Hi guys and gals, first I'll introduce myself properly. My name is Chris, I'm 22 and live near leeds in england. I'm currently setting up a small blog interviewing android developers to give the general public a little look into the life of a developer. My aim is to try and help people realise that developers however great or small have a life beyond programming. It will also help advertise work created by some of the lesser known devs out there.
Currently I have only interviewed one developer and am uploading that at some point today, but I do have a list of others I intend to speak with.
I've even had a suggestion from one of those developers to interview an XDA moderator, to show you guys how much junk they have to put up with and clean on a regular basis to help give you the nice friendly happy community we have now. (Mikey, your name was mentioned but any mod can participate)
So without further ado, the blog address is interviewing-devs.blogspot.com
As a comic twist to the whole thing, I intend to do the whole thing from my G1 which is proving a little complicated as I seem to be getting a few FC errors with androblogger, and the blogger website looks a little funky on the G1.
As a quick note, there is no profit to be made by myself doing this, but I will be placing donation links for each developer interviewed.
So, if you're a dev and want to join in, let me know. If you know a dev and would like to see an interview, let them know about me and get them to contact me
Code:
Interview with Maxisma online now
Many thanks to all the devs on my list so far for making this whole thing possible, and also a huge thanks to everybody here for having a community worth joining.
You should interview the Wrecking Crew to show what we have to put up with too.
supremeteam256 said:
You should interview the Wrecking Crew to show what we have to put up with too.
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Mornin supreme.
And also interview some complete noobs to find out what the whole developer scene looks like from their pov.
Fingerlickin said:
Mornin supreme.
And also interview some complete noobs to find out what the whole developer scene looks like from their pov.
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Mornin I sent you a shout out in another post. It looks like it's gonna be me and you and codini today. Gridlock told me he ain't gonna be on til like 8 tonight. I think he just don't want to get flamed like friday.
Interviewing devs is nice but if you want to catch the entire view of the G1 hacking/modding/rooting whatever term you want to use world. Then you need the point of view from new users, seniors, and devs. Remember devs don't deal with problems unless the problem effects alot of people and is verified by themselves or people he trusts. Also there wouldn't be an interest in a dev's interview without the masses following his work. Get those interviews first so you can ask the correct, hard hitting questions to the devs.
Thanks for the feedback. I'm at work at the moment but once I get home, Maxisma's interview will be posted, and I'll move onto another dev. At the moment probably the biggest names I have are Cyanogen and manup456. I did ask haykuro but he hasn't got back to me, and I'm still asking other devs.
Your constructive critisism is greatly appreciated, and ideas taken on board
Ladies and Gents, the second interview is underway, and you're all going to be surprised at who I'm speaking to. Keep watching this space for more news. Hopefully I'll get everything asked and answered before Monday, but due to a time difference of several hours there may be a delay, just depends if my dev and I can get online at the same time.
But anyway, provided everything goes well, it should be finished by Monday for your reading pleasure.
If you have any questions you wish to ask a dev not already interviewed, let me know and I'll add it to my list
The thought popped up in my head this morning. I remembered Eugene, the developer of the Macnut ROM, who no longer supported XDA. Then another dev, jellette, that quit for reasons I can't quite understand. Who's to blame for these developers quitting the scene, or only providing ROMs on other sites?
I'm a 16 year old high school student in San Francisco. I've been lurking the forums ever since I got my Vibrant and my friend directed me here. I'm not at all new to hacks like these, I've been participating in communities and actions like these since I was 12. I never found a reason to become closely connected within this community, though. It's not a small group, it's a much larger one, and I don't have any place to fit in. This is one of my first posts, and it's one that I feel I need to share with the community: my thoughts and beliefs on the whole situation about devs that no longer support XDA or flat out quit.
Let's cover some ground first:
These devs are not paid. They make these ROMs, custom kernels, and other mods in their spare time. The only money they make off these ROMs comes from donations, and some devs don't ask for donations anyway.
The users are not paying for this work. The users don't need to give feedback, however they are permitted and allowed to comment, criticize, or help the developers in any way.
The trade made here is obviously unfair: give nothing, get something. In many cases, get a great piece of work for your phone that will make it blazing fast and give it features and functionality unheard of to other users of the same phone. The devs are ok with this though, as they freely release their work without a price tag.
However, there are some things devs are not ok with. I can't speak for each and every single developer, but having once done development in my own time as well, I can say the one thing that really aggravates all developers, and all people even, is when your work goes unnoticed, or worse yet, gets disrespected. When some bombarding, ignorant user comes along and rips apart your hard work, what are you to do? "This ROM is utterly horrible, you should've put more work into it before releasing this paperweight." Maybe a bit over the top, but it gets the point across, and it's from this that a developer will most likely quit XDA as he sees fit.
So what can we say about the users, the freeloaders? Some decency is expected of all of us, basically. That's the lesson every user should know: respect those that give you what you get. They're not robots that work endlessly with nothing better to do. These are people, hard working men and women who spend hours on end making software for you. Give them your respect. Constructive criticism is nice, but never go so far as to demote them as a person. If you want their respect, you must give them respect. Make them feel welcome and they will continue to work for the entire community. It's simple, human nature.
As for developers, are they in the right place to quit under these grounds? There is no set ground for quitting. Each person sees fit at what time he or she should quit working, in any case: as a dev, as an employee, as anyone. People need to know their limits, and they do know their limits. As a free working developer, they have a lot more liberty in deciding when they want to stop working for the community. Even someone who didn't feel accused or demoted could leave for no reason and it wouldn't affect them as much as if they had left their full-time paying job. This is not a source of revenue, it's not a source of anything, in fact.
One thing devs should know, and this is coming straight from me, is that as someone who releases work on the forums, your name will be known, and it's wise that you build a public image for yourself. Quitting without reason, without a post to describe your feelings, to express concerns or thoughts on the community or whatever else you'd like to mention, does not help build a good public image. You are at liberty to do as you please, that's your free choice, but people will judge you based on your actions. Throwing yourself into a position as such, as a chef, comes with more than just giving out work. It comes with the comments users will give you. It's good to be able to politically conduct yourself, to create a good public image, which will ultimately help you avoid the negative comments the public makes.
In conclusion:
Users: Be respectful, have some common decency. This is for all of us, not just those who don't get it. It's a rule we should all know. Developers are humans, just like us. Respect them as such.
Developers/chefs: You are free to do what you like. Quit as you please, continue as you please, no one will stop you. It is, however, important to make a good public image. Not necessary, but important. Conduct yourself in a political manner, because us users see you as a strong force, not just as a person. Be ready to make a good public image.
I want to know your thoughts on this. I feel it's important that this ground is covered, and that we come to a general consensus on this. The more you know, the better off you are. The more we all know, the better off we will all be.
if only there were more users like you.
I'm tired of these little immature kids making these hardworking devs leave the forum.
xriderx66 said:
if only there were more users like you.
I'm tired of these little immature kids making these hardworking devs leave the forum.
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I second that...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I also think that those developing roms need to understand that a lot of members are teenagers that do not what respect is. I myself am 30yrs old and I know that there are more members that are much younger and very childish. The devs need to not take it out on the entire forum. There are more members that appreciate their work than there are that do not.
I agree with you 100% in partucular regarding the users.
I came to this forum looking for support, trying to get the GPS working on my Vibrant.
Before I posted or did anything I read many threads and researched what it meant to use Odin and to root the phone and flash a rom and to recover from a problem before I even started anything. When I did I was fully aware that I and I alone, was responsible for anything that happened to my phone. I am continually amazed at how some people jump in, without a clue as to what they are doing, then seem to try to blame the developers for their problems. Then you have the group who complain about colors or a boot animation or a "missing" app on a rom they got for free. Simply amazing the entitlement people have over something that someone puts out there for them to try to improve their phone for free.
I can understand how the devs could get fed up with these sorts of actions. It can take a pretty thick skin to deal with all the stuff I see going on here.
It is like a preschool in here...just get used to it.
Life will go on, and someone will always be making roms--herds are pathetic, individuals are lost inside said herds. Keep your ears open and your mouth shut.
My $0.02
No one but the Dev can pull their ROMs and leave. We all take criticism in life. Some run, some brush it off.
ScooterG said:
No one but the Dev can pull their ROMs and leave. We all take criticism in life. Some run, some brush it off.
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I agree to a point, just if anyone runs off Master I'm forming a mob with pitchforks and torches...
I have plenty of respect for the few guys who make a few useful programs, and I don't think I've ever bashed a dev's work openly. But:
ScooterG said:
No one but the Dev can pull their ROMs and leave. We all take criticism in life. Some run, some brush it off.
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/Twerd.
Gotta give respect to receive, and some devs just think they are God's gift to Captain Taco. It's the Internet - no one gets respect on the 'tubes. Who gives a ****. The growing up really neds to happen on the part of most of these "I'm pouty b/c someone said something crass about some weekend work I did" "developers."
Drewstein said:
I agree to a point, just if anyone runs off Master I'm forming a mob with pitchforks and torches...
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McMaster should shrink his huge sig. It's a symptom of my point: get over your self importance. There are (good) forums on the 'Net that enforce a 5-line or 100px tall rule (vs. his 300px +).
Again, not bashing the work, just the attitude, as presented.
-bZj
Agree ...........great post clear concise and to the point. Funny, that a 16 year old can articulate the basics of good behavior that most in here do not practice. I do not blame a lot of the devs leaving, people rag on their work give nothing but complaints..... as if they have the skill (yeah right).People will eagerly wait 10 min in a Starbucks line, pay 5.00 for a coffee and never donate to the dev, XDA or anything........then complain when the custom rom they got for free doesn't work the WAY they like or want......... talk about selfish irony...........
Great post !! kevipapo1 (from a guy old enough to be your grandpa )
i agree with it. people need to remember that without dev. we would all be running stock
If master leaves I'll suicide.
I hope ur reading this, master
Unfortunately this is the interwebz and this is has its been in any android forum I've ventured through. As you are young, but yet seem to be fairly wise, I say to you "welcome to the world my friend!"
Very good post.
Most criticism is from lack of knowledge/education. People don't understand how difficult it is to develop a ROM. So they criticise what they don't understand because it inconveniences them.
However, I will disagree somewhat with developer criticism. Although, I don't agree with the way Master handled the situation, I can relate.
I believe it is very important for us to realize that ROM developers are not public figures. They have the freedom to stop and start as they please. Their passion is development, after all, not public relations.
Kudos OP. Excellent post!
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I just want to say thanks to all Developers here at XDA. Without you and your ROMS or tweaks i wouldn't have the great phone i have today that i spent my hard earned money on, and to the immature people if something doesn't work right on a ROM insted of being an ASS!!! and saying how crappy it is say whats wrong and they will fix it they have for me.
Again thanks to all who have helped you don't even know me but you all are ready to help at anytime day or night.
GARY
I personally am 15 and have been in xda since 13
I appreciate the devs for all their work if it wasn't for them i would have killed myself with many frustrations of a stock vibrant
I hate that some are immature and that some get really irritating i understand that some are new but some just get on nerves.
I wish eugene came back because he was.one of the first devs here
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
This is a great post & I echo the op's sentiments. This forum and the devs that contribute to it are a phenomenal resource to all of us and deserve to be treated with respect as we all do. The real shame is that a 16 yr old realizes this more than most of us adults (some of which are in name only). I've been in these forums for only a short time and the amount of immaturity, cynacism and deconstructive criticism I have seen is truly apalling and frankly I'm suprised more haven't bailed. I guess the Golden Rule isn't important when you've got the anonymity of the internet.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Lethal_NFS said:
I also think that those developing roms need to understand that a lot of members are teenagers that do not what respect is. I myself am 30yrs old and I know that there are more members that are much younger and very childish. The devs need to not take it out on the entire forum. There are more members that appreciate their work than there are that do not.
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Just because someone is childish does NOT mean that they are a child.
I've seen many adults that throw a tantrum worse than a 5 year old and many 5 year olds who act like they're going on 30.
Likely their age has nothing to do with it & its just a reflection of their random genetics and/or crappy parenting.
down8 said:
McMaster should shrink his huge sig. It's a symptom of my point: get over your self importance. There are (good) forums on the 'Net that enforce a 5-line or 100px tall rule (vs. his 300px +).
Again, not bashing the work, just the attitude, as presented.
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If its an issue, then xda should make a max image/sig size (like you mentioned other sites do). That simple.
Most of his signature tells you to search & read the XDA rules before posting, not really bad advice & since he has to answer questions from many people who don't do either, I can't really blame him.
It would be a LOT more aesthetically pleasing if it were text only, but since XDA allows it, I don't really have a problem with it.
Most of the devs have developed a bit of an attitude (I've seen it from Eugene, SomBionix, Master, and a few others) because of the crap they have to deal with & XDA not enforcing their own rules (this is supposed to have changed after the town hall meeting).
i have been on xda since 2005, left came back etc etc, i do minor edits and coding here and there for myself because i dont have the time like these other people. but honestly most people need to get over themselves. this is a strong community and will live on without you. that said this community has made some people millionaires and others just brats who want the limelight. the idea behind this site is to take the software into our own hands. its us vs. corporations. if devs want to leave cool stfu about it and go but keep in mind that unless you have a contributed to the community dont complain about someones work. devs know what come when you start producing products. its the same that companys deal with. most leave because they get their feelings hurt. its not like people are stalking you and breaking your kneecaps because angry birds wouldnt play during their lunchbreak. ignore the negative and stay or wine and leave. but this place or any place wont change. the more successful you get the harder your skin must be
About me and why it all got under my skin.
James / jellette / Heathen
39 year old, married, father of 3
<Edited out line, too personal>
I look around and see Darky, Doc, Jim, Eugene, TW and everyone else doing Gingerbread clones - and they aren't called "Copy Cat" - but when I do it I am. That makes a guy pretty darn mad.
I set out to do the latest Rom 100% from scratch without drawing from the work of any existing Rom specifically because of my relationship with TW. The takers out there have no idea how much work goes into doing that.
Here was and continues to be the process with PepperKake.
1. Download the JL5 Rom from samfirmware.com
2. Odin to get a feel for the new firmware.
3. Rip the files from factoryfs.rfs
4. Release the first flashable Odexed recovery safe JL5 by 30 minutes
5. Deodex the apps and jars - on this build I was unsuccessful deodexing swype and I used krylon360's swype and credited him for that.
6. Download the Nexus S dump
7. Pull all of the images I needed out of framework-res.apk and SystemUi.apk and the original bootanimation.zip and the icon out of every matching Gingerbread app
8. Carefully build the theme, re-mod the Gingerbread Launcher and create the faux crt shutdown sequence.
9. Rip the gps files from the Nexus S dump including permissions for gps and maps and restructure JL5 to call these files
10. Replace with 3E recovery, ensure the sdcard mounts, etc..
11. Flash and fix 219 times until it is 99% bug free and ready for an Alpha release.
As you can see, this is not a weekend cooked rom as put earlier in the thread.
I update my roms usually once a day until it is complete, I fulfill requests for kernel flash packs for the rom, etc..
I did get pretty angry and pulled my roms - I later replaced the most recent rom. I also set up my website as a backup, which is quickly becoming my primary release source. I will stay around xda though like it or not.
On those who have followed me to the new site in support: Thank you.
Finally, a very short word on TW.
I have nothing but respect for these guys. I learned everything from them.
And that is my word on this.
For some of you guys have seen snippets of the drama engaged over this latest leak, but a lot of you dont even know what has fully been going on.. so i think its time to clear the air. i cant imagine this thread will stay open too long, it will do whats needed and send a msg.
Our part in ACS is over. we have had enough, as a team of well experienced and talented individuals we can no longer sit idly by. so for our users we present this opportunity. is this flashy? not enough in my opinion . is it needed? most definitely
i am not going to name names or point fingers but there has been a storm brewing for a while and now it is ready to unleash.
Hey rob you ungratefull son of *****. i ****ing hate you and everything you stand for. Your nothing but a whinny ass baby. We the devs made acs. Not you and you think your the ****. Have you ever developed anything in your pitafull life? I dont think so. So **** you and good bye
Rob, I just don't agree with some of the decisions that were made, and for that I am leaving the ACS team. Take Care.
Qbking77
I am an Android Developer.
I am a Geek and a member of a team (BUT NOT ACS). I serve the people of the Android Community and live by Developers Values.
I will always place the ROM first.
I will never accept bad modems.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen user.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my developer tasks and betas. I always maintain my handset, my dev environment, and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, test, and employ the greatest ROMs of the Development Community with eagerness.
I am a guardian of freedom and the Developers way of life.
I am an Android Developer.
I would like to just say- so long ACS. I am leaving to continue working with the team that has meant much to me. It was fun, but some things that were said just don't sit right with me.
yay. I love when mystery post's. he has no limits.
Btw I hope all the other ACS members see my shout box link in the acs forum
qbking77 said:
Rob, I just don't agree with some of the decisions that were made, and for that I am leaving the ACS team. Take Care.
Qbking77
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Well here they come. All the people who were against me and didn't believe me. All the nay sayers. Well don't worry, I don't need an apology. The way y'all acted was perfect for me. Everyone who attacked me acted like a little child about this.
Here is a lesson for all of you, GET THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY!
Thread Locked...
I started this thread out of respect, appreciation, admiration & concern for this guy.
I’ve owned N2 for several months. Back then I read many threads – how to root, backup EFS, other stuff you need to know for flashing our device. Next I moved on to mods, ROMs, tweaks. All the time I saw DrKetan threads everywhere – then slowly became aware of his high activity level. I don't need to go on about the his leaked ROM efforts do I?
I thought ‘doctor’ was a name he chose for fun. Because he was like a doctor for our N2. Then recently found out he IS a doctor. Holy sh** I thought - Yes lots of us have important jobs, demanding jobs, me included. But most of us DON’T contribute to N2 forum NEAR AS MUCH as he does.
So that’s why I made this thread. There is so much community appreciation for him, it’s evident in all his threads. In fact we love him so much that our own thanks dr.ketan! posts clutter up his development threads making it hard to find information :laugh:
Hoping we can
a) Somehow convey to him our appreciation, at a base and genuine level, for his work. All we can offer are words I guess, though I notice he has Donate button. Maybe we can buy him something useful, like a second N2 in case he bricks his??
b) Draw his attention to the fact he seems to sleep like 3 hours a night and THAT’S NOT HEALTHY, doctor! LOL he should know better
Umm if this thread is seen as lame and I get blasted for making it, so be it, but as a former newb: thanks drketan !!
Hey I appreciate the thanks fellas, but really hope to get your posts here.
--> Who has a dr.ketan story worth telling? Yes I know that 75% of us benefitted from his advice at some point, for example his Backup EFS thread prevented lots of us ending up with unusable phones but ... what about the time your child was lost in a snowstorm, the whole town was looking when suddenly dr.ketan knocked on your door with child in his arms??
Yes I know that's a silly joke but c'mon guys, we also like threads that aren't about mods or ROMs so ... let it rip - pay homage to the hardest working dude on this forum.
Heartfelt Thanks
He is very nice and very friendly.. He is always dedicated in his Profession as well as to Android development. He helped me, Guided me many times when i was using Note 1 and Now on Note 2. He is very passionate towards android . Unlike others he never ask for Hit thanks If i Helped . Respects and thanks come from our hearts. He is giving his valuable time for us. I wondered many times that how he can be this much passionate .. (Sorry for my bad English )
Heartfelt Thanks Ketan Bhai
I totally recognise and Appreciate what you have done for us Doctor..
We can never repay you but you will be remembered of fondly as a legend :thumbup:
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
joshphilips said:
I totally recognise and Appreciate what you have done for us Doctor..
We can never repay you but you will be remembered of fondly as a legend :thumbup:
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
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Wait, joshphilips, that sounds like a speech you give at someone's funeral
Thanks for your words, mate.
dr.ketan is amazing man.....:good::good::good::good::good::good:
sorry for my bad english...
Guys you are awesome, And apart from i am running out of thanks today also I don't have words to thank you.
But
I feel this kind of thread is against XDA rule and before someone have to report I am doing it mysef right now.
Kindly don't consider this as insulting but we all are bound to follow rules
And again thank you very much for love you always showers on me.
Regards All.
Ketan, I didn't realise this kind of thread is against rules & it's appropriate I follow those rules. Whatever happens, happens. That xda video that all new members must watch ... I guess I missed something.
Was hoping, as more people became aware of the thread, we'd put our thoughts together how to convince you to get some proper sleep
Cheers
Even is against the xda rules ,
I want to thank you for all your effort and time you give to us .
you are a real men and a model.
Not against the rules per say... but if we had an appreciation thread for every good developer, the forums would be a huge mess (well, ok, messier than they currently are)
Closed :good:
Hey guys,
First let me go through the back story : recently I was on a different phone... and had to watch a TON of drama between a dev team and a single dev... COMPLETELY destroyed my views on this forum board and was about to just bail and say screw it all, due to this being my 3rd android device and the same team over the span of 4 years have caused the same amount of drama on all 3 devices and nothing has happened to them.
Now fast forward :
Someone told me about the OPO, so of course I googled some reviews, and then come here and see how much support was actually being given. And i said "you know what, ill just lay low, not be a fan of any devs so if/when drama breaks out I'm not biased" ... I have been amazed to how drama free this device's development teams are. THANK YOU. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!! You all work so hard, you help each other, and you do it all for free! This is what makes a great community. I just hope that "earlier stated dev team" does not make their way over here..... as it will only lead to drama.
All a recap, every single one of you, devs, testers, and end users, are awesome. And I just wanted to say thank you, and lets keep this community for the OPO a great one.
Great speech man!This is the way to go!
For drama visit the Oppo one+ official forums... lol
Yeah support is pretty good here