I would try to have those discussions via a GitHub issue instead of social media. Actual developers (versus fanboys) would appreciate the feedback.
this post was submitted on 29 Jul 2023
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Do it anyway and ignore the backlash. If no one reports it then it will never be addressed. Its the drawing of attention to the matter that counts in my opinion.
The only complaint I have is that most communities or devs prefer you to open issues on places such as github instead but I feel it doesnt really matter since not everyone is willing to take the extra steps.
As a software developer, this is constructive:
open issues on places such as github
This is bitching:
it doesnt really matter since not everyone is willing to take the extra steps.
I try to post issues on github , but because I always have to verify my sign-up using email 2auth. It grinds my gears that reporting bugs is becoming tedious.
I tried to open an account on codeberg.org to report a small issue, the website refused to let me sign-up with a temporary email (I understand they have to fight spam), I don't like using my own email everywhere so its another disappointement on my list.
Protonmail accounts are free. Just make one and use it for bug report signups.
Good idea!
Ran into the same problem as you. Did not feel like making my 273828rd email and ended up not reporting a bug.
Firefox Relay, Proton email aliases, and whatever iCloud's email thing is called all allow you to hide your email. The free versions tend to limit how many you can create, but some let you pay for unlimited. I use a different alias for every single thing I sign up for (i personally use Firefox Relay and only ran into an issue once during a sign up). Since I also pay for Proton Mail though, I can get other aliases through there if need be. Basically the very free things will turn you into a customer, so if you want to keep privacy, paying for the basic protections isn't super expensive.
If you're reporting a bug, requesting a feature or enhancement, or suggesting a revision to a FOSS project ...
- Find the repository and do your interaction there.
- Try to fix it yourself and then submit a Pull Request.
- If you can't fix it yourself, find the Issue report and follow the template. If the issue is already being talked about, contain your comments to the existing ticket.
- That's it, you're done. Don't keep making noise in the community, on Discord, Twitter, or wherever.
That’s it, you’re done. Don’t keep making noise in the community, on Discord, Twitter, or wherever.
odd inclusion
If there's a problem that needs to be fixed, it's way easier to fix if all the feedback is in the same place.
ry to fix it yourself and then submit a Pull Request.
most software users cannot code.
Well, I guess it's a good thing I didn't stop listing instructions!
I always do everything online anonymously unless there's a VERY good reason not to. So with no identity or investment in an account to protect, I don't really fear any negative feedback. That said, it's not a license to be a jerk and I try not to come across as aggressive or blaming them for what is on the whole, a very minor problem in my life.
I received downvotes (only) for just reporting bugs and writing feature requests. Although, top posts were always bug reports and feature requests.
Those people are fanboys with no dev experience. I guess they are so insecure they view their favorite app's potential improvements as threats.
Always try and lead with the compliments and only burn them after. Like a sweet curry laced with Scotch Bonnet.
Also in those communities where they have a mentality of them against the world, make sure you use we and us. Talk as if it's something you want to solve together as a community, not something you're expecting others to solve like an entitled person.
Chin up friend, you'll have some setbacks, but your goodwill is appreciated.
I lack in diplomacy I must confess !
Generally the community isn't even necessarily seen by the developers, especially if it's big enough to have a lot of active users. They can't track everything in the community. Centralized feedback is absolutely a godsend for developers. They can't go searching for it.
I don't remember what project it was our what my suggestion was but a few years ago I posted a suggestion on GitHub and got a nasty response from the developer saying it was a crappy idea and attacking me. They didn't state WHY they thought it was a bad idea. Very childish. I haven't posted suggestions since then.
Reddit is not where I would submit a bug. I would make sure I was running the latest version and that it still has the bug. I would search to see if It is a known issue both with a web search and on their bug tracker. If I found nothing I would submit a well reaseached and documented bug report.
If your a developer you could even submit a patch or pull request against the project main line. Most people cannot do that though.
If it is not a bug then really the developers should not be expected to do much. May not be their priority or vision. Lot more questionable to submit non-bug items unless you plan on developing them yourself and seeing if their is interest in including.
I don't really visit FOSS communities, however I have given my fair share of bug reports and feedback. (I'm a game programmer)
Most communities welcome the feedback. I know I can be blunt, or even out of line while reporting sometimes. I try to be the "asshole" before another person comes along without my experience who actually is an asshole and doesn't know what they're talking about.
It's also a minor test to see how they respond to rough feedback. I don't think anyone has mishandled it so far. They are always polite and respectful to customers, and I usually relax after the first encounter.
I try to make it clear that the feedback I give has importance (when i know what im talking about), or if its minor, i tell them its not a real issue, not worth fixing, etc. If they reject it, it stops there. More often than not, they are understanding.
I don't recall any blatant arrogance in any responses so far.