Homeseer Resource Page

[rocco]

. . . HomeSeer is more open now than it has ever been. That's one of the reasons this thread started - remember?

I thought that this thread started because Trojan felt that we needed an unbiased resource for HomeSeer. He, like I, felt that the forum wasn't as open as it used to be.

You can develop all the non licensed plugins that you want and HomeSeer can't do anything to prevent you from distributing it or using it.

But do you really think it can stay that way as HomeSeer goes pro?

Consider the integrator that wants to add an "uncertified" plug-in to his customer's HomeSeer-Pro installation. Does HomeSeer allow it? Do they accept the support issues it may cause? Do they disavow the installation altogether?

The HomeSeer plug-in interface is a fragile thing. I would contend that the only reliable way to build a HomeSeer-Pro system would be to certify plug-ins, and then enforce it with a software lock.

I believe that 'open' and 'professional' require different paradigms, and I don't believe that HST can handle both at the same time (even though Pluto does).

 

[Rupp]

Mike,
You make an excellent point and I can't give you an answer to that question. I do a lot over there but there are certain "things" I do not control.

 

[Rupp]

. . . HomeSeer is more open now than it has ever been. That's one of the reasons this thread started - remember?

I thought that this thread started because Trojan felt that we needed an unbiased resource for HomeSeer. He, like I, felt that the forum wasn't as open as it used to be.

You can develop all the non licensed plugins that you want and HomeSeer can't do anything to prevent you from distributing it or using it.

But do you really think it can stay that way as HomeSeer goes pro?

Consider the integrator that wants to add an "uncertified" plug-in to his customer's HomeSeer-Pro installation. Does HomeSeer allow it? Do they accept the support issues it may cause? Do they disavow the installation altogether?

The HomeSeer plug-in interface is a fragile thing. I would contend that the only reliable way to build a HomeSeer-Pro system would be to certify plug-ins, and then enforce it with a software lock.

I believe that 'open' and 'professional' require different paradigms, and I don't believe that HST can handle both at the same time (even though Pluto does).

Oh. OK the Pro VS DIY paradigm. I haven't thought about that really in depth. Again this tide is coming on me slowly but others have seen it more clearly. I agree that they probably do not want a Pro-100 user adding homemade plugins.

 

[mbreeden]

Rupp:

I give you credit, when it gets hot in the kitchen you stay with it. I am not picking on you and I hope it did not come across that way. Some times I think you must feel like Gen. Custer.

 

[Rupp]

This thread was supposed to help EVERYONE using Homeseer... was I naive to try and help others?

I wont be making that mistake again.

TrOjAn

Trojan,
Come on. You're not giving up because of one heated exchange are you. Stick to your guns and do what you feel is right. You've done nothing wrong other than sticky up for a friend so stay the course.

Greg, I'm sure glad you're active on this board!

Was being serious here!

Martin,
Sometimes inflection is lost in type so I hope you were saying that in a joking manner, but I only get serious about serious stuff. Home Automation is a passionate hobby for me but I'm getting to the age where I could stop automating tomorrow - I think I simply want one thing. For us all to get along and automate with our respective packages. The last thing I want is to offend anyone. If I have then I apologize.

 

[smee]

I'm with you on the changes. It slipped up on me without me even knowing about it but Michael McSharry called me on it this week and I'm glad he did. The markets are changing so I need to change as well. The old share and share alike days are nearly gone as is witnessed in this thread. I was told I need to get over it and roll with the changes. I'm trying.

He's been assimilated.

Smee,
I had to look that up to be sure what it meant. I guess you're right. Slowly but surely.

Meant purely in fun, Rupp.

 

[Rupp]

Rupp:

I give you credit, when it gets hot in the kitchen you stay with it. I am not picking on you and I hope it did not come across that way. Some times I think you must feel like Gen. Custer.

Mike,
Even though I have never met a single one of you guys I feel I know several of you personally. All the exchanges we have had over the years (good and bad) all mean one thing. That we have a passion for automating our surroundings and sharing as much as we can. I love these exchanges and some times it's about the good and sometimes it's about the bad. I too sometimes wonder what Rich and the crew are thinking but being close to those guys I realize honestly they aren't. It's easy to be a "back seat driver" as we all are from time to time but running a business isn't easy for anyone. I honestly believe that Rich and the crew have been so buried in code that some of these "problems" have come crashing down on them with out them knowing about it. I'm the last one that is going to cast stones because I couldn't do what they do and run a business. I have enough problems feeding my family let alone worry about others and their welfare. My hat is off to these guys for doing as good a job as they have. Others may disagree but you know what - that's what makes this country so good to live in.

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

Some times I think you must feel like Gen. Custer.

Hey - watch it! Don't be talking about my relatives like that!

Martin,
Sometimes inflection is lost in type so I hope you were saying that in a joking manner, but I only get serious about serious stuff.

Greg, I meant it as a compliment! You know that I have a lot of respect for you

 

[Rupp]

Some times I think you must feel like Gen. Custer.

Hey - watch it! Don't be talking about my relatives like that!

Martin,
Sometimes inflection is lost in type so I hope you were saying that in a joking manner, but I only get serious about serious stuff.

Greg, I meant it as a compliment! You know that I have a lot of respect for you

Thanks Martin.

The big difference between Custer and me is he had a last stand I'm living for another day.

 

[WayneW]

I noticed that not all plugin authors go through HST to distribute/sell their wares.

Yeah, but I think the difference is that if it goes through HS (and they collect their fee), then HomeSeer is providing an implied warranty on the plug-in including support and future updates - right? Am I missing something here?

One would hope you were right, but I think the recent episode of mcsAudrey proves otherwise. My apologies to Michael in advance if I have this wrong, but didn't pulling mcsAudrey from the updater leave people hanging with hardware they couldn't use?

Not if Michael takes the license requirement out of his plugin. I would think that any plugin author would rebuild the plugin and change that one line of code to open up the plugin for free use.

I think that Martin was alluding to a warranty from HomeSeer, not from Michael. So, not to be morbid, but if Michael got hit by a bus, would HST provide any support, updates or source code? I don't think so, hence the cause for concern about 3rd party plug-ins. this segues nicely into the pro-vs-diy issues also.

 

[mbreeden]

Hey - watch it! Don't be talking about my relatives like that!

Sorry Martin but I could not spell Mohegan (Last of the) and Custer was the next thing that came to mind.

No offense meant. Now I hope I did not offend any Native Americans.

- Mike

 

[WayneW]

I know this isn't as flashy as the censorship word you keep posting but AGAIN the reason that Bob can't post his url is in the license page of the HomeSeer bulletin board.

OK, so then what is a single word to describe unbalanced and unfair enforcement of a company policy and interference with free speech?

Why is Jim allowed to link to his site and NOBODY is allowed to link to Bob's?

To see for yourself, go to an HS MB message and type the following, then click preview.
http://bladeplugins.no-ip.org
www.doosoft.com

Looks like censorship to me.

 

[JohnBullard]

Interesting discussion. I haven't used plugins from either of these guys and have no dog in this fight.

Back on topic ? (Please)

Great idea for your resource page, Trojan.

I noticed that you had links to both Jim's and Bob's work, as well as many other Homeseer related links.

Thank You.

 

[Squintz]

Wow, I will never keep up with rupps post count at the rate he is going. I guess this will put me one post closer.

 

[Rupp]

Hey - watch it! Don't be talking about my relatives like that!

Sorry Martin but I could not spell Mohegan (Last of the) and Custer was the next thing that came to mind.

No offense meant. Now I hope I did not offend any Native Americans.

- Mike

Mike,
That is funny.