Questions regarding this forum.... - Atrix 4G General

Had an atrix for a few months now and have come to this forum almost daily to read and learn but have not posted until now. Below are just a couple general questions/opinions that I have based on how this forum conducts itself especially compared to other forums I frequent.
1. Why do people think they are owed something by devs and especially for it to be done on a timetable? To the best of my knowledge these people all have work/school/family’s/friends and work on this stuff on there own time and are not paid to do it.
note: to those who complain about making donations to devs and thinking this entitles you to the above learn the definition of DONATION, summarized as “gifts given to benefit a cause with nothing expected in return.”...otherwise it would be a purchase, investment, or wage.
2. Why can’t people read a thread before starting a thread or posting a reply, usually to ask a question that was already answered several times already in that thread or others?
3. In relation to question 2, why does this forum not have more moderators, especially in the Dev forum were people can’t seem to grasp what should be posted in there or what a appropriate reply is. Almost every thread worth readying takes 5x longer to read than it should to weed through the morons who seem to just want to voice there 2cents worth (and most isn’t worth that).
My theory is, if everyone just took a few minutes to search and read before posting then not only would they not fill the forum with junk they would also learn and potentially be able to contribute to the overall knowledge of the forum. I do want to thank those who already do this, I know I have learned an immense amount after coming here a complete android noob.

I agree with you for donations, however, I take exception on those who have spread themselves too thin, have opened up way too many projects and failed to deliver usable results on any of them. If you've got the donation pot out and you fail to deliver on all your promises, expect some reverb to come your way.
As for the rest of your post, you're definitely preaching to the choir

I'll be honest, I'm a little disappointed in the tone that gets set through this forum sometimes. Just like the devs have families/jobs/life outside of this forum so does everyone else. Now I 100% agree with using the search feature or even google to find information you need, I just think it doesn't always have to take a smart a$$ response when someone asks a question.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App

I agree with you fully and that is why I truely believe my idea would clean up the forums immensely. (at least the important part - dev section)
Create ANOTHER sub-forum dedicated to announcements/discussions by actual developers. Make this forum public so all can read and keep up to date, but only those specifically allowed, such as recognized developers are allowed to reply. You could even split the existing dev section into two: Recognized Developer talk/User Developments.
This would:
1. Stop people asking for release dates, they are able to see exactly what is being done and when
2. Stop the release threads, such as PseudoROMs and Fastboot files for new SBFs getting clogged with "0MGz Tkx BRuu!"
3. Maybe make more developers post about their current status if they know they aren't going to cause another flame war or pointless thread due to arguing.
Just my two cents.
- DarkRyoushii

DarkRyoushii said:
I agree with you fully and that is why I truely believe my idea would clean up the forums immensely. (at least the important part - dev section)
Create ANOTHER sub-forum dedicated to announcements/discussions by actual developers. Make this forum public so all can read and keep up to date, but only those specifically allowed, such as recognized developers are allowed to reply. You could even split the existing dev section into two: Recognized Developer talk/User Developments.
This would:
1. Stop people asking for release dates, they are able to see exactly what is being done and when
2. Stop the release threads, such as PseudoROMs and Fastboot files for new SBFs getting clogged with "0MGz Tkx BRuu!"
3. Maybe make more developers post about their current status if they know they aren't going to cause another flame war or pointless thread due to arguing.
Just my two cents.
- DarkRyoushii
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we tried this on the samdroid forum and it worked ...keep a dev section for releases and a discussion section for the releases.
so every mod/rom had a thread in the dev section (restricted to dev's only for posting) and a thread in the discussion section for questions and thanks etc.

Related

Rules for posting in the ba forum! Please read before posting!!!

[highlight]Rules for Posting New Threads in the Blue Angel WM6 Development Section[/highlight]​​
[highlight]Definition and General Purpose of this section:[/highlight]
This section of www.xda-developers.com is for the device code-name Blue Angel by HTC. There exists several name variations of this device which can be located in the wiki. If your device [highlight]DOES NOT[/highlight] have any of the names found in the link above, then you are in the wrong section of the forum. You can find your device here. If your device is not listed in there, then you are in the wrong site altogether. However, your questions might be answered by posting them in the Q&A area.
The purpose of this forum is for the development and advancement of a device that was left 4 dead too soon. While questions are welcome, we require all members of all statuses to use either Google or the site's Search Engine before opening a new thread or making a post.
[highlight]Who Should Open New Threads?[/highlight]
Anyone making any type of contribution towards the Blue Angel (i.e. New Roms, New Software, Ports, Skins, etc).
If you are questioning why can something not be used in the Blue Angel, [highlight]Do Not Open A New Thread Asking For It.[/highlight] More than likely, that question/request has either been asked here, in the Development and Hacking Section, in the Questions and Answers Section, in the General Section.... you get my point. This takes me back to a point that I want to make absolutely clear.... [highlight]search before you ask.[/highlight]
An example of this that comes to mind is the "My 4/8/16/32 GB SD does not work with the Blue Angel" or "I applied the patch I found in the Dev&Hacking section and now my SD/my wireless does not work"
Most of us are always searching for things, stuff, and/or patches that will make the latest softwares run in our devices. If, for instance, you want to find out if TF3D works in the BA or not... you gotta search!!! If you want to find out why it doesn't run, search and then read (or ask in the Q&A section). Believe me, all of these answers are out there in this site.
The next post is equally as important... so please don't skip it!!
Flaming and Courtesy (taken from Tweakman's Thread)
FLAMING & ARGUING RULES
MUST READ ENTIRE POST
Attention All XDA members. Over the past year, "Flaming" & Arguing has become two of the biggest problems on XDA. For those of you that do not know what "Flaming" is, it is unnessicary, immature, criticizm of another member, for mistakes, "noob" questions, or any other reason.
THIS NOW HAS TO STOP.
"Flaming" another user for a mistake, such as posting in the wrong section, or asking a noob type question, will no longer be tolerated. ANY MEMBER (OF ANY STATUS) CAUGHT FLAMING ANOTHER MEMBER FOR ANY REASON, WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION. This just will not be tolerated guys and gals. XDA isn't here for only tech savy members, but for members of all types, Noobs included.
Anyone can make a mistake. Anyone can post in the wrong section if there new here, or even if they've been here a while. THATS WHY WE HAVE POLICIEIS FOR THESE MISTAKES. Over the past few months, we have worked out ways upon ways to help people stop posting in the wrong section, and to help make asking questions easier. "FLAMING" does not speed this process up, or help it in anyway, but only adds to the problem.
Now , about Arguing with other members. We sometimes get members that come here just to start problems. They will post untrue comments, or make ridiculous statements, only in the attempt to start fights and trouble. And most of the time they succeed.
THIS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED EITHER. If a member says something to you, or in a thread , that isn't true, or if a member is trying to start an argument ro trouble, DO NOT TAKE IT UPON YOURSELF TO ARGUE WITH THAT PERSON!! You setting an arguing with another member, will not solve any problems, but instead will only cause more.
If you are in a thread, arguing with someone , other members will join in, and the thread will eventually become cluttered up and of topic. The person starting the trouble gets what they want, and nothing ever is resolved. So instead of taking it upon yourself to argue with them, come straight to me, or to any moderator on this site, and report that member to us.
We will check things out and take the appropriate actions. However, if you are caught arguing back and forth with another member, for an off related subject in any thread, you will be held accountable and responsible just as the other member will NO MATTER WHO STARTS THE ARGUMENT.
Come on guys, XDA wasn't made to argue, and to start trouble with people. It's here to help you and me get what we want out of our devices. AND THATS WHAT IT WILL BE USED FOR. You all have done great witht he recent changes to different sections, and threads, and the improvments to D&H Are amazing. If you can do that, you can do this without any trouble.
So lets give it a shot guys. I mean come one, "Can't we all just get along"
i have read it and yes!
great utopy men!
Keep the good work!
Thank you for creating this Egz...it's about time to put some order here on our BA section. And about time to have a new moderator for BA Thread.
Can't we all just get along
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Tottaly Agree With These Rules
And a little suggestion for addition to the rules, our good admins added the rating feature for a reason - so al of the users who want to thank a thread just rate for it with the amount of stars you think it deserve
thanks posts are about at least 50% of all posts in these forums
You got my vote for excellence my friend. Now lets all follow them rules and enjoy a smother, friendlier community.
i have read it and yes!
This forum is our home, and the second-serves all...
and all the love and thanks to the owners and observers and members .
And special thanks to the developer (xplode)It is worth it..
My unconditional support to this forum!!!!!
xplode said:
And a little suggestion for addition to the rules, our good admins added the rating feature for a reason - so al of the users who want to thank a thread just rate for it with the amount of stars you think it deserve
thanks posts are about at least 50% of all posts in these forums
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totally agreed.
i fully agree with u
hi all
im fully agree with u,and im with xplode suggestion about rating,and i have another suggestion,in some sites in any thread there is a(thnaks)bottun in any thread,if the reader wants to thank,he will press this bottun and his name will appeare in the end of subject owner and thats all,the posts should be focus on the subject(problems and the ways to solve it or any useful idea for BA).
i will share a picture to know my idea
People who put in endless efforts expects thanks and appreciations whereas the common users want more and more and forget the untold efforts of contributors.
April 1 said:
People who put in endless efforts expects thanks and appreciations whereas the common users want more and more and forget the untold efforts of contributors.
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And possibly a donation specially from those who make the special requests to have software developed to their taste and comfort. So I will add that to the suggestion of voting... I've seen where some folks say.... Hey ILoveYou, I really love your software, I wish it'll have LOVE and TENDERNESS. I'm sending a donation for your efforts into future development. (In other words... ) I'm sure you all understand what that donation meant and that there are great chances that if its possible, the love will be given.
Have a lovely day friends.
egzthunder1 said:
FLAMING & ARGUING RULES
MUST READ ENTIRE POST
Attention All XDA members. Over the past year, "Flaming" & Arguing has become two of the biggest problems on XDA. For those of you that do not know what "Flaming" is, it is unnessicary, immature, criticizm of another 。。。。。。"
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XDA-DEV-BlueAngel是个家,和谐靠大家!不引起不必要的争论

General rules we should all follow

Here are some rules from the Vibrant section we should all follow.
egzthunder1 said:
This was a good meeting in General and it has covered all of the things that I had in my agenda. A few action items on our (mods) end:
1. New threads for ROM updates: Rom threads become quasi chaotic after page 100 or so. Since Chefs update most of their work often, I would suggest that chefs open a new thread for each version with a date and version number to distinguish it from the previous one (maybe even a name)
ie [ROM] 12/15/10 - Inchybrid v 1.2 - all is good now
2. Rom Review Thread: In order to minimize the clutter of the usual "what rom is best" questions, we will start a ROM thread where chefs can post a link to their roms on the first few posts and users will be able to leave reviews (not necessarily feedback), but reviews. So, when someone comes asking for the best rom, that person can be directed there.
3. Wiki update and guides (sticky): These need to be heavily updated, but will certainly be a useful tool to help people with questions.
4. Location / shape of the Report button: I will talk to the other admins and see what can be done about this one.
5. Preventing non-devs from making new threads in Dev: We are currently discussing a system for this. We will keep you posted if and when we reach a conclusion.
6. Off Topic Lounge: There will be a thread in General for you guys to blow off steam. Nothing fancy, but you can post there without having to open a new thread in OT general
Now, onto the action items results and requests from us (mods)
1. Further flaming for questions will not be tolerated. I gathered from this meeting that everyone agrees on a stance that people need not be flamed for asking anything. If there are questions in the wrong areas or simply don't feel like answering, refrain from posting and report it to us. We will move it to Q&A or General depending on the question. Building on this point, if anyone is caught flaming someone who posted in the correct section, that person will be given a vacation.
2. Rule 12 (aka Kanging): Rom chefs (no matter if they are themers or zip wizards), if they are using someone else's efforts as a base for their rom, they are to abide by Rule 12 by asking permission and posting the due credit in the opening post. Kanging will not be tolerated.
3. Donations: This was barely brushed but I feel that we reached an understanding rather quickly on this one. Chefs shall not ask for Donations to release early work.
4. Posting any kind of flaming will not be tolerated. If you feel that a post shouldn't be there, please let us know and we will take care of that.
I think this pretty much summed everything up. If I missed something, please let me know. I expect everyone to adhere to codes of conduct in this site. Thanks to all for attending.
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That would be great if the mods are able to only give thread permissions to devs. This forum needs this kind of policing, but I think more Mods could help as well, it seems like Zelendel is the only Mod that comes around here.
flashman2002 said:
That would be great if the mods are able to only give thread permissions to devs. This forum needs this kind of policing, but I think more Mods could help as well, it seems like Zelendel is the only Mod that comes around here.
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Sounds very familiar..............
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9591647&postcount=3155
Sqdnguns said:
Sounds very familiar..............
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9591647&postcount=3155
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Sweet, but I did not steal your thoughts if that is what you are meaning lol. I haven't used Perception since v4 so I had no idea you said this. But it really is a great idea and should be looked at by the Mods and Admin.
flashman2002 said:
Sweet, but I did not steal your thoughts if that is what you are meaning lol. I haven't used Perception since v4 so I had no idea you said this. But it really is a great idea and should be looked at by the Mods and Admin.
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Not at all, just glad someone else actually piped in on it.
5. Preventing non-devs from making new threads in Dev: We are currently discussing a system for this. We will keep you posted if and when we reach a conclusion.
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interesting idea.
If you do this you might consider making altering/combining the other forums slightly.
For instance
Make:
General = General / Q&A
and
Q & A = Development Q&A
This way non-dev with specific Development/Rom related' Q's could start threads under Dev. Q & A without cluttering up the General Q&A or the Development Threads.
bames said:
interesting idea.
If you do this you might consider making altering/combining the other forums slightly.
For instance
Make:
General = General / Q&A
and
Q & A = Development Q&A
This way non-dev with specific Development/Rom related' Q's could start threads under Dev. Q & A without cluttering up the General Q&A or the Development Threads.
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I've always thought something similar to this. It seems like a frequent misperception among those with posts <10 that Q&A is for those that know nothing, and the development thread is where you go if you know anything about development (and then you can also post a question there)
I for sure thought this when I first came to XDA (luckily I read the stickies which made that clear). But changing the name could help.
Sent from my SGH-T959D using XDA App
Or another idea would not be to just completely lock the Dev thread to devs, but to perhaps have a minimum level of seniority/experience to post -- aka Senior members.
The reason that I say this is that there are a ton of folks that are not devs, but do post a lot of helpful troubleshooting information and/or feedback that not all the devs can answer personally. I would much rather the devs use their precious time on getting us the next version of goodness rather than answering a lot of questions.
If you do require some level of seniority (100+ posts for example) you can probably cut down on a lot of the typical questions that are repeatedly asked (and answered a few posts back) and have a much cleaner thread. It's not a perfect world, but offenders can be dealt with individually when you have a smaller pool.
Not to say that noobs shouldn't have a place to ask questions -- we were all there at one time, but we just make sure there is a different area for this -- not clogging the particular ROM thread.
I've seen several other forums and communities operate with this type of principle in high value areas. It also allows newer members to get their feet wet and contribute in other areas by posting for others if they want to post in the dev community (but lurking will always be allowed / should be encouraged).
Just my 2 cents.
I have Stuck this as I agree 100000000000%. As far as locking the the Dev section, that has been talked about and is not going to happen anytime in the near future. My suggestion is for everyone and yes that means YOU to treat everyone with respect and dignity. If someone goes off I am almost always on and read every pm so let me know as I cant be everywhere at once and I am still learning as well.
Wow great ideas, I couldn't agree more. +1
I like the idea of new post for new versions, I hope that would cut down on the flaming too due to missing a one line post on page 999 of 1200 that would answer the question.
I disagree with the 'only devs can post in the dev section' rule. While I would technically not be considered a dev (per se) because I do not know how to make a ROM I would still like to be able to post in that section things that are technically not ROMs but do not fit in general. For example, I created the Galaxy S unlocker for Mac, but I have not figured out how to make a ROM. Does that make me a developer or not?
agreed man
+1 to the new ROM new thread idea. That would cut way down on the Old Salty XDA member yelling at the noob interactions.
Oh and i believe it should be illegal to call the Captivate a "Cappy" FYL
Don't worry about the guide portion, I have a guide in the works that covers everything from installing drivers to the update-script.
Another thing I would like to personally add. When new users or the not-so-inclined make a thread asking for help, do any of us stop to realize why that thread ends up on the Development board? In my opinion, we need a board dedicated to SUPPORT. Yeah, we have Q&A, but Q&A doesn't say Support to a lot of people. Example, Q&A to me spells "Information", not "Support." Sure, the Q&A's may be intended to be "My phone won't turn on", or "My 3g doesn't work", but if that's the case, why beat around the bush and call it Q&A?
There are those of us out there who do enjoy helping newcomers, and answering their questions; regardless of what board they post on; and there are those of us who like to get deep into this, leave support for the less experienced and get *$&! done. Know how we could cut back on flaming, and on people posting in the wrong board? Spell it out for them, in big bold letters; "Captivate Support". Not only that, dev's could start up a sister thread for each ROM they do in the support board, that way the actual release thread isn't a mess.
Maybe I'm just dumb though.
I have to say I particularly like the flaming rules. Sure, noobs are going to ask questions that everyone else has known the answer to for the past 5 months. I know it can get tedious reading these same things all the time, but remember that we once were noobs too, and I would bet most of us have asked "dumb" questions when first starting out. People are excited to learn about this stuff...let's not take away the spark with ad hominem attacks. They serve no purpose whatsoever, and no one wants to read them. If you don't want to answer, keep your mouth shut. If you do, do so politely either directly or (probably a little better), point them to a thread that will answer their questions. But come on, users calling a noob an "idiot" or "dumbass" for asking an honest question really pisses me off. And like I said, remember that you probably did it at some point, too. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now
geokhentix said:
Don't worry about the guide portion, I have a guide in the works that covers everything from installing drivers to the update-script.
Another thing I would like to personally add. When new users or the not-so-inclined make a thread asking for help, do any of us stop to realize why that thread ends up on the Development board? In my opinion, we need a board dedicated to SUPPORT. Yeah, we have Q&A, but Q&A doesn't say Support to a lot of people. Example, Q&A to me spells "Information", not "Support." Sure, the Q&A's may be intended to be "My phone won't turn on", or "My 3g doesn't work", but if that's the case, why beat around the bush and call it Q&A?
There are those of us out there who do enjoy helping newcomers, and answering their questions; regardless of what board they post on; and there are those of us who like to get deep into this, leave support for the less experienced and get *$&! done. Know how we could cut back on flaming, and on people posting in the wrong board? Spell it out for them, in big bold letters; "Captivate Support"
Maybe I'm just dumb though.
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I think this is also a good idea, primarily for those with stock phones or just performing basic procedures (e.g. rooting).
As for the bold letters, personally, I like just linking to the proper forum instead...something like "This question should be answered in the Support forum. It's located here: http://.......". But, hey, that's personal preference. You're way's fine, too
bknust said:
I think this is also a good idea, primarily for those with stock phones or just performing basic procedures (e.g. rooting).
As for the bold letters, personally, I like just linking to the proper forum instead...something like "This question should be answered in the Support forum. It's located here: http://.......". But, hey, that's personal preference. You're way's fine, too
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No no, I don't mean bold letters to the people asking for help. I mean bold letters for the forum title so people know it's there. Support speaks louder than Q&A, especially with all the multilingual folks we have on here.
geokhentix said:
No no, I don't mean bold letters to the people asking for help. I mean bold letters for the forum title so people know it's there. Support speaks louder than Q&A, especially with all the multilingual folks we have on here.
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Oops! Sorry, misunderstood. Yes, that would be a very good way to filter out a lot of the basic stuff. Good idea!
nbs11 said:
I disagree with the 'only devs can post in the dev section' rule. While I would technically not be considered a dev (per se) because I do not know how to make a ROM I would still like to be able to post in that section things that are technically not ROMs but do not fit in general. For example, I created the Galaxy S unlocker for Mac, but I have not figured out how to make a ROM. Does that make me a developer or not?
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As far as I'm concerned, an unlocker for Mac does indeed belong in development with the current structure of xda. It's kind of one of those things that could go under Apps, but when I think of apps, I think of your standard user apps, not rooting/unlocking/ROM/etc. tools/hacks. Maybe there should be a forum strictly for ROM dev and a separate one for general system dev. To me, they are different. That's just how I see it, but I'm sure there are quite a few differing views on this.

NEW and improved rules for the Fascinate General forums.

Let's try this again. Two rules regarding the Fascinate general section.
1)-Let's try to keep the "thank you" threads to a minimum. Please use the "THANKS" button to thank people for awesome work.
and
2)-Please keep all questions that aren't general to the Q&A section. Non-general questions will be moved to the Q&A section, as will general questions once they are resolved.
Word.-ashasaur
The Fascinate section is a very rough crowd of people that expect the world handed to them on a silver platter for nothing, and they all want it 5 min ago. Personally, I'm just happy we have an active mod now as I didn't like to have to always bother Captainkrtek with the off-topic posts in the Development forum.
This is the wild west yo...if you demand something instead of proposing, expect to get shot.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mandatory
man·da·to·ry   
[man-duh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] Show IPA
adjective, noun, plural -ries.
–adjective
1.
authoritatively ordered; obligatory; compulsory: It is mandatory that all students take two years of math.
2.
pertaining to, of the nature of, or containing a command.
3.
Law . permitting no option; not to be disregarded or modified: a mandatory clause.
4.
having received a mandate, as a nation.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/proposed
pro·pose   
[pruh-pohz] Show IPA
verb, -posed, -pos·ing.
–verb (used with object)
1.
to offer or suggest (a matter, subject, case, etc.) for consideration, acceptance, or action: to propose a new method.
2.
to offer (a toast).
3.
to suggest: He proposed that a messenger be sent.
4.
to present or nominate (a person) for some position, office, membership, etc.
5.
to put before oneself as something to be done; design; intend.
6.
to present to the mind or attention; state.
7.
to propound (a question, riddle, etc.).
Oh I know, but the yelling at other members for supporting me is what gets to me. Yell at me all you want, I'm the mod thats what I'm here for...but yelling at other members? Wow is all I have to say.
Well, you started a flame war. You should fit right in
Heh, fair enough. Like I say, not trying to be a jackass, just trying to bring in some order that you all seems to have been wanting. At least the new naming scheme has been taken pretty damn well in the development section, as has the new Q&A section I got for us.
ashasaur said:
Heh, fair enough. Like I say, not trying to be a jackass, just trying to bring in some order that you all seems to have been wanting. At least the new naming scheme has been taken pretty damn well in the development section, as has the new Q&A section I got for us.
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Well then, Here's to order out of chaos.
Two things should take place if you're effective:
The Fascinate forums become much more engaging and reasonable to navigate
About half my posts get moved or deleted for irrelevence
Now I will have a beer to celebrate.
imnuts said:
The Fascinate section is a very rough crowd of people that expect the world handed to them on a silver platter for nothing, and they all want it 5 min ago. Personally, I'm just happy we have an active mod now as I didn't like to have to always bother Captainkrtek with the off-topic posts in the Development forum.
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Pretty much sums it up.
I think a 5th grade school yard would be a better analogy than the wild west. 'You try and set rules and we will whine and test your authority.'
ok... so what's the purpose of general if not to ask general questions?
Seems like Q&A should be left for specific FAQs and "how to"s to me.
Specifically, I just posted a question to general, should that have been in Q&A based on your definition?
superchunkwii said:
ok... so what's the purpose of general if not to ask general questions?
Seems like Q&A should be left for specific FAQs and "how to"s to me.
Specifically, I just posted a question to general, should that have been in Q&A based on your definition?
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Well Said =D
Development is easy as is Themes and Apps. But the line between General and Q&A is hazy.
I think the things that need to be considered is what makes a question technical and what it a general question. Should ANY questions be in General or should all questions belong in Q&A and General be for news, announcements, opinions, sharing other resources, etc.
Otherwise I think the line between General and Q&A will remain hazy.
ezas said:
Development is easy as is Themes and Apps. But the line between General and Q&A is hazy.
I think the things that need to be considered is what makes a question technical and what it a general question. Should ANY questions be in General or should all questions belong in Q&A and General be for news, announcements, opinions, sharing other resources, etc.
Otherwise I think the line between General and Q&A will remain hazy.
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Definitely true statement you made it there. Mod gotta do something about it. General/Q&A is just messy.
The point of the general forum is just that, general discussion, not questions. EVERY DAY people post Questions about CWM or Froyo in the General section, and things like that just need togo into the Q&A section.
Not to be a douche about it, but you all wanted a Q&A section, and I got it for you. So stop whining.
If I might make an observation, suggestion, and offer a possible option fo resolution:
The basic procedural questions may be quelled if the there was a consolidation, collective update, and removal of outdated how to's in the forum all together. As questions are answered amidst the postings following the OP's, those tweaks, exceptions, or side steps, added would prevent new visitors from then repeating that same mistep, thereby causing that repeat posted question.
To further that, as procedures are refined and updated, older versions should be removed or directly notated as outdated with a current link to the most recent and up to date instructional set. I know that most of my confusion has stemmed from to many years in windows mobile mode, and then coming to android, which was greek to me initially. But it is that much harder to functionally self educate when presented with multitudes of outdated threads whith solutions hidden amidst the 1000 posts, only to discover that by the time I have read then entire thread, a newer version or instruction has been posted, and posted elsewhere.
I hope I am making sense, let me know if not. If there is any assistance I can provide in implementing a solution to the process of clarification within the forum I would he happy, and honored to help in any way I can. Thanks for the work you do here, I know I havent eve a fraction of understanding the multifaceted responsibilities involved with maintaining a forum, so I know you must be a busy person. Take care.
Matthew
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA Premium App
djblu said:
If there is any assistance I can provide in implementing a solution to the process of clarification within the forum I would he happy, and honored to help in any way I can. Thanks for the work you do here, I know I havent eve a fraction of understanding the multifaceted responsibilities involved with maintaining a forum, so I know you must be a busy person.
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+1 to the entire preceding comment, especially the quoted section. I don't know enough yet to contribute anything dev-grade to the community, but I'd be happy to help out however else I can...

A suggestion regarding this forum and 'questions' [POLL]

I've read a few threads here lately where someone asks as question and thereafter gets berated by the members who consider themselves developers for posting a question here. I can totally see their side of the argument since this is a development forum and it makes sense to keep the threads like "Help with my app code" separate from "OMGWFTBBQ!! How do I unbrick my XOOM???". Those people often refer to THE RULES saying it's against them to post questions here and to post in the General section.
I actually don't see that in the rules.
But maybe it should be. I am 'guilty' of posting a question or two here, and I even read the rules first to make sure it was the right place to post. I didn't see anything telling me not to, so I posted here, simply because I feel that the General forum section is for basic questions. In that context, I can see why people do post questions here.
So, I'd like to propose a solution that I think would make everyone happy, and would help clean up this section.
A "XOOM Hacking Help and Advanced XOOM Topics" subforum.
This would be a forum where people could ask all the questions and topics that aren't directly related to the actual development and coding process, but are more advance than most of the topics in the General XOOM subforum.
Would anyone else find this useful?
Also, devs, if there was a forum like this, would you be willing to drop in to answer questions? I know everyone here who is not a developer values your knowledge and helpful insight, which is why people ask questions here in the first place.
Thoughts?
Ive felt a bit of negativity too here. One issue is we don't have a q and a section yet. We are so early in the development cycle for the Xoom. We are building kernels and we don't even have SD slot drivers yet! This is the time for folks to kick back, relax, and enjoy their new toy. I freaking love my xoom! I am so excited for the future of this device. All the fun will come in due time. Relax guys!
I agree. I'm enjoying my XOOM a ton, and I actually visit this section more than any other because I love to see what the great minds here are cooking up for the community. But, I can understand their frustration. They're trying to get their bearings on a new device, but are also getting bombarded with questions that bury topics that are actually related to development. I also agree that some of them go overboard and should take a chill pill. It's not good to have someone get turned off from this forum and its benefits because a dev snapped at them for invading their domain and asking for help.
I voted NO. When there are enough Devs to populate this section, then it will be useful, until then you are only fragmenting the people that make up the community. Until then I would think it best that questions To the devs as well as by devs would be at home here. Many devices never even make it past this point.
I wonder how many people that have developed or are actually developing someting for the Xoom right now, have been the ones to try to enforce said non existent rules.
Yes if your willing to manage moving threads around, because for sure thats whats gonna happen
Generally NO though, In other XDA Development sub forums there are plenty of "OMG I bricked my ..." and plenty of useful developer help... since said bricking, etc usually comes along with installing someone bleeding edge hack.
I understand the want for purity but it will take strict enforcement!
No.
Having a Q&A forum would be nice though to separate all the little questions, especially those that get asked over and over and over..
Wow. Split poll data. lol.
So, I guess the 'devs' should just be nice. Fair enough. Maybe the rules should be updated to reflect what exactly is allowed and/or welcome in this forum.
"Doesn't sound like development to me."

[PSA] Idea to combat offtopic posts and comments

Hey there,
I, like many of you, am sick and tired of people not understanding simple concepts about the Development section of the forums. I seem to have come up with a solution that will allow devs to speak freely and easily and at the same time keep us informed of their progress to stop all the bs comments that I've been seeing.
I would love to say wipe the dev thread and start again, but I know that would be inconvenient for any mod or dev to do and so step one is to start a new sub-forum with a specific set of permissions. Remember that Verified Developers rank or whatever it was that xda opened registrations for not too long ago? My suggestion is make sure that only verified developers can post in this new subforum (called something like Atrix 4G Developers Chat) but allow all users to view it and click the thanks button (I will get to this in a second)
By creating a new forum It will allow;
Devs to release their latest inventions without all the spam
Devs to help each other without all the spam
All users will still be able to thank their favourite devs but CLICKING THE THANKS BUTTON
No-one will be pressuring the devs for an ETA on a release or update as they won't be able too, sure they can still start topics in the Q&A or general, but at least now it won't fill the release threads with crap.
Normal users will still be able to get in contact with devs if they have a suggestion or feedback (about bugs/problems not spam) via private messages, the freenode IRC or in the Q&A or general forums.
This is just a suggestion that I came up with quite a while ago but remembered last night when I was browsing xda on my phone and couldn't believe how many times I had to stop myself from posting more offtopic posts just to combat the already offtopic posts put there by others.
If you like this idea, please post your feedback here even if it is as simple as a +1 10char10char reply and hopefully this gets picked up and implemented if many users like it.
The way I see it the Dev can post the "meat and butter" in the Dev only forum and he or someone else can post a "feedback" thread in a more appropriate forum. This allows everyone to post what they want in response to the Dev and still have the real information in the Dev forum. The Dev, or another Dev could transcribe what is relevant to the Dev discussion.
_Dennis_ said:
The way I see it the Dev can post the "meat and butter" in the Dev only forum and he or someone else can post a "feedback" thread in a more appropriate forum. This allows everyone to post what they want in response to the Dev and still have the real information in the Dev forum. The Dev, or another Dev could transcribe what is relevant to the Dev discussion.
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Kind of like Sogarth's latest post. It will work out wonderfully and people can still post "lol, whens it coming out dQQd? zomg thanks!" without cluttering his -real- post.
yea kinda like that but officially implemented.. I assume the same idea could be implemented to many phones not just the Atrix forum.
I don't know. The problem are the bad posts, not the place where they're posted. If the hypothetical dev doesn't care about feedback, he wouldn't read the responses anyway. If he does, he would have to go through the same bad posts, only that now it's in General.
I'd prefer a solution i've seen in other fora, in which users can upvote or downvote individual posts. Any post that gets downvoted too much gets buried, along with any quotes referring that post. It also gets automatically deleted after being buried for some time. We have a great community here, and i'm sure it would work quite well. A checkbox "show/hide buried threads" (where the OP got downvoted) would clean up silly questions in the dev forum.
The only catch is that it might require rewriting of the forum code.
^ upvote that idea - and adopting the idea early.
Fifow said:
I don't know. The problem are the bad posts, not the place where they're posted. If the hypothetical dev doesn't care about feedback, he wouldn't read the responses anyway. If he does, he would have to go through the same bad posts, only that now it's in General.
I'd prefer a solution i've seen in other fora, in which users can upvote or downvote individual posts. Any post that gets downvoted too much gets buried, along with any quotes referring that post. It also gets automatically deleted after being buried for some time. We have a great community here, and i'm sure it would work quite well. A checkbox "show/hide buried threads" (where the OP got downvoted) would clean up silly questions in the dev forum.
The only catch is that it might require rewriting of the forum code.
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I Agree... is there any VBulletin plugin to do that? I guess it is..
Fifow said:
I don't know. The problem are the bad posts, not the place where they're posted. If the hypothetical dev doesn't care about feedback, he wouldn't read the responses anyway. If he does, he would have to go through the same bad posts, only that now it's in General.
I'd prefer a solution i've seen in other fora, in which users can upvote or downvote individual posts. Any post that gets downvoted too much gets buried, along with any quotes referring that post. It also gets automatically deleted after being buried for some time. We have a great community here, and i'm sure it would work quite well. A checkbox "show/hide buried threads" (where the OP got downvoted) would clean up silly questions in the dev forum.
The only catch is that it might require rewriting of the forum code.
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I'd upvote this post!
Basically you're talking like the comments on Slashdot or StackExchange, right? I think that would be slick, although it would be a huge shift I think.
It looks like something like this might fit the bill.
Dislike Posts: Allows users to dislike a post. Great for situations where someone is spamming, posting ridiculous content etc.
Auto Collapse Disliked Post: Collapses a post so it doesnt show up by default when the number of Dislikes outnumber likes by 'X'
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Some days I'd kill for a "dislike" button that would downvote and hide posts.

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