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From: "Helen Chen" <helen.chen@mathworks.com>
Newsgroups: comp.soft-sys.matlab
Subject: Re: What is the model for the File Exchange?
Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 19:30:20 +0000 (UTC)
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Thanks Ned, there are some very good thoughts here. I'll add a couple of thoughts that come to mind: 

Ned > For these reasons, we believe it's appropriate and important to move the File Exchange in the direction of inclusivity with outbound filters. That doesn't mean we think everything is perfect now. We believe that there is a lot we can do to improve the filtering so that you don't see files that you don't care to see. But we believe that there is room enough for everyone to contribute, so long as the code runs, is not malicious, and is offered in good faith. The tent is big, and civility matters. By working with, rather than rejecting outright, the work of naive newcomers, we can help them grow into pillars of this community. Keep in mind the people behind the code. We all started somewhere, and everyone is on their own trajectory of learning.
> 

HC> Sometimes we find that community contributions can create value in many different ways. In the exclusive model, everything is perfect and can be used as is.  

However, sometimes submissions can provide value in another way - look at the submissions that inspired others to create new submission. I think those are really great too.  I've heard from many developers that although a solution didn't provide an exact solution, it was food for thought or starting code down the path to the correct solution.  This is good too - we are evolving the code base. (But don't forget to share your new creations with others too! You could have created a solution or inspiration for another community member.) 

Ned > Help us design an interface that make the use of the site more pleasant. Tell us your preferred mental model of the File Exchange. But please try to recognize there is room enough for many kinds of contributions.
> 

HC> Most of the changes that we have made since I have joined the team have been because of discussions with our community members. Your thoughts inspire us.  

I will be the first to acknowledge that development takes time, and sometimes people suggest great ideas but it takes a while for us to implement. Also, as much as we'd love to we cannot implement every suggestion made, but like a file on File Exchange, your suggestions do inspire our planning, so do share with us. We love hearing from you! 

Best,
Helen