I'll try to answer all of the comments above in this post...


1. CODE.

Yes, the underlying code is being restructured. Dramatically.

- Most importantly, almost everything is moved to separated modules - great thing for developers - no need to mess with Dolphin code anymore - just write new modules and go. 99% of the code is moved to the modules now (finally a proper separation).

- Improved caches and database requests handling - better performance.

- Classes everywhere.

- All-new see more flash apps integration system for easy "one-click" installation/integration.

- Modules interoperability tools for easy integration of separate modules (ex: add "comments" to your new module easily)

- Orca and Ray Widgets are being integrated as parts of Dolphins rather than as standalone systems.

- The whole system is getting a layout and functionality makeover - we're trying to have a unified interface and UI patterns.

There's a lot more, and I hope we'll start showing it soon.


2. BETA.

We will definitely release a beta version. This time we plan to run beta development as long as it may be needed to release a REALLY stable version. moreover, starting from Dolphin 7 we're going 100% open-source, inclding Flash-apps, so we'll be looking for community help.


3. OUTSOURCING THE 'GREEN' ISSUE

We do that already and we'll be doing that more, but our resources are limited, while our potential is not. I still believe that BoonEx can also contribute to the environment in it's special and very effective way. We're at a unique position, which should be leveraged somehow.


4. FOCUS

I absolutely agree that "sticking to your knitting" is the way to go. This is the idea behind Dolphin 7 actually. We decided to concentrate on one, single, most important product now - bring everything together, simplify, improve, polish, make it accessible, make it affordable, make it great.

Functional and reliable Dolphin is the most important and the most powerful step we can do to achieve the "green" goal and it will continue being the major focus for us.

When talking about "green" thing, I try to find ways to conveniently "USE" Dolphin as a tool for spreading awareness and achieving "green" goals; and we're looking for actions that can in return help us in the process of DOlphin development, improvement and popularization. For example...


5. EXAMPLES

Based on your suggestion, I can already think of a few changes...

- Free licenses for communities build for positive cause: NGOs, "green" communities, or even communities supporting other "green" organizations.

- We're developing a "hall of fame" directory of good Dolphin-based sites, and "green" sites could get a special featuring.

- Turning BoonEx.us into a "green" community (?). We have Unity for discussing the software, and BoonEx.us has no specific goal/meaning, so why not?

- Occasional newsletters with ideas sharing and BoonEx "green" pages promotion. I believe that a positive meaning can be a great uniting force for the community and could intensify collaboration. It's a great feeling when you know that you do something for money AND for the environment at the same time.

- Fill default Dolphin package with "green" content - articles, links, etc. Some default content gives good understanding of how the system works, but can be easily removed, if need be.


See, we can do something without loosing or changing focus. I'm sure you have even better ideas ;)