 2004.
After reading all the rumored requirements to become a member of this possible new entity, it looks to me like another well intentioned bureaucracy of standardization.
I have always looked to this forum for answers, to programming questions, and to be enlightened, by users that have more skill in programming; and I hope that interchange will continue in this forum.
So what happens to this new 'Extension Warehouse' next time SketchUp gets sold?
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Your surmise is not yet reality.
If Trimble ever realize this rumored pipe-dream it is not yet available to the masses...Meanwhile...
SketchUcation already has its own recently launched 'Plugin Store', 'Plugins Manager' and 'Extensions Manager' that can be freely downloaded and installed...
This simply installed toolset allows you [using v8M2 or newer] to Auto-Install most of the many hundreds of Plugins listed on the SCF Plugins forum...
and then to Disable/Enable Plugins, or to Deactivate/Activate Extensions, at will,
using a a simple set of intuitive dialogs...A simple SCF forum search or a simple click on the appropriate top ad-banner will get you it...
So there's no need to wait for a rumored clunky bureaucratic system, that's potentially the sibling of 3dWH
- get the 'reliable' SketchUcation toolset NOW 
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The more options for people to find extensions the better. The only problem might be if they require an exclusivity type of agreement to limit you to have plugins only with them which I don't think it will happen. I am really excited to see this Extension Warehouse!
Is there info about this because I wasn't aware of it?
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At the moment it's only a 'meme'...
A 'rumor'...
Be patient...
BUT in the meantime SketchUcation's 'Plugin Store' and its associated 'Manager' tools seem to be more than adequate for most user's needs anyway...
Have you tried it... ? -
Yes I have tried it and regard it as a step in the right direction.
But in my humble opinion in order to fully have a solution for making the finding and installing of extensions a success for the general public there need to be a two step program...let me explain.
SketchUcation initialized a successful first step in the right direction but now the ball park is in Trimble is side to integrate 'SketchUcation's 'Plugin Store' or their own as a native tool for SketchUp.
I say this because I find most people don't know how to install plugins...not even with .rbs files using instal extension feature since is too hidden for most to find. So even though 'SketchUcation's 'Plugin Store' is the solution for does people, the reality is they won't have access to it.
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In the last ware house there was a comment made they would take some action to get pulgins under control. They did not elaborate on what that meant but the implication was they were spending to much man power trouble shooting issues caused by them.
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Rafael, you say "most people don't know how to install plugins", I think the reality is a minority have problems. You see people here all the time having problems so you think it is "Most" but it's just that you are mostly seeing the problem ones. The majority work it out or come here or somewhere like this and read a bit and away they go. Making something work for those who are can't quite grasp the basics with a little learning is one of the societal or governmental flaws that many people complain about. Nobody wants to live in a nanny state etc etc Things shouldn't be dumbed down, people should be educated, or helped to understand. Certain monkeys have learnt to use sticks to gather ants and termites from deep inside their nests to eat, they would never have developed tool usage if the ants walked into their mouths.
And by the same token, isn't this sort of what SU is all about. The "owners" whoever they may be, produce a core product that is simple and works. The vast community of users and developers through need and innovation create a vast array of tools which can be added to the core product. There is no way I want all the tools that tig has nor am I content with the supplied tools, I'm somewhere in between, just like every other user. We can add what we want and learn and develope as we go. Products like Photoshop, just as an example, have millions of tools that the average user will never use, but they are all there intimidating you.
Trimble should have a warehouse, but it shouldn't be Monsanto. SU to me at the moment seems to be a nice blend of "open source" and sensible "capitalistic software developement". I rue the day it becomes one or the other.
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On 3D Basecamp 2012 it was mentioned that 45% of Pro users used at least one plugin...not including free users so its doesn't reflect the whole picture.
I understand what you are saying but still there is room to "optimize" the process" and there has been some plugins that have looked into this issue...just wish they got more exposure.
Cheers!
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In my considered opinion, Installing plugins is not going to get any easier, regardless of who tries to be in charge. Basically it all comes down to language.
I always use a step by step approach to any install procedure. Any long well intentioned paragraphs always get in way, and ultimately requires more explanation. The only reason 1% or 2% of my users have trouble installing my scripts lies mainly in the fact they have failed to read the instructions. Invariable when I remind them to reread a step they may have glossed over, the problem is solved.
But its not only the lack of reading that's the problem, its also failing to look at a pictures, that demonstrate additional information, such as what to expect after PayPal.
Ultimately some if not all of us like to communicate on a personal level, and I really don't mind giving additional help. In the mean time I will continue to make instruction writing less onerous and more understandable!
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Understood!
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