Why are reminders nodes? (and other questions) [#808020]

I just did a quick review of this code and it appears that each reminder is a node -- and that the module creates a new node type called "Post Reminder". Since a reminder is actually "content" on the site, this seems awfully heavy handed. Why did you choose to go in this direction?

I've been looking for something to provide the type of functionality which this module offers, but I'm not sure I want to add another content type to my site. Additionally, I'm looking for something offer global reminders where I've got an page to centrally add reminders to remind a group of people when they haven't posted any of a list of content types in X days.

I'd like to know how open you are to changing this module. On the surface it seems to offer the functionality I'm looking for, but as I dig deeper, I'm realizing that it's going to need a bunch of changes before I can use it. How open are you to the changes I've outlined above?

Comments

Comment #1

Barrett CreditAttribution: Barrett commented 24 May 2010 at 22:23

Why did I create them as nodes/content types? Well, mostly because I have yet to get a firm, definitive ruling on when something should be a content type and when it shouldn't. I've heard arguments that anything not appearing on the site shouldn't be a node, but I also don't see a significant performance hit from adding a content type. On the other hand, making it a content type gave me access to CCK and Views and all the other Drupal-y goodness for free. My general tendency, then, has been, "when in doubt, make it a content type."

To the general question of how open I am to changing the module, therein is the rub. I think the idea of being able to assign reminders to a group of people makes good sense. It seems close to a feature concept that I've been thinking about as "third-party reminders." I'm also open to discussion of the node/not-a-node issue.

The problem is one of time. Since publishing the module, the demands of home and career have conspired to keep me from developing it as I hoped to, as you've probably gathered by the date of the last release and the fact that I still don't have a viable D7 release. I've been thinking I'll to have renege on my pledge to have working D7 release on the day D7 core is released. If I get time, that's my priority.

If you're looking to me to make changes, it's going to be a while. On the other hand, I see from your bio you know how to keep things running. If you're willing to take over as maintainer I'm happy to hand over the keys and leave it in your capable hands.