User blog comment:Daniel Baran/Search Developments: Big Picture/@comment-1318845-20120514021946/@comment-5473581-20120514041620

I agree that it shouldn't be against the TOS to add functionality/features. It should only be against the TOS to change the button from "search" to "go".

I once added extra useful links to the "On the Wiki" nav tab, without removing any links, but Wikia staff politely ordered me to remove them.

I would like to know exactly which part of the TOS forbids adding functionality, because I cannot find it.

The most obvious line which is close to applying here is:
 * ''Not to intentionally block, remove, or otherwise obstruct the proper functioning and view of [...] user interface and functionality by other users, including but not limited to changing or adding javascript or CSS changes to the Service that would prevent the proper display or function of [...] user interface and functionality;"

but that forbids only to "block, remove, or otherwise obstruct"

Adding a "go" button, or adding extra links does not "block, remove, or otherwise obstruct" anything.

The other line which is close to applying is:
 * You will not: (i) take any action that imposes, [...] an unreasonable or disproportionately large load on our infrastructure; (ii) interfere [...] with the proper working of the Site

i) - adding a go button reduces load on the infrastructure. ii) - it doesn't interfere with people who want to search, it simply adds the functionality for people who want to go.

edit: Thanks for the clarification, Dopp.

I think it is pedantic to say "You are not allowed to add a second link to search, because there is normally only one search button, and therefore adding a second button "prevents the proper display of the user interface".

It is equally pendatic to say "you are not allowed to add extra buttons to "On the Wiki", as "On the Wiki" normally has 4 links, and therefore adding extra links "prevents the proper display of the user interface"