Database Users

Sticky Topics ??

Would it be useful to have some sticky threads to stop us enthusiastic noobs asking the same questions.
e.g.
How to find out what firmware / revisions you have
How to back up and flash ROM / extended ROM
What's in the ROMs in the first place / How are they organised
Some kind of Rough Guide to the main features and differences in the ROM images that are uploaded to the site.
A guide to how Active Sync affects the other apps, (personally if I was interested in virus writing AS 4.0/1 seems to be a good basis for a killer virus, most of the destructive functions are working fine and none of the useful ones are working at all :roll: )
I'd like to play and modify my O2 XDA Mini-S but I haven't dared to yet until I fully understand what I'm doing first
I've found some superb info and advice here but could it be more effective (IMHO) if the more basic important stuff was easily accessible?
Kim

If you can suggest me some of the current threads, i can make them sticky. But i do not have the time to read through all posted threads....
Stefan

Thanks
I was thinking that maybe some of the sticky threads could be started from scratch by the more knowledgeable contributors to give the kind of "read this first" info I've been looking for, then they could be edited effectively to eliminate spurious posts etc.
I know that the best place for this should be the wiki but the one for the wizard is a bit sparse so far, maybe if useful threads are generated then their content could be transferred to the wiki once they are closed
Kim

If you can suggest me some of the current threads, i can make them sticky. But i do not have the time to read through all posted threads....
Stefan
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These look like a good stickies for a start
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=33796
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=40284
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=35203
I'm no expert (yet :wink: ) so I don't know which would be the best suggestions
Does anyone else think this would be useful?
Kim

i disagree with stickys for several reasons. One being right when you enter the forum they're there and getting longer and longer. so you end up with a really off topic thread thats got some 50+pages on it.
Also you say you want it for "noobs"? since when do "noobs" read stickys or FAQ's? They just post they're question without even searching.

i disagree with stickys for several reasons. One being right when you enter the forum they're there and getting longer and longer. so you end up with a really off topic thread thats got some 50+pages on it.
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I agree with you on that, OK so I don't mean threads, I mean closed posts with essential information written by people who already have the skills and know what they're talking about.
Also you say you want it for "noobs"? since when do "noobs" read stickys or FAQ's? They just post they're question without even searching.
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Also true, but I mean noobs to XDA programming not to forum use in general.
I've searched for the info I want but it's so widely distributed and conflicting (and wanders off topic like you said already) that I think a definitive guide would be helpful; if it's stuck at the top of the forum for all to read then it is usually accurate because the Mods agree that it's useful.
Maybe noobs post stupid questions because they don't know they're stupid in the first place
Kim

There is a Wiki here. the only 2 sticky posts need to be (IMO anyway)
1) How to post (its already done for those who haven't read it!)
2) How to access the wiki & the FTP
Then the Wiki can be kept updated linking to good guide threads if required. Also any duplicate posts can be refered to the wiki with 1 reply and not have 1 million threads all about the same thing.

Moderators in this forum?

I'm curious as to who the moderators are in this forum. Does anyone know?
There have been a number of excellent discussions that probably should have been stickified, but I don't have a clue as to who the moderators would be for me to ask/request a sticky. Without a sticky, these posts fall off the front page quickly and result in redundant posts in most current threads.
Some that come to mind are the "How to setup Android on my phone" threads as this question is asked many times, and replied to almost as many times.
Other great threads I'd have asked for are the "tutorial" threads on Android porting, the theming tools...etc.
When I go to most other forums on XDA, they've got the exact opposite problem. On some there are almost 1/2 a page of stickies before you get to fresh posts.
Just curious.
Cheers

The vogue gets no love besides android. I think we pretty much took over this part of the vogue forums. We asked for a subsection for android a while ago with no luck. Now that we have a flashable rom I think it would be very nice thing to have.

nabicat said:
I'm curious as to who the moderators are in this forum. Does anyone know?
There have been a number of excellent discussions that probably should have been stickified, but I don't have a clue as to who the moderators would be for me to ask/request a sticky. Without a sticky, these posts fall off the front page quickly and result in redundant posts in most current threads.
Some that come to mind are the "How to setup Android on my phone" threads as this question is asked many times, and replied to almost as many times.
Other great threads I'd have asked for are the "tutorial" threads on Android porting, the theming tools...etc.
When I go to most other forums on XDA, they've got the exact opposite problem. On some there are almost 1/2 a page of stickies before you get to fresh posts.
Just curious.
Cheers
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Little Known secret, but public domain information.
Which Moderators are on Which Forums.
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Forum_Mods
Personally i'm a fan of 5 stickies max, but sometimes there really are a few extra threads that need the extra attention.
For Voque i'd suggest getting in touch with TsOwen. Maybe start a temporary group where you can privatly discuss ideas.
So he can re read ideas and comments to help him decide what might be best. And if he has choices to make that are hard to decide on, there's a whole army of mods, to help choose the best decisions if he needs. But i'm sure he can handle removing and adding a few Stickies for Voque forums.

Noonski said:
Little Known secret, but public domain information.
Which Moderators are on Which Forums.
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Forum_Mods
Personally i'm a fan of 5 stickies max, but sometimes there really are a few extra threads that need the extra attention.
For Voque i'd suggest getting in touch with TsOwen. Maybe start a temporary group where you can privatly discuss ideas.
So he can re read ideas and comments to help him decide what might be best. And if he has choices to make that are hard to decide on, there's a whole army of mods, to help choose the best decisions if he needs. But i'm sure he can handle removing and adding a few Stickies for Voque forums.
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what we really need is a subsection for android!!!
ive put requests in the sticky request thread here but all have been ignored it would really be appreciated by a lot of people in this forum.

Rename this forum!!!!!!!

MODS, RENAME THIS FORUM TO "TIPS & TRICKS" OR SOMETHING!
NO ONE reads the 3rd sticky saying that "This sub-forum is only for tips/info/news etc., NOT QUESTIONS"
SO RENAME IT!!!!!!!!!! Will save you mods time from moving threads!

nxt said:
MODS, RENAME THIS FORUM TO "TIPS & TRICKS" OR SOMETHING!
NO ONE reads the 3rd sticky saying that "This sub-forum is only for tips/info/news etc., NOT QUESTIONS"
SO RENAME IT!!!!!!!!!! Will save you mods time from moving threads!
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haha i wanna see where this leads....

I was going to suggest it in the "i don't know about you, but i'm glad the mods are cleaning up" thread, but that got locked.
But seriously... doesn't this make sense?
Just look at the forum right now, there's a million threads moved cuz it's in the wrong forum, cuz people thing this is a "general" talk forum.

nxt said:
NO ONE reads the 3rd sticky saying that "This sub-forum is only for tips/info/news etc., NOT QUESTIONS"
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What more would you like the mods to do? There already is a Q&A section where questions are to be placed, which means this thread is for anything non question related. Relax and repeat a mantra or something.

Blueman101 said:
What more would you like the mods to do?
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Not much.
I reckon his post is really directed at posters who refuse to (or cannot ) read, not the mods. I suppose while people continue answering Qs posted in the General forum, people will continue to post them. OTOH if participants resist the urge to show their knowledge by responding in the wrong forum maybe the posters will see the error in their ways. Failing that the post without a response will soon fade away.
As someone else mentioned, placing the Q&A thread atop the list would probably fix things, but it is out of whack with the rest of the XDA layout, so this would not do either. Quite a few of the Questions seem to come from posters who use English as a second language. So perhaps changing Q&A to Question & Answers may help because the abbreviation may not be so obvious to some.

Blueman101 said:
What more would you like the mods to do? There already is a Q&A section where questions are to be placed, which means this thread is for anything non question related. Relax and repeat a mantra or something.
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I understand that, but like the sticky says, the General forum is a tips/news/hints forum, and if you take 2 seconds to look at all the threads in the General forum, they're 99% questions.
Like I said in the first post, I think a lot of people see General, and think of a general/misc talking forum, so they go here to post their issues/ask for help/etc..
SO, since the sticky does say this General forum is tips/news/hints, it should be renamed to that, so when a n00b sees Q&A, they'd ask their Questions there, and if they have tips/news/hints, they'd post here.

nxt said:
I was going to suggest it in the "i don't know about you, but i'm glad the mods are cleaning up" thread, but that got locked.
.
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Like I said in that thread, the issue was brought up to the moderators and they will do something about it (once the person in charge gets back from his vacation).
Anyways, don't worry about it.. it won't kill you. I'm the one who's doing the work and I'm not complaining much.
And can we please stop starting these threads in the N1 forum --- if you have a general issue with the boards then post them to the main forums (General, etc.), not here. Thank you

A solution for our Development section ?

So, our development section gets littered with QUESTIONS. This is not where they go. It adds clutter. Just had a thought and was curious if
(a) would it would work and/or be possible
(b) what others thought of it.
Can the mods make it where you are not able to CREATE a thread in the development section unless the OP has an attachment?
EVERY thread in the development section that belongs there has an attachment/download.
EVERY thread that does NOT belong there does NOT have an attachment.
This is something I just thought of and I only glanced over the first page or so but it does appear to be a valid screening process.
Can this type of rule be in place?
I don't like that the developers and their section is littered with requests/noob questions.

s15274n said:
So, our development section gets littered with QUESTIONS. This is not where they go. It adds clutter. Just had a thought and was curious if
(a) would it would work and/or be possible
(b) what others thought of it.
Can the mods make it where you are not able to CREATE a thread in the development section unless the OP has an attachment?
EVERY thread in the development section that belongs there has an attachment/download.
EVERY thread that does NOT belong there does NOT have an attachment.
This is something I just thought of and I only glanced over the first page or so but it does appear to be a valid screening process.
Can this type of rule be in place?
I don't like that the developers and their section is littered with requests/noob questions.
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I'll AMEN to that.....Admins and Mods are like gods on these forums..i see that this forum is powered by vBulletin....i'm sure that can be put in place.......with a little modification

It is a public forum....restrictions will cause problems.
That said, mods are pretty good about moving things when needed--let it roll. Sometimes a [req] is needed, as is a [thinktank] that does not involve an attachment.

^ yeah, I agree, but I'm all about trying to improve xda and the mod's are always having to move threads and teach noobs.
maybe just a checkbox you must acknowledge the thread you are creating belongs in the development section... And if people don't obey a disclaimer you may get a time out (can't post for a week or something).

^ I agree with both points. But may I say, we as a community have the responsibility to steer noobs into the right direction. I admit, after being a noob since the development of Nexus One, I didn't know where to go, or what to do with my first android phone. Back then, in cyanogen mod days, there were friendly mods and community, whom helped me. That's why sometimes I still help some noobs, but steer them where to get more info... I don't know, times change, and all forum are cluttered, imo...
Sent from the helm of Vibrant Territory!

The attachment idea would not work only because most dev's are hosting their stuff offsite, unless they attached a change log which at that point anyone could attach a text file if required.
The additional check box acknowledging where and what you are posting might be a reasonable idea if the board's configuration allows it.

rsfaze said:
The attachment idea would not work only because most dev's are hosting their stuff offsite, unless they attached a change log which at that point anyone could attach a text file if required.
The additional check box acknowledging where and what you are posting might be a reasonable idea if the board's configuration allows it.
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I agree. Also, the mods have been excellent abbot moving things and keeping them on topic but they need our help. If you use xda on a computer, please use the report button for threads in the wrong place or trolling.

s15274n said:
So, our development section gets littered with QUESTIONS. This is not where they go. It adds clutter. Just had a thought and was curious if
(a) would it would work and/or be possible
(b) what others thought of it.
Can the mods make it where you are not able to CREATE a thread in the development section unless the OP has an attachment?
EVERY thread in the development section that belongs there has an attachment/download.
EVERY thread that does NOT belong there does NOT have an attachment.
This is something I just thought of and I only glanced over the first page or so but it does appear to be a valid screening process.
Can this type of rule be in place?
I don't like that the developers and their section is littered with requests/noob questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
should just lock the threads in development for everyone except the op. This will only allow the op to update their change log and add any answer or solutions from Q&A. It will force people to use Q&A instead of flooding the dev. section. Most importantly, it'll make finding solutions and fixes easy.

^ hmm.. every developer could link to a bugs/discussion thread in the Vibrant General or Q&A section... that COULD work. Not sure if developers would like that or not?

I generally agree with s15274n, but the problem is very few people respond to questions in the Q&A........so people go where there is going to be a better response.........The General and Development sections. Trying to change human nature is difficult....(try looking at a beautiful woman and only think platonic thoughts)
Maybe it there was a way to tag question in the Q & A so the scroll at the top of the Dev section crawled along as new questions were submitted so there more exposure to the questions..........The problem with that is people will not adhere to the format, they will just ignore our requests in Q & A and go along their merry way doing what they do...... maybe we could get everyone to take a proficiency test before logging on ..........kinda like a n0oB i.q.alyzer test

we need more consequences about it, people will post in the development section after being warned, In their mind its okay because nothing will happen. The agreement is a great idea, the op is warned right away so no real explanation will be needed
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

iwillkillyou said:
we need more consequences about it, people will post in the development section after being warned, In their mind its okay because nothing will happen. The agreement is a great idea, the op is warned right away so no real explanation will be needed
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
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This is why I was suggesting that the threads in the dev section should be locked to the devs only. Everyone else can read but not post. The dev can link to q&a for others to post their questions.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

mr2t32 said:
This is why I was suggesting that the threads in the dev section should be locked to the devs only. Everyone else can read but not post. The dev can link to q&a for others to post their questions.
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that would be a good idea but devs still need feedback, leaving it to Q&A will be more chaotic. There ALL those who have questions, joyful comments will come out because its in the right section.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

^ agreed.
i really feel the best idea is a new topic in development requires you to click an acknowledgment saying your thread belongs here, and if not there may be a consequence.
All of this is pointless unless a mod comments though.

We really have a lot of work in moderation.
The idea is good, however we can not deploy yet, but I'm passing on the suggestion for moderation.
Thank you for helping and supporting the XDA!

Sounds good, I know you guys will get it right.

s15274n said:
Sounds good, I know you guys will get it right.
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Nice! They heard your calls, hopely we will get something like that. But wouldn't it affect all of XDA?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk

iwillkillyou said:
Nice! They heard your calls, hopely we will get something like that. But wouldn't it affect all of XDA?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
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Yes! affect all of Xda, if ok!

For people that have questions (Q)

This is a development area.
Meaning if you have created something fixed an error then this is where you post. if you have questions please make a topic in the General section this area is getting filled with junk and multiple post asking things that have been posted if you would just learn to use a button we call the search bar at the top right.
I'm not the mod on this Device but as a dev for this device I want to keep things clean unlike all the other areas. I want people to look as the development area and be like ok thats a rom or recover or root and not have to ask questions.
Next is when in a topic please keep on topic. a few topics are 90% junk because people not staying on topic. DONT make posts that say "I hope this is fixed soon or I'm going to get rid of this device" GROW UP go do some reading and help to to make a fix.

I have to add my 2 cents to this. It's really nice if people other their help and discuss things but sometimes threads have to stay clean in order to be helpful for other developers. So please think about if it's really necessary to add your stuff. Otherwise please use the general section.
If you help the developers to do their stuff quickly we'll be able to write how to threads faster for you guys.
Personally I'll pick only a few persons for testing. This will result in less bricked devices
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk

Maybe link the [DEV] thread to a [DISCUSSION] thread in general section so noobs like use can talk about the development of a given project and not actually post in the [DEV] thread itself.
Also, I wouldn't hesitate to report a post or thread to the mod. I'm not sure how active he is here but it could use a little cleaning.

gammaRascal said:
Maybe link the [DEV] thread to a [DISCUSSION] thread in general section so noobs like use can talk about the development of a given project and not actually post in the [DEV] thread itself.
Also, I wouldn't hesitate to report a post or thread to the mod. I'm not sure how active he is here but it could use a little cleaning.
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I tried to set this a few days ago: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1056198 but the people don't listen

its a good idea but if people have a question since we dont have a questions area like other forums it needs to be in the general area. or they need to learn to use a search bar/engine. im just tired of pms/email/threads that have been answered already.

dc13 said:
its a good idea but if people have a question since we dont have a questions area like other forums it needs to be in the general area. or they need to learn to use a search bar/engine. im just tired of pms/email/threads that have been answered already.
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You would think by now with how prevalent forums are for all aspects of life, people would know how to use the search feature.
Sent from my Droid using XDA Premium App

seraphimserapis said:
I tried to set this a few days ago: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1056198 but the people don't listen
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What I meant, exactly, was say a developer starts in on a project - they start their development thread and in the first post, add a link to a discussion thread in the general forum:
[DEV] My project Title
This is my project explanation.
Link to [DISCUSSION] Thread.
So basically, you start you [DEV] thread. Then when you're done, start a [DISCUSSION] thread then link the two together. So noobs, right from the first post, can see the link to the discussion thread. If someone posts a question or chit chat in you [DEV] thread, have it moved to the [DISCUSSION] thread.
I know, it's not ideal, just a thought.

gammaRascal said:
What I meant, exactly, was say a developer starts in on a project - they start their development thread and in the first post, add a link to a discussion thread in the general forum:
[DEV] My project Title
This is my project explanation.
Link to [DISCUSSION] Thread.
So basically, you start you [DEV] thread. Then when you're done, start a [DISCUSSION] thread then link the two together. So noobs, right from the first post, can see the link to the discussion thread. If someone posts a question or chit chat in you [DEV] thread, have it moved to the [DISCUSSION] thread.
I know, it's not ideal, just a thought.
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This actually sounds really good to me. The only kicker being what is considred on topic and what isn't? Are testing successes and failures relevant to a dev thread? Only successes? Only "breakthrough" moments? To be determibed by an elite group of our super-dev peers? Determined by the original poster?
Its a very subjective issue, dependent on the knowledge level and/or experience of the poster and reader both (or simply based on what one is hoping to find at that moment as compared to how disappointed one is by what they do find instead).
It could also get really complicated really fast.

Ultimately thats up to the OP.
The whole point is that a dev thread can only stay as clean as there are ways to do it. At least with a seperate (though connected) discussion thread, it can be directed. If someone posts in the dev thread, it should be up to that threads OP whether or not it can stay or be moved- at least now there would be a place to move it.

BUMP!! cause people dont like going to the second page. STOP making questions here this is for DEV's that have something to make the Iconia better not hi can i do this. go to the GENERAL AREA

I am not a developer, and this is the only post I can see myself ever posting here.
I enjoy reading this section like I'd read a detailed tech news site. I know that these same people also read the general section, so I can benefit from their input there.
Here, this section, this is their place to work! They share ideas here. They make things happen here. Aside from this post, I never want to clutter their desks, because I benefit so much from their hard work!
Is there any way to just make you guys permissible to post? Maybe you should have to be a dev to post? All can read, but devs would contact the mod to post? With a Discussion Thread linked in that environment, I could see a solution.
I still want to read. Its valuable. But aside from this post, I have no reason to write here. Butt every reason to watch progress, for my own education and to see what might be round the bend

anyone can be a dev. it just means u fixed a bug or made something happen thats what this section is for not hey can some1 help get you tube working or something like that.

doing another bump to keep near the top