Database Users

Is it just me or do you think it is odd to have a Q&A forum and a general forum?

I mean the description "For all your questions" pretty much covers anything that would be asked anywhere else? Just sayin.
For instance. "What screen do I have, Epson or Novatek?". It is a question but some one would give me a tip on how to figure it out.

Yea they're pretty sub-forum happy here.

i like the way it is...
i like it i would rather go to q & a for my questions than weed through answers to questions that are buried beneath topics like 'cool tricks' or 'would you rather the droid x' ...i like it for those reasons.

I think of it this way, Q&A is just that, general is more like an off topic forum just for us

PAPutzback said:
I mean the description "For all your questions" pretty much covers anything that would be asked anywhere else? Just sayin.
For instance. "What screen do I have, Epson or Novatek?". It is a question but some one would give me a tip on how to figure it out.
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Shouldn't this post go in the Q&A forum??? It IS a quesiton!

If everyone used it properly and only asked questions in the Q&A section then it would be fine.
But since the reality is different it just makes it more work for everyone to check both sub forums.
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App

ramiss said:
If everyone used it properly and only asked questions in the Q&A section then it would be fine.
But since the reality is different it just makes it more work for everyone to check both sub forums.
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
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True, I'm amazed so many people are allergic to logic.

I am a programmer and for the masses I live by the KISS rule. Not the disco rock band, the Keep It Simple Stupid rule. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_principle

No, what is odd to me is that you knew there was a General and a Question forum, so ignorance can't be the excuse, and you STILL posted a question in the General forum.

Minjin said:
No, what is odd to me is that you knew there was a General and a Question forum, so ignorance can't be the excuse, and you STILL posted a question in the General forum.
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Except that I think the OP was more of a Statement formed as an ironic question.

Well the general forum has pretty much turned into crap. So the q/a forum is a place to go to actually help people without the general forum's level of retardation.

nebenezer said:
True, I'm amazed so many people are allergic to logic.
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After working retail so long, my amazement at that has long died XD

Dont start QUESTION Threads in this Section!

This section is Android Development, If you do feel the need to post here PLEASE keep it on development! New Builds and Such are NOT always released upon your personal request!
Most of your Questions Can be answered HERE at the HD2 Linux/Android Q&A Thread, just reading the first few pages may answer your question!
OR
HERE at the [REF] ★★★The Definitve Guide To Android On HTC HD2 ★★★ thread.
ALL Android Builds should be Considered BETA, meaning that there will be Glitches/Freezes/GSOD's/Hoolahooping/etc.​
Respect this new Forum space and keep it clean guys!​
​

Since there isn't a seperate sub-forum for Q&A for Android on HD2 here is the only place to ask questions.
Wanna be moderators better stay out

narta said:
Since there isn't a seperate sub-forum for Q&A for Android on HD2 here is the only place to ask questions.
Wanna be moderators better stay out
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Click to collapse
Well thats why theres some threads linked just a few lines up. Thats where questions need to be posted. Just trying to keep the Dev section clean.

OP,
thank you, I've seen alot of threads with questions that have already been answered, or problems that everybody all ready knows.
Sent from my HTC HD2 running DarkStone HD2Froyo v1

Shatterv2 said:
Well thats why theres some threads linked just a few lines up. Thats where questions need to be posted. Just trying to keep the Dev section clean.
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You are meaning well, but there is ONLY the dev section for Android on HD2. It's bound to have people asking questions since there is no other place in the forum to do so.

narta said:
You are meaning well, but there is ONLY the dev section for Android on HD2. It's bound to have people asking questions since there is no other place in the forum to do so.
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Which isint always a bad thing, but when there are threads asking the same question everyday such as "Problem with 3G Darkstone", "Problem with 3G DanFroyo" it does get a little cluttered. Thing is many of the answers are waiting for the asker in the Q&A thread or in the ROM thread it self.

mskip can always take the kick/ban/smash hammer and clean up the mess I guess

narta said:
mskip can always take the kick/ban/smash hammer and clean up the mess I guess
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and please tell us why he should have to this forums is for us to use, so surley its easier to keep it clean and managable in the first place, everyone moans the search is hard to use yes cause crap threads being made all day long

hello,
sorry,i'm newbie on HD2 Android, may i noe how to transfer WM sms to Android?
anybody teach me?
thank a lot~

xiaomouse said:
hello,
sorry,i'm newbie on HD2 Android, may i noe how to transfer WM sms to Android?
anybody teach me?
thank a lot~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA way to go with the troll on a useless thread taking up space, dont discourage questions people just encourage the right questions

i agree over 46 pages of threads and only like 7 builds

Literally, this thread is not belong here, it has nothing to do with Android Development.

I love how internet white knights like OP think they are saving the forum from n00bs and trolls with threads like this. In reality, threads like this clutter it up equally.

They should just lock down this forum altogether from new threads, force everything to be posted in the general forum. Then promote the actual developer posts to this one and allow replies. It'd be a lot less work for the mods than having to move a billion questions every day.

buzz killington said:
They should just lock down this forum altogether from new threads, force everything to be posted in the general forum. Then promote the actual developer posts to this one and allow replies. It'd be a lot less work for the mods than having to move a billion questions every day.
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buzz your the smartess person in the world right now , i think this will answer all our problems

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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
Yes! affect all of Xda, if ok!

Holy Forum Reorganization, Batman!

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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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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Click to collapse
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.

Just a little help to maybe keeps this place cleaner/spam free

Hi guys,
ok, so, recently i have been browsing round the whole of the X8 forum and i think that we all need a little help.
Ok, so i am going to use bullet point everything that i think needs helping/discussing if you know what i mean .
This is NOT a guide. so here goes:
Thread redirection
So, recently, I have seen alot, and i mean ALOT of threads in the wrong sections.
So i am going to try and help you post in the correct sections
If you have a question, then obviously post it on the Q & A section,
but if you have a general question like this then it should be posted in the general section preferably.
BUT, any question related to ROM's, bugs and that kinda stuff, then post it in the Q&A section.
heres some examples: This thread belongs to the General section because it is not a question about the X8's hardware, or a question about ROM's etc its a question about your opinion (i mean, its a question about someones thoughts, who they think is the best developer, and the thread may be for fun ) and another thread that belongs in the general section is this thread.
However, threads that dont belong in the right sections usally get closed by the moderator.
So if you dont want your thread closed, try and follow the rules, by posting in correct sections.
More examples: this thread is a question about a bug (?) and he asked how to fix it. This is a question, but it was in the general section when it should be in the Q&A, and because of that, it got closed.
Well that about concludes that bullet point any questions? reply to this thread
Making threads that already exist
Yeah, most senior members kinda dread this. Now this problem usally comes from n00bs, but sometimes seniors do it.
Please guys! Use the search button! We cant stress how important this is to you. Plus, if you do keep making threads that already exist, then you have broken the XDA rules!
1. Search before posting.
Use one of our search functions before posting, whether you have a question or something new to share, it's very likely someone already asked that question or shared that news.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, sometimes the search button doesn't work and wont come up with what your looking for, but then you have to Google it! Lets not make the same mistake over and over again eh? lets keep the X8 community SPAM free eh No more 'which ROM is best' threads. cheers guys
Are you new? or are you about to leave the community
So, are you a new member to our community? Or are you about to leave our community?
Well, before you go ahead and post a 'good bye thread', take a look at deedii's threads (thanks deedii )
Here are the links:
Deedii's 'Leaving? Post your farewell message here ' thread
Deedii's 'New Member? Introduce Yourself ' thread
thanks guys, thats kept our community alot cleaner
Trolling and/or Spamming
Ok, we all hate being trolled and our boards Spammed don't we?
Now, recently, i have had someone trolling one of my threads (mentioning no names). I didn't like it much. Now, I had a thought about this recently, and after a long time of thinking, i finally though, instead of saying bad things back, try to encourage them not to troll (good idea or not???). We all want trolls to leave, but instead of telling them to leave, try to encourage them to stay, but be a part of the good community.And spamming, try not to spam, dont post unhelpful things etc. thanks guys, hope we have no more spamming or trolling
So thats about it for now, but once i have more idea's of how to maybe improve things ( ) then i will edit this post. Thanks for your co-operation guys, i hope we become a more spam and troll free place
PLEASE NO trolling or spamming, if your gonna post, please post something constructive or/and nice. Maybe more ideas on how to improve
-wilbso​

Any feedback?
sent from my x8

wilbso said:
Any feedback?
sent from my x8
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Seconded...that ok ?
Sent from my X8 using Tapatalk

Its a good idea but its too long, most people wouldn't be bothered to read it.
Sent from my E15i using xda premium

NIMBAH said:
Its a good idea but its too long, most people wouldn't be bothered to read it.
Sent from my E15i using xda premium
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ok, i get your point, but it seems n00bs used to read my guides that went on forever....
And it wasn't really an idea, its just to help clear out future SPAM

See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1625939
That is what I'm talking about. That's one of the problems!!
sent from my x8