On Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:49:10 -0800, Dan Connelly wrote:

> Jim Henderson wrote:
>> POVray is a project developed by people in their spare time, by and
>> large.  Life happens.
>> 
>>> not really happy.
>> 
>> Use the released version, then.  It's not like it's a secret that the
>> betas are timebombed (and just a hint, if you read the forums a bit
>> more, you can find out how to extend the beta without messing with your
>> clock).
>> 
>> 
> My interpretation isn't that the original poster is complaining about
> how the developers aren't working hard enough.  I think he's complaining
> that the beta expires before another is available.  Sure, there's an
> esoteric way to get around the expiration.  But it all seems a bit silly
> for the deadline to be so much shorter than the beta release cycle.

I think both of those ideas are opposite sides of the same coin.  The 
release cycle isn't fast enough = the developers aren't meeting 
milestones for beta releases fast enough = the developers aren't working 
hard enough.

Especially with developers who volunteer their time (or work unpaid for 
their work), it's easy to make that connection.

The standard answer has always been "if the betas aren't updated fast 
enough for you, then don't use the beta".  Have a look back over the 
forum at earlier complaints about betas not being released as the earlier 
one expires and you'll see what I mean.  My answer is nothing new.  I 
imagine that none of the official team has replied simply *because* 
anyone who can read the group can find their answer already.

> Personally, I think the expiration time should just be boosted up.

Well, that's the developers' call for the official beta builds.

> Easy enough:
> source/backend/povray.h:#define EXPIRE_AT       (1225490400)

Yes, or if you want to compile your own with the code that's available, 
you could just remove that check if it really bothers you that much.  But 
don't be surprised if you (not "you", Dan, but "you" generically) don't 
get much help if you report a problem with a custom-compiled build or are 
told to update to the latest official beta when the time comes.

That's *why* the expiration is in there.  Again, that's all been 
explained many, many, many times before by the POV Team.

Jim

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