I've been a member here for a few years now and only recently have I been venturing into the Code Sharing thread. It's pretty cool how many developers are posting codes and how many users are providing quality feedback. However, I do see one recurring complaint and that is that codes are being taken by folks who don't ever post a response or even a "thank you" to report which code they have used.
Do lurkers have access to the code sharing section? Should we maybe consider some way of better managing this specific forum in order to make it more useful for developers and MR members? I imagine developers want honest feedback or at least a chance for a review when they choose to post codes and give away their product for free. A member or a lurker who takes a code and doesn't even take the time to post in the thread is likely not going to take the time to go to iTunes or another site and post a review.
My first thought was to put a post count on the thread like the Marketplace, but that could prevent developers from having access as well. I've seen some developers post about their application and then give out codes via PM. This is a nice way to prevent lurkers from taking all the codes, but I don't know if it actually encourages more interaction or actual feedback on the usage of the application. Additionally, this requires more work on the part of the developer.
What do you all think? Is there any kind of solution to this dilemma and is it a big enough issue that something should be done about it?
Do lurkers have access to the code sharing section? Should we maybe consider some way of better managing this specific forum in order to make it more useful for developers and MR members? I imagine developers want honest feedback or at least a chance for a review when they choose to post codes and give away their product for free. A member or a lurker who takes a code and doesn't even take the time to post in the thread is likely not going to take the time to go to iTunes or another site and post a review.
My first thought was to put a post count on the thread like the Marketplace, but that could prevent developers from having access as well. I've seen some developers post about their application and then give out codes via PM. This is a nice way to prevent lurkers from taking all the codes, but I don't know if it actually encourages more interaction or actual feedback on the usage of the application. Additionally, this requires more work on the part of the developer.
What do you all think? Is there any kind of solution to this dilemma and is it a big enough issue that something should be done about it?