Each Feature request, should include the following information:
- The plugin that the feature request is for
- A short description of the Feature request (or Enhancement). This is your elevator pitch to me on why I should add this feature or enhancement.
- Why would this Feature request / Enhancement be a good idea? Think of this as the Business justification for the feature / enhancement.
- Some details about the background of the request, so that I can seriously make this feature work in your installation. The more information I have, the better I can make this feature / enhancement.
- The plugin that the feature request is for
For example, some short justifications, could be (Please note, I would suggest them to be longer and more detailed, but I think this demonstrates my point:
Suggested.....
- Adding support for the subspace ethernet adapter will speed up transmission speed and reliability.
- Supporting the Insteon 220 modules would open up the EU, and other EU countries to Indigo
- Adding Kanji support to Weather Conditions would allow the Kanji using users to read it...
Less Likely to work....
- My brother says this is neat. So you should support it.
- But I want the feature! Why wouldn't someone want a plugin to display the daily lolcat image!
While we may not like the idea of having to wait, it happens. Sometimes there is a technical reason, and sometimes a resource issue, that is holding development back...... I do try to address all feature requests, and I am hoping to use this forum to help track and prioritize feature requests / enhancements...
Indigo is one of the best Home automation packages, for technical and non-technical users... Matt & Jay have the hard job of dealing with the resource allocation, and figuring out how to have the GUI represent all of these "things" in a way that everyone can use it... The same issue arises with the plugin authors, we have to consider different models and methods to make the complex simple.
The original security script, is a perfect example. It started as an Applescript attachment script, which was hard to customize and frustrating to the end user. Since then, it has been converted to a python plugin, and the UI is significantly easier to user and enjoy.
Another case is Find My iDevices. I have changed the device model several times to make it cleaner, and easier to use...
So any input you can give in your feature request / enhancement is important. If you have a suggestion for a tweak to the UI, or device model, go ahead. Worse case, I say no, or that I don't have enough time right now...
After making the suggestion, you'll need to wait. After a few point releases, if you don't see your feature, then gently ask if anything has changed. If you are still waiting, and a major update is announced, ask if this feature has made it in to this newer version.
Asking infrequently allows to you to ensure that your feature has not dropped off the radar... And to verify that it is still being worked on, or at least considered. But keep in mind, it's possible that something has changed in the meanwhile, and it might not be seen as a important feature anymore.
- Benjamin