I don't think it should be necessary to duplicate modules just because I want to have 2 separate sets of blocks. For example, lets say I wanted recent news from one category, then some where else on the site, recent news from another category.

It should be a very simple process to clone a block in the administration menu. After all, a cloned block is nothing more than a function call with different parameters.

This would involve keeping the options for each cloned block separate in the database though.

Any one tried this before?

i don't think that's exactly a core problem.. that would fit more into how the module developers design their modules, as the module developer actually designs the blocks for their modules.

Maybe I didn't make myself clear.

I have made modules before...

The question is... Can I design a module to have a single block that may be duplicated as many times as i want WITHOUT copying the module directory?

For example, let's say I wanted to make a recent headlines block. But the user of the module should decide that they could duplicate it for Technology news, Political news, then Entertainment news or any amount of duplicated blocks they want.

I would say, this would not be a difficult change to make in the core, and it would keep people from having to copy the module directory... Copying the module directory and changing the code is totally unnecessary when it could be done easily in the core, and it could be part of the blocks admin.

How about you take a look at GIJOEs Block Admin Module, that should resolve your problem/issue

thanks.