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I don't know if it's just me, but i'm tired of seeing questions galore in the android development sub-forum all the time, and the hostility shown towards people posting in the wrong sub-forum. Is there any way an admin could create a new sub-forum for just Q&A's only, just like how the Galaxy S I9000 forum is set up? I think it would be great for everyone, and the general/development sub-forums would be a lot more organized. Does anyone else agree, or am I in the wrong?
I've included a poll just to see the general consensus about this.
We tried before and we still don't have one, but why not petition for one again.
X2 to this. It's getting old dealing with the madness.
I just hope one of the admins sees this thread this time around.
Would be nice...clear up some if the questions if they were compiled in one area for easier viewing.
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...
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."
Looks like a ton of threads just got moved to Q&A -- most of the threads in the last few days, in fact. Can a mod give some guidelines as to what should be in here vs there? I always thought of Q&A as someone having a specific "how do I" question. I see a number of threads that I would think qualify as general discussion moved, such as:
What twitter app do you use and why?
Anyone else bored with their evo now?
pocket BLU app- Controlling PS3 Blu-ray with an EVO
What is sprints stance on locking phones down?
It doesn't really matter, but it seems like there's a lot of overlap between the purpose of the two forums, and I don't know if it makes sense to be slapping people on the wrist this way. Plus the "moved:" headers make the "cleaned up" forum actually look pretty cluttered to my eyes. I didn't personally have any of my threads moved and I'm not all that concerned about it. I just wanted to ask about it as a regular reader and participant in both forums. Just my opinion, but maybe if this many people are having trouble figuring out which section they should post in, maybe that indicates there doesn't need to be a separate "Discussion" and "Q&A" section at all.
bkrodgers said:
Looks like a ton of threads just got moved to Q&A -- most of the threads in the last few days, in fact. Can a mod give some guidelines as to what should be in here vs there? I always thought of Q&A as someone having a specific "how do I" question. I see a number of threads that I would think qualify as general discussion moved, such as:
What twitter app do you use and why?
Anyone else bored with their evo now?
pocket BLU app- Controlling PS3 Blu-ray with an EVO
What is sprints stance on locking phones down?
It doesn't really matter, but it seems like there's a lot of overlap between the purpose of the two forums, and I don't know if it makes sense to be slapping people on the wrist this way. Plus the "moved:" headers make the "cleaned up" forum actually look pretty cluttered to my eyes. I didn't personally have any of my threads moved and I'm not all that concerned about it. I just wanted to ask about it as a regular reader and participant in both forums. Just my opinion, but maybe if this many people are having trouble figuring out which section they should post in, maybe that indicates there doesn't need to be a separate "Discussion" and "Q&A" section at all.
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I think it's pretty straight forward - does your thread start with a question? It goes in Q&A.
I think most discussions pose a question as well. The examples I linked to were ones where yes, the subject ended in a question mark, but they seemed to me to be questions intended to prompt a discussion, not questions that have a straightforward answer.
DirtyShroomz said:
I think it's pretty straight forward - does your thread start with a question? It goes in Q&A.
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correct if it a question please post it in q&a (one is asking a question and would like an answer)
on the OP question about the clutter look of "moved" being everywhere. i put a 2 day redirect on the threads i moved because i moved so many. just in the event an op or member shows up tomorrow going "wtf happened to my favorite thread". after 2 days the redirects will be gone. till then they will just drop down as other unmoved threads are posted in.
on another note. sometimes i over look question threads in the general section due to being busy with other projects or matters. when i feel froggy or get time i like to clean it up a bit (like today). i also move EVO 3D related threads over to the EVO 3D section to clean up a bit.
hope you guys understand im just trying to do some spring cleaning
Toastcfh for MFin' President!
DirtyShroomz said:
I think it's pretty straight forward - does your thread start with a question? It goes in Q&A.
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Sorry but that's an awful response, and awfully wrong.
I had a thread moved from Development to Q&A because it had a question in it... unfortunately that question was: here is some app code that isn't working, anyone have feedback/input?
That's about as dev friendly as it gets. I am starting to really dislike the mods around here.
skylar.sutton said:
Sorry but that's an awful response, and awfully wrong.
I had a thread moved from Development to Q&A because it had a question in it... unfortunately that question was: here is some app code that isn't working, anyone have feedback/input?
That's about as dev friendly as it gets. I am starting to really dislike the mods around here.
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Actually, policy is, and has been for a long time, that ANY thread that is a question (even one pertaining specifically to development) belongs in Q&A. It has been discussed MANY times before now.the reality is, it is as simple as dirty said. If you were worried about not getting eyes on your problem, you could send out a few pm's.
Edit: btw, why are you so upset? Your thread wasn't deleted, it was just moved.
skylar.sutton said:
I am starting to really dislike the mods around here.
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IMO..you ought to redirect some of that dislike towards so many jerkface or willfully ignorant members. The ratio of mods:members is laughable at best. These guys and gals have a big job to do and do it for free.
Most of the mods are pretty cool if you just talk to them.
tejasrichard said:
Actually, policy is, and has been for a long time, that ANY thread that is a question (even one pertaining specifically to development) belongs in Q&A. It has been discussed MANY times before now.the reality is, it is as simple as dirty said. If you were worried about not getting eyes on your problem, you could send out a few pm's.
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Interesting. I will certainly respect the rules, It just seems to me that most Discussions would start with a question...and thus the Q and A forum will now become the default place to discuss things.
It just means that users will need to follow both forums.
Sent from my device.
THIS THREAD BELONGS IN Q&A.
I just notified a mod.
adamantypants said:
THIS THREAD BELONGS IN Q&A.
I just notified a mod.
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Lmao
But for real tho thanks toastcfh for all you work man I know ain't easy to be a mod I uses to be one in another forum and you can't keep everyone happy is your job !
Anyways I'm happy with the organization
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Incidentally, I meant no disrespect to the mods when I posted this. I don't think toast took any offense, but I certainly don't mean to criticize him or any other mod. toast is awesome.
I still do think the line between a Q&A and a discussion can be thin, and that some of the threads that were moved were closer to a discussion than a Q&A. But it doesn't really matter and I'm not losing any sleep over it tonight.
DirtyShroomz said:
I think it's pretty straight forward - does your thread start with a question? It goes in Q&A.
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Click to collapse
gotta agree the general section was getting pretty freaking clogged with [Q]
skylar.sutton said:
Sorry but that's an awful response, and awfully wrong.
I had a thread moved from Development to Q&A because it had a question in it... unfortunately that question was: here is some app code that isn't working, anyone have feedback/input?
That's about as dev friendly as it gets. I am starting to really dislike the mods around here.
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want a tissue ?
tejasrichard said:
Edit: btw, why are you so upset? Your thread wasn't deleted, it was just moved.
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I'm not upset, so much as I am frustrated. Lately, the mods have been spending their time moving posts around and slapping people on the wrist for posting in the wrong area. Meanwhile, they continue to let thousands of "ZOMG! Here's a question that's answered in the sticky's" and "ZOMG! WTF is [Some Term A Google Search Would Answer]?" through every day.
The forum is quickly degrading into a wild wild west and when the Sheriff's DO show up, they chase down jaywalkers instead of bank robbers.
I used to subscribe to the RSS feeds because these forums produced the best content/discoveries/knowledge... now it just produces a jet stream of crap.
I get your frustrations, man, but what did you think was going to happen when 10's of thousands of new members (often people with little tech knowledge, who heard about xda on some gadget site) started showing up? These mods are buried under an avalanche of posts everyday. Toast doing a bit of cleanup to keep things organized on top of actually monitoring the comments for abuse, etc, deserves a round of applause; instead, he gets people *****ing at him because he didn't do it in a way that pleases them. Having things posted in the right section is ultimately just as important as reducing the number of redundant threads, if for no other reason than it will make things easier to search for in the first place and (tada!) reducing the number of redundant threads! Fix the problem, not the symptom.
Am I alone in thinking that every ROM/kernel/mod getting their own Q & A thread is messy, fragmented, confusing and generally Not A Good Thing?
They're here to stay unfortunately, mods choice, but sheesh.... Even more room for dumb questions that have been answered many gazillion times before.
My $0.02.
+666
Sent from my N9005
So, what, you want all 5,867,631 members posting every question they have about every ROM single in one massive topic? Or would you prefer that everyone makes a new thread for every question? Which will inevitably lead to thousands of people asking the exact same question over and over and over again, making a new thread for every single one.
Good luck sorting out that nightmare.
Information is much more specific, sorted and organised this way. You need specific information in a thread, that's what the 'Search this thread' bar on the top right side is for.
ShadowLea said:
So, what, you want all 5,867,631 members posting every question they have about every ROM single in one massive topic? Or would you prefer that everyone makes a new thread for every question? Which will inevitably lead to thousands of people asking the exact same question over and over and over again, making a new thread for every single one.
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In my experience, the latter is exactly what's going to happen anyway. Always has been that way, always will.
Your point of view is cogent, logical and eminently sensible. And that's why this new system won't work - because those who can't /won't use search, read more than one post, start with "I've tried searching but it didn't help" etc continue down their diametrically opposed routes...
I also have read one dev stating that he wants no part of an extra Q & A forum and won't be replying to any questions there.
So who gains?
A further thought - from what I can see, the Q&A Bot seems to be triggered by questions in the ROM/kernel fora/threads, judging by the redirects to the new Q&A threads.
But some of the former threads are 20+ pages long. I cannot see how further fragmentation will possibly lead to less clutter. Duplicate questions answered in different sub-fora, and extra threads for people not to search in will be the result. Hope I'm wrong. But I'm not, wait and see
Here's a prime example....
In all honesty i dont care how they want to structure the forum.
I do personally think it should be the other way Around. i.e. The MAIN Release of the ROM is on the Q&A and people have to earn the correct Rep to post in the Dev Section.
Why...
Well most people on this forum dont know how to use a search function, So what better way, Post your question in one section
Then post it again in another section, Double the chances / speed of being answered.
If a user cannot google a question or search the forum, How do the expect to filter the stupidity down by opening a new thread for people to post stupid questions.
Each Thread Q&A has all the normal stuff it does right now.
The Thread links off to the Dev section, where you will need X Reputation in order to post stuff in the development section.
I think this would reduce the stupid question and leave the developers forum free for actual debug, issues and fix's being posted.
Regardless of what suggestions are made, They will never be taken on board. Mods aint what they used to be Maybe i have been here too long.
No disrespect of course