Topic: Developer perceptions
I am starting this as it's own topic, though the impetus is based on a comment in this thread (and many others)...
http://forum.chumby.com/viewtopic.php?pid=22559#p22559
Most specifically this part:
...Some developers have been asking us to allow them to access many of the low-level functions of the device, including volume and the low-level audio subsystem - imagine what would happen if some malicious widget developer could set arbitrary alarms at any time at full volume!
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This seems to be a real point of contention between developers and Chumby central. What about the "non-malicious" developers that spend their own free time creating unique widgets for the device? By repeating this statement ad-nauseum, you would think that we are just a bunch of malicious developers waiting to take down the "system" with our nefarious widgets.
It's a real shame. If the concern is so high, then why not create a "trusted" developers level? Give us the ability to help push the boundaries of the device, which only helps it sell.
And from another perspective, if I were a possible customer browsing these forums, and kept seeing these statements based on "FUD", I would be reluctant to purchase.
I apologize if I seem frustrated, but I am. Many of us have put in countless amount of development hours, and speaking for myself personally, really enjoy and love the Chumby. Why am I even included in the same paragraph as a "malicious" developer because of the fact that I would like to put even more countless hours of development to provide even more of an awesome experience for the end user?
It's borderline insulting. Is there any chance for a wider dialog on this topic?
Cheers.