From time to time I have to go to TYPO3 Extension Repository on typo3.org to look up an extension for my current task. And each time I wonder about some extensions. They have very strange titles and descriptions. So strange that I would not dare to install such extension.

The title and description should give a clear and precise idea what extension does. I, as a potential customer of the extension, should not go investigating what it does exactly. It should be clear immediately.

Let's have a look to some randomly picked up titles:

  • Newsextension / Extends tt_news by some fields (tag..) and Markers. Uses only Hooks no XCLASS so fully compatible with latest version.
    ------
    Why would I want to install an extension that extends tt_news by some fields? What good will it do to me? There is no manual too.
  • News (toi_news) / News
    ------
    News. Just news... No manual.
  • Domainlink / Display domainrecord on page
    ------
    Again, why would I want that? It is possible to display domain name with a simple TypoScript. Why would I want such extension? No manual.
  • RDF news feed import / RDF news feed import
    ------
    Title is identical to description. Possibly written in a hurry. If that written in a hurry, how good is the quality of the rest?
  • News templates extender / Add new fields and templates to tt_news plugin; includes all News functions Based on tt_news 1.1.4
    ------
    Yet another one with some fields.
  • Albo Pretorio (wow! what a title!) / Extends tt_news adding new fields
    ------
    What's the purpose of putting such extension to TER? No manual, of course.
  • News simplifier / This extension just simplifies tt_news
    ------
    Too complex to understand how it simplifies tt_news. Guess if there is a manual...

But the following is the absolute winner:

  • Extend TT_news / Extend the Extension tt_news
    ------
    There is manual, which says that this extension extends tt_news. Yes!!! I knew it does something like that!

Please, do not misunderstand me. I do not say that these extensions are bad! Who knows, may they are best in repository. But I cannot know it because titles and descriptions are bad. And I do not want spend time trying: I will search for another extension! I believe that good title and description shows that extension author made his work seriously and with proper quality.

For example, look at these descriptions:

  • YouTube Video in news / Displays a YouTube video in your news. Add a news tag YOUTUBEVIDEO and three new fields (video embed URL, width, height) to news Related sheet. Quite simple to use.
    ------
    No manual but description is clear! I use that already on this site!
  • Podcast system / Podcast system based on News (tt_news extension) RSS2 and RSS2 iTunes Complaint, too add mp3 player to news (XSPF Web Music Player)
    ------
    Wow! I just found it. I thought about podcasts but I was scared by the complexity of the idea. Now I will definitely try it with this extension. And there is manual!

So, when you create an extension next time, please, spend extra 5 minutes making a good title and description! I beg you, do it!