[Pidgin] #15612: Please, post links to plug-ins that must be built on a separate page.

[Pidgin]

#15612: Please, post links to plug-ins that must be built on a separate page.
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 Reporter:  thomassisson        |      Owner:
     Type:  plugin request      |     Status:  new
Milestone:  Completed Web Site  |  Component:  plugins
  Version:  2.10.7              |   Keywords:
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 Please take this as a request intended to make things easier for users.
 This is a suggestion for your consideration.

 I have found that links posted on the Pidgin plug-ins page that need to be
 built and users have posted compiling issues at the site hosting the
 sources. Often, this occurs because there are missing files, no or bad
 instructions, or building requires creating a development directory with
 Pidgin source files.

 I understand the following: Pidgin is free software in all meanings of the
 word, and that people who work on the project are volunteers. Anyone can
 create a plug-in. These people with varying skills are primarily well-
 intentioned and are making these plug-ins voluntarily. As with any open
 source project, these plug-ins can be good or bad. Pidgin has no control
 over third-party plug-ins.

 My request is simple. Separate pre-built plug-ins from those that need to
 be built from source. The page that has unbuilt plug-ins should include
 warnings and instructions on requirements for building Pidgin plug-ins.
 This may include links to environment based instructions based on
 operating system and distribution such as links for Ubuntu, RedHat, Mac OS
 X, MS Windows, etc.

 I have found myself frustrated building various plug-ins and finding
 missing files without instructions on how to create those files. No README
 file has been included, and no instructions are available on the hosting
 website. There is also no reference to needing an available Pidgin source
 file, when it appears that this is sometimes necessary for building a
 plug-in.

 It would also be nice to have a place to rate and comment on the plug-in
 on that page. Additionally, some plug-in descriptions don't indicate that
 they are operating system dependent.

 I hope that I have posted this at the correct location. I apologize if I
 have not. I also feel that people should be able to comment on this with
 their own opinions, thoughts, and solutions in a polite manner.

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Ticket URL: <https://developer.pidgin.im/ticket/15612>
Pidgin <http://pidgin.im>
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