Database Info

REDUNDANT THREADS - What can we do about it?

I'm really frustrated with this forum. I was about to become a lurker again and stop contributing, but I realized that this is not the solution.
Since the Kaiser forums are the most active forums on the entire site, we need some changes to make it better for all.
What I'd like to see done to help the situation is the following:
(edit) A wiki that's easier to edit and navigate, e.g., mediawiki, which would mean
More folks updating the wiki with the ability to edit subsections
More folks viewing the wiki with auto-created tables of contents
(edit)A single 'post your questions here' newbie thread to limit the amount of new threads created
(edit2)A thread or wiki entry linked at the top of every forum with proper forum etiquette.
(edit2) idea about restricting users according to post count removed
All of these suggestions will make this site more manageable and usable for all.
If you have any ideas, comments or opinions for or against, or just want to add to the list of suggestions, I look forward to them.
UPDATE 03-13-08
Thanks to Flar and the mods for pushing for new forums! Hopefully these changes, along with more member contributions, we will be able to fight back the redundant thread problem. I've noticed that quite a few senior members have taken a similar stance as I have with new users & redundant threads. I've been trying to either:
Giving the new user a search term (that we know will help), or
given the new user a way to navigate and use the resources here, mostly created by us to prevent users from asking questions in the first place, or
given the noob the links he wanted.
If you're genuinely interested in helping others, you'll realize that two of the three ways actually teach a person new things, which means they'll be better off on their own, while #3 only encourages them to ask more questions.
Finally, for all of you that may be new or have less post counts, it's not the amount of time you've been here reading, because that's not contributing back to the community. So my suggestion to you would be to come back and re-read this thread after you've contributed back to the forum by having at least 500+ genuinely helpful posts and see if you feel the same way.
And I don't mean suggestions to fix a soft key issue by bashing the keyboard with a screwdriver, like someone who has flamed this thread

_Alex_ said:
I'm really frustrated with this forum. I was about to become a lurker again and stop contributing, but I realized that this is not the solution.
Since the Kaiser forums are the most active forums on the entire site, we need some changes to make it better for all.
What I'd like to see done to help the situation is the following:
Restrict new threads to members (30 posts), forcing junior members to reply to existing threads. If new threads continue to be a problem, increase the limit to senior member status (100 posts).
More folks updating the wiki
actual comments for wiki updates so folks know what's new(I'm guilty of not doing this too) or an actual what's new page.
Both of these suggestions will make this site more manageable and usable for all.
If you have any ideas, comments or opinions for or against, or just want to add to the list of suggestions, I look forward to them.
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I couldn't agree more. A big part of the problem is the refusal of some to read or search before posting. When they don't get an immediate answer in an existing thread they start a new one. Maybe the answer is to allow the number of daily posts to be restricted by member status, with senior members being unresticted and moving downward from there.

To bad you can't put all of the threads inside the new sticky. That way, to post a new thread, you had to go thru the new sticky. Other than that, the only option I can think of is to hunt the redundant thread poster down and dismember them slowly on live t.v. broadcasted only to XDA members.
Edit:
I personally vote for my second option.

Agree with both suggestions. Mods...any comments? I have not dealt with forum software before...are those restrictions able to be implemented with this forum?

I've always liked the idea of limiting new people from starting threads, but I don't think we can judge on number of posts. I think this will just end with people joining, throwing an extra 30 useless posts into the first threads they come across, then posting their question thread.
I've always liked the idea of making someone wait 24 hours between registering and posting AT ALL. This way, we can still help those people with a genuine problem fairly quickly (rather than making them wait a week) but still weed out those who ask questions that could be answered by 2 seconds of thinking or looking.
Just my 2 cents!

Great suggestions _Alex_. There should be a stew time for new forum members. A 30 post limit should do it because by then one should have learned a little bit at least.
And now that there's a Google search box near the top of the page HOPEFULLY that cuts down on redundant new post.
@kwickone - Yes, it's possible and quite easy at that.

maybe there should be a noob section like hofo has for banned members. and you have to wait a while before you can post in the regular threads. then wait even longer before you can start a new thread.

Perhaps a rethinking........................................
Okay, this is a common problem on here. Over and over -- endless threads on this subject. It cannot be solved with current technology.
Embrace the problem.
Sandwich method:
Commend them on their new purchase of the new phone they got. Great!
Then advise them to search. Read and learn.
Then Commend their enthusiasm for Any effort they show.
...

Have a 1 month waiting period before being able to post & 3 months before before starting a new thread.
Just my thoughts....It has gotton out of control.
This forum has turned into a user manual / tech support.
sd73ta said:
maybe there should be a noob section like hofo has for banned members. and you have to wait a while before you can post in the regular threads. then wait even longer before you can start a new thread.
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There already is a noob section...the problem is no one reads it!
I waited 3 months before my 1st post or flash. I shadowed the threads, followed the chefs at that time (Faria, Molski, Xelencin, Risidoro) and watched the results of people flashing their ROMs. I waited till all was clear before I flashed.
Nowadays, people are buying expensive devices and just jumping into deep water without knowing how to swim and the cry to the lifeguard for help.

Would there be any way to link keywords to threads that already exist before its posted... eg if I started a thread re "no sound help me I dont read"... before it posted a list of threads that exist already would pop up saying something like have you looked at these...? perhaps wikis could be linked in the same way... or is this not possible...? cheers

dwny said:
Have a 1 month waiting period before being able to post & 3 months before before starting a new thread.
Just my thoughts....It has gotton out of control.
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This is not very userfriendly for people who do search before posting. Considering not every new user who joins the forum is a "lazy" noob.
Maybe it is an idea to have it a bit like the "Facepunch forum" of GMOD. (for non gamer, it a HL2 mod forum) They had exactly the same problem only a little bit bigger then it is on this forum.
They solved it by some sort of rate system. Forum users can rate a post. If a user get a certain amount of negative points he is banned from the forum for 24 or something like that. You can also rate someone if he makes clever remarks or usefull contributions and rate him with a "thanks!"
This way people know they are being watched for stupid questions that are posted over and over again and search before they do something stupid. After all, saying stupid thing will cost you a time ban.
If you want to know exactly how it works. Register at the facepunch forum to check it out. It really does work. http://forums.facepunchstudios.com/

Shadowdh said:
Would there be any way to link keywords to threads that already exist before its posted... eg if I started a thread re "no sound help me I dont read"... before it posted a list of threads that exist already would pop up saying something like have you looked at these...? perhaps wikis could be linked in the same way... or is this not possible...? cheers
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Even from my rudimentary knowledge of PHP based forums such as XDA, that would be extremely prohibitive in terms of processing power. Context-sensitive searching (even cached) is very resource intensive, and even implementing it on the Kaiser section ONLY would probably bring the boards to an impressive crawl.
Have a 1 month waiting period before being able to post & 3 months before before starting a new thread.
Just my thoughts....It has gotton out of control.
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This seems a bit extreme. I bought my Kaiser and spent two or three days reading the wiki, boards, and specific threads about the Tilt. Still, I had a few questions that weren't addressed by existing threads and needed to start at thread. I agree with Alex's idea that there should be a delay (or post count check) for starting a new THREAD, but certainly not posting in general.
Likewise, I'm beginning to toy with cooking my own ROMs, and what if I was interested in starting my own thread to announce its availability? Certainly I shouldn't be required to append it to an existing (and likely unrelated) thread?
To the OP's original concern, I don't think it's a terribly unique thing to XDA. I frequent many forums, and it happens everywhere, particularly those which address technology or relationships. Everyone seems to think that their issues are unique and that they won't be covered in an existing topic. Likewise, many people just aren't comfortable with reading technical specifications, instructions, or explanations. I have dozens of friends capable of READING manuals for the devices they own and getting exactly what they need, but they don't trust the accuracy of the information unless I tell it to them myself.
Reading a bunch of instructions and trusting they are accurate is much scarier than having someone explain it to you, even if they're just regurgitating information already contained in dozens of wikis, texts or posts. This is the primary reason we have TEACHERS; most people are capable of reading everything they need to know, but prefer to have someone relate it to them in a way which caters to their understanding.
Long-winded thoughts aside, I agree with Alex's suggestions in their entirety.

i dont agree with the whole 30 or 100 postsbefore starting a tread but i do agree with the fact that it's annoying to read the same stuff over and over again people comming in with the same problems and questions but there are also people like myself that are longtime members but actually do read alot of posts so that they dont need to ask anything and dont make the 100 or so recommended post before starting a new tread..
but thats my opinion

I don't see how not being able to start a new thread will help.
Assuming I actually did search for my answer and wasn't able to find anything, where would I turn? If I can't start a new thread, I would have no choice but to hijack a different thread. That would probably upset the people involved in that thread more than creating a new thread that they could easily ignore.
How about the new thread button routing through search? So that when you entered the title, it did the search, and at the bottom of the search results there was the button that actually started a new thread.

Steal Google's Idea
Okay, How bout this:
When you open www.xda-developers.com you get this:
A Huge Search Box. Nothing else. You Have to go thru the search box to Even access this site.
?????
...

Jewcookie said:
This is not very userfriendly for people who do search before posting. Considering not every new user who joins the forum is a "lazy" noob.
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It's a matter of setting standards....there are none here!
If you know what the rules are, then you'll follow them....but you have to have rules 1st.
tdsuen said:
I don't see how not being able to start a new thread will help
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That's where the problem lies.
How many new issues are there actually? Most of the issues are when people have a problem with a specific ROM. What's been happening lately is that the Rom threads are huge now and to gain attention to their inquiry, people are starting new threads. If you take a look at who's doing this, it's members under 3 months
(Just my opinion & observation)

zcink said:
Okay, How bout this:
When you open www.xda-developers.com you get this:
A Huge Search Box. Nothing else. You Have to go thru the search box to Even access this site. ?????
Okay still Drunk at the time.
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LOL... It's great to see a drunk guy contributing to this thread as it adds a touch of humor to the entire situation
FWIW, one of the new members decided to post their opinion about our frustration venting over in the regular Kaiser forum (which I read very infrequently because I know that's going to be filled with support requests).
I'm wondering how many new users will chime in on that thread...
arrogance and elitism (were all here for the same thing)

Why not add a few more Mod's and just delete them (threads or posts) quick and easy? Have an automated response to the person that: "the answers you needed were already posted in another thread".

dwny said:
It's a matter of setting standards....there are none here!
If you know what the rules are, then you'll follow them....but you have to have rules 1st.
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I totally agree that there needs to be some forum etiquette that needs to be followed, especially regarding new threads. The question is how we go about enforcing it...
Hopefully the mods/admin will read this thread and take our suggestions to heart.

Sober
Okay
A totally Sane -- Sober guy -- was just joking bout the drunk part.
A Huge Search Engine
You have to go thru the search Engine box to enter this site.
You can't miss.
Anyone who does not search will be Shot On site and put into the Ovens!

Forum Members, How aggressive should Moderators be?

I've moved this discussion from the Kaiser_Diamond_Version_1 Thread to open it up for more discussion.
I took a very aggressive Mod Stance in the thread as within minutes of it's creation we were already on page four of posts like:
"Woot I'm first", "Where is the link", "OMG IDK WTF", and such.
Within the first 30 minutes (all before the link was posted) I had removed about 20 pages of worthless posts.
So, users of XDA-Devs give me your feedback on this...

Excuse me? Trying to make the forum more readable of all of you members, remember even with our recent pay increase ($0 added to our already excessive salary of $0) we are still underpaid and overworked allowed the privlige of getting the heel of the boot from members who don't agree with our decisions.
Do you think nobody will complain when the first usable post is somewhere around page 112?
(but of course this post will be deleted within a few minutes also so enjoy and reply while you can)
standbackiamcrazy said:
thanks for all of your hard work, but where is the humanity? and the facist moderating of this forum, i say free ranting! and also free love,(any offers?)
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Ask questions & take interest sure but 100 pages of "Woot" & "I got first post" or "Man where the %&^#$ is the DL Link" will only serve to flush this thread before the Rom is even released.
orithm said:
Are you deleting posts kyphur? Can't we ask questions and take and interest?
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orithm said:
Are you deleting posts kyphur? Can't we ask questions and take and interest?
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he is doing his job and trying to keep thread clean to discuss issues.
leo, if u have time, can u plz post benchmarks so we can compare how rom stacks against others?

Jealous, no... Everybody plays, everybody wins.
You completely missed the point of what I'm doing here. Think about what you just said, you've made now 4 posts about something that hasn't been released yet and not one of them was relevant to the topic at hand.
So we end-up with 500 posts in the thread that you have to wade through to get to the 58 which really have something to say about the Rom (once it's released) and everyone wonders why so many members simply start new threads or ask a question that has already been answered 12 times in the thread.
My threads are clean(er) because I aggressivly moderate them. I'm simply expanding that policy into this thread because I know it's gonna be huge even if it is cut down to only the essential posts.
NOTE: even this discussion about my over-aggressive moderation will be removed from the thread (although I just might make it a new thread to allow for discussion of it).
Rougenator said:
Kyphur, I have a lot of respect for u and what you do for this community. But emotions are also important. You deleted 3 of my messages... And they were not that bad... Also Everybody find its way trough the messages Leo gets. Within 2 days he gets more than 20 pages..
Jealous???
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kyphur said:
Excuse me? Trying to make the forum more readable of all of you members, remember even with our recent pay increase ($0 added to our already excessive salary of $0) we are still underpaid and overworked allowed the privlige of getting the heel of the boot from members who don't agree with our decisions.
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I would really like to thank you for moderating this fourm and deleting my message before I got the chance to delete it myself after your post.
Seriously thanks for the hard work and feel free to delete this.

Kyphur thanks man
kyphur said:
Jealous, no... Everybody plays, everybody wins.
You completely missed the point of what I'm doing here. Think about what you just said, you've made now 4 posts about something that hasn't been released yet and not one of them was relevant to the topic at hand.
So we end-up with 500 posts in the thread that you have to wade through to get to the 58 which really have something to say about the Rom (once it's released) and everyone wonders why so many members simply start new threads or ask a question that has already been answered 12 times in the thread.
My threads are clean(er) because I aggressivly moderate them. I'm simply expanding that policy into this thread because I know it's gonna be huge even if it is cut down to only the essential posts.
NOTE: even this discussion about my over-aggressive moderation will be removed from the thread (although I just might make it a new thread to allow for discussion of it).
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den85nis said:
kyphur said:
Excuse me? Trying to make the forum more readable of all of you members, remember even with our recent pay increase ($0 added to our already excessive salary of $0) we are still underpaid and overworked allowed the privlige of getting the heel of the boot from members who don't agree with our decisions.QUOTE]
I would really like to thank you for moderating this fourm and deleting my message before I got the chance to delete it myself after your post.
Seriously thanks for the hard work and feel free to delete this.
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Are you serious? - answers to my questions were not deleted but the questions were, me thinks slightly over zealous..........
EDIT: WONDER HOW LONG TILL THIS GETS DELETED
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I think deleting genuine posts has meant the post has turned into that not the fab new diamond based rom we are about to receive.
As this is the first diamond rom there will many pertinant questions not currently answered in the first post and the opportunity at least to ask should be there, even if this will need some tidying up later...IMO

Ah, but your question was quoted in the answer so instead of leaving 2 posts I left the one that contained all of the content
orithm said:
Are you serious? - answers to my questions were not deleted but the questions were, me thinks slightly over zealous..........
EDIT: WONDER HOW LONG TILL THIS GETS DELETED
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kyphur said:
Ah, but your question was quoted in the answer so instead of leaving 2 posts I left the one that contained all of the content
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My point is rather than moderating minute by minute allow there to be some questions and answers and then tidy it up. OK most posts dont add value (like this one which you can kindly delete) but does it matter? It doesn't matter deleting them I guess but it just feels a bit crappy to find out your geniune posts have been deleted 5 minutes after posting.

I've never had a Rom chef get upset about this kind of trimming and in fact Leo has thanked me for the house cleaning.
Trimming excess content from a thread is Moderator Discretion and I don't often use that as a reason to remove posts. As I said this is gong to be a bear of a thread just becuase it's the first Diamond Port so I'm just doing some preventive maintenance and trying to set the tone early on.
I will be moving all posts regarding my moeration from this thread into another thread in one of the General Forums (later this evening) so we can talk this out if anyone likes.
Everyone's input is appreciated and taken into consideration but I have seen many excellent Rom Chefs walk out of the kitchen because of too many useless posts like "Woot I got first" or "can't wait for the link" etc.
bengalih said:
So, while I appreciate everything you have done for us Kypher, and with all due respect, I think you are overstepping your bounds. If you strongly disagree I would talk it over with the site admins and update forum rules accordingly. If there is a forum rule that already prohibits this (other than an all inclusive "moderator discretion" then please point me to it).
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kyphur said:
I've never had a Rom chef get upset about this kind of trimming and in fact Leo has thanked me for the house cleaning.
Trimming excess content from a thread is Moderator Discretion and I don't often use that as a reason to remove posts. As I said this is gong to be a bear of a thread just becuase it's the first Diamond Port so I'm just doing some preventive maintenance and trying to set the tone early on.
I will be moving all posts regarding my moeration from this thread into another thread in one of the General Forums (later this evening) so we can talk this out if anyone likes.
Everyone's input is appreciated and taken into consideration but I have seen many excellent Rom Chefs walk out of the kitchen because of too many useless posts like "Woot I got first" or "can't wait for the link" etc.
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great point Kyphur i dont post as many of other user but many people post useless junk like the one you told, let it be people and mantain these forum clean of junk

sorry to post another (useless) post with regards to the title, but i had to speak up my opinion about this.
i really really appreciate the job kyphur and all the other moderators are doing in terms of deleting, cleaning, etc. to be honest, if we hadnt been this used to talk a lot and not say anything, this "job" would not exist. when a noob goes asking questions without searching, everybody starts flaming, but it is just because these insane 100-page threads that they are not reading.
and btw, im active on other forums as well, on different matters, and trust me, this is a more than free and common-sense forum in my opinion. i simply love it.
so lets stop posting useless posts and go to the subject thinking about the others as well, people who want to find out real things about this ROM, for example, and not other BS. for example, i was just trying to find out whether this is more than a diamond-ringtone ROM or not. i managed to find this out after 5-6 pages of threads.
to be honest, even the "im downloading now, thanks a million" posts i find useless. there should be a place with all the master cooks names where they could get thanks and donation and that should not count against the user post count. im wondering how many of those "thanks, ure a GOD", etc. kind of guys would still thank.
just my 2 cents on the matter...
kyphur said:
Jealous, no... Everybody plays, everybody wins.
You completely missed the point of what I'm doing here. Think about what you just said, you've made now 4 posts about something that hasn't been released yet and not one of them was relevant to the topic at hand.
So we end-up with 500 posts in the thread that you have to wade through to get to the 58 which really have something to say about the Rom (once it's released) and everyone wonders why so many members simply start new threads or ask a question that has already been answered 12 times in the thread.
My threads are clean(er) because I aggressivly moderate them. I'm simply expanding that policy into this thread because I know it's gonna be huge even if it is cut down to only the essential posts.
NOTE: even this discussion about my over-aggressive moderation will be removed from the thread (although I just might make it a new thread to allow for discussion of it).
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ionutz6 said:
sorry to post another (useless) post with regards to the title, but i had to speak up my opinion about this.
i really really appreciate the job kyphur and all the other moderators are doing in terms of deleting, cleaning, etc. to be honest, if we hadnt been this used to talk a lot and not say anything, this "job" would not exist. when a noob goes asking questions without searching, everybody starts flaming, but it is just because these insane 100-page threads that they are not reading.
and btw, im active on other forums as well, on different matters, and trust me, this is a more than free and common-sense forum in my opinion. i simply love it.
so lets stop posting useless posts and go to the subject thinking about the others as well, people who want to find out real things about this ROM, for example, and not other BS. for example, i was just trying to find out whether this is more than a diamond-ringtone ROM or not. i managed to find this out after 5-6 pages of threads.
to be honest, even the "im downloading now, thanks a million" posts i find useless. there should be a place with all the master cooks names where they could get thanks and donation and that should not count against the user post count. im wondering how many of those "thanks, ure a GOD", etc. kind of guys would still thank.
just my 2 cents on the matter...
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ionutule you are so right. There are many ways the topic can be organized. Seperate bug topics for example, or some Thank you tools (a post after the 1st one where all thanks stay together (i dont know if there is such a hack for this forum).
Eitherway... my respect to the rest of the chefs and the mods who r trying to keep mess out of the forums

[POLL]Chance to Debate (Members' Views on Cleaning Policy)

Hi there,
I have been reaidng this thread since I bougth my HTC touch and it has been great help.
Before I start talkign about the issues I would like to thank everyone in here for all the hard work towards the community and all the work done by the moderators to make sure the forum is a clean and easy place to navigate in.
now on the issues .
I noticed lately that since a few users got promoted to moderator all I see is padlocks on half of the threads.
I am not against closing threads that already have an answer in the forum "by providing a link if possible" but it is more about closing the normal questions.
I have seen many threads benig closed straight away at the first answer and not giving anyone here the chance to add something or give an alternative answer or even say that the answer did not work????
The second behaviour I notcied was replying to a post froma moderator by actually editing the post itself and adding an answer on the bottom of it rather than replying like everyone else.
I would like to read other users opinion about this and have a great day.

i don't think there is anything wrong with closing the unnecessary threads. most of the threads which were closed were related to someone flashing a wrong ROM on his elf/elfin or not using the correct USPL. there are already a few threads for these kind of issues, so why create new threads? it has been said many times to reply in the existing threads, but most of the people don't follow this. i've,personally, tried to help of those people stuck with these kind of problems even though i could have told them to read. and once their problem is solved, there is no need for such type of NEW threads, so mods chose to close them.
as far as editing the posts, i think mods are only trying to help us to keep the forums as clean as possible so that a new user can read only the most relevant information without having to read 10-15 pages.

Although Aman (htctouchp, another dedicated-to-XDA & talented member) has explained to you about the policy followed especially in Elf forums, I would like to elaborate on a few things though
I presume you were refering to my posts
I agree with what you feeling brother. Even I used to feel the same when I had just started on XDA. I used to open new threads asking questions or trying to take guidance from the experts here, forgetting that some day I will have to take the responsibility of ensuring that the forum remains clean
Talking about clean thread, we dont close or delete threads because we despise new members (whom I dont prefer to refer as *Noobs*) (definately not that we do) but because we want everyone to reach the relevant informative easily without having to go through 150 pages of the forum. This Elf / ElfIn forums are being moderated largely by me and Noonski (although he is currently busy cooking wonderful ROMs and buying new shoes )
Also at the same time if you have observed, the threads are closed and left in the forum (not deleted) because somewhere a link to answer for the question which is asked is posted in that thread or some information has been provided by certain member. The thread is closed after this to avoid further crowding in that thread and the new members having to go through more pages trying to find the answers they seek and finally opening a new thread again for the same question
Same reason why a post is edited so when a new member views the thread, he can find the question with the answer itself
Hope I have been clear in communicating the reasons and we all do appreciate the fact that dedicated members like yourself do come here on XDA to find answers and guidance from the experts
Now I will close this thread once you are through reading this (I'm kidding) But I would certainly edit the subject of the thread to something moderate that will surely make members come in and post their views

Well i think you have a valid point.
But if you know the usual behaviour of most users it's laziness.
I can only say that when i start a thread to do Data Collection and compression it only leaves an easier to read thread.
This has only happened on one thread where it was mentioned in the first post.
Yes it can be seen as misuse of power which it isn't.
A user can always reedit his or her post, and no one has done so.
Truth is that i would not be able to if i was not a mod there would not be a way to get a compact and information related thread, so that does make it a very valid point you make.
But a user does get the immediate answer to the question instead of getting it posts after that. I then try to delete only my own posts.
All i'm doing is try to make a thread as easy as possible to read instead of going through pages and not seeing the answer, then ask about it and get the answer that it has already been handled in the thread.
I could go back to the answer 4 questions in one post, but long posts also have the effect that people don't want to read them.
This is definetly worth the discussion.
But a viewpoint most not be forgotten that it is mainly been done to make things easier.
It's long threads that make users start new threads about the same thing.

See? This is the reason why we would want the forums to be clean. This is already discussed in the stickies just above their new threads (which are gonna see the padlocks soon)
htc update
6.1
Elf0100: cid=00 > ruu:error294
How to remove the bottom bar in today screen?
NEED HELP

I agree with the mods, but I do fell some kind or something is missing. maybe I'm not an average user, but I do enjoy reading 15-20 pages of information, searching something like crazy is my second hobby. Sometimes laugh or mad if peoples asking question that already known. To sum up , when i was a noob.... (I'm proud to say that, cause now I'm half NOOB ) I learn a lot by reading pageS to pageS, I like this forum alot by clicking that seach button many2 times

Hi everyone,
Thanks fot he replies and I need to mention something.
I think the forum is a lot cleaner and easier to read since the cleaning started and I agree with probabaly "and this is personal opinion obviously" with %95 of the thraeds closed especially when the answer exists and is easy to find.
Ah...I forgot to say thanks for the mod that renamed my thread as it reflects more what I wanted to talk about and get users involced in.
Basically my main point is more about having different opinions and views on the subet especially when a person comes along and ask how to fix a certain issue then the post should be left open even if the answer has been provided as the same thread might revive after a year or more where another person would look for the answer - find it - and then it probably won't work due to obscur reasons or probably just because it is a newer build - then the person will just post on that same thread rather than open a new one.
By the way ababrekar I did not refer to you at all in what I said and I generally don't read who edited or closed what.
I used to be a mod myself in a similar forum "tech oriented" and I know it is not easy task and you are not paid for what you do so again thank you for all you do to the community.
I will stop here for the moment and wait and see what other members think about this - there arn't many interested in this
K.

Not many interested parties to keep this thread alive
Kar brother, can I close this thread now? You advice

ababrekar said:
Not many interested parties to keep this thread alive
Kar brother, can I close this thread now? You advice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No keep it alive definitly.
You know that not everyone goes to page two or three of the forum, and it needed a little bump.
It gives people a good platform to express themselves in the good way that kar did.
But maybe kar is a sister? (no pun intended)

Noonski said:
No keep it alive definitly.
You know that not everyone goes to page two or three of the forum, and it needed a little bump.
It gives people a good platform to express themselves in the good way that kar did.
But maybe kar is a sister? (no pun intended)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just posted something that makes the thread come back to page 1 Even I'm not intending to close this one. First I thought it would create fights but turned out interesting thread

Kar200 is definately a borther ... otherwise if you want to close this post I don't see any problem with this and I thought more people probably would have expressed their thoughts about the question but apparently everyone "including me" is more interested in knowing what new rom has been cooked for them so they can try it .

i have kept a close look on this thread for a while. and my opinion is this thread be kept for sometime. not much has been expressed here by other members. but i see this is one of a kind thread in the elf forum. and it gives an opportunity to express concern and at the same time to show appreciation.
thankx kar200 and all others in this thread. lets work out any concerns we have over the elf forum in this single thread

To post or not to post?
While i do agree, that the forum needs to be clean and its users repsecting the rules etc.... human nature as Noonski pointed out is laziness! so there will always be threads being opened. I think that most junior members will fall into this catergory (and this is NOT a dig at them but merely an observation ) but can be to a certain degree understandable/acceptable. Would you agree? If, however this is done by people who have been around for some time, then by all means close the thread and flame the user - they should know better.
As a thought, maybe some guidlines from the Mods here (Ameet and Noonski) re how long a 'repeated' thread will be kept open?
From a personal perspective, i have never needed to open a thread or even post that often specifically because i have always found what i needed from reading.... (which i kinda enjoy silly me)

I think for someone new to the scene and first coming here, it can be quite overwhelming. There is tons of information available, but where do you start? So from that perspective I can understand why someone would start a new thread. On the other hand, looking at myself when I first came here... all I did was dig through the piles of information just reading, not looking for something specific but just gathering as much info on any subject as I could.
As for the thread closing and modifying posts. The closing of threads depends on whats going on in the thread. Closing a thread on the first available answer can leave some users without a clue because the given answer wont work for them, and the cant reply on the thread to continue asking. Which can be a missed opportunity to add more useful data to the forums if someone has a different solution to the problem.
Modding the answer into the posters question can lead to some confusion if you ask me Only a mod has the uberpower to edit a users post, so if there is a mod nearby that had a good comment you have to look at your own posts, but you also have to look at the end of the thread to see if someone posted usefulness in case your post was not modified (hihi MODified ).

Biffert said:
I think for someone new to the scene and first coming here, it can be quite overwhelming. There is tons of information available, but where do you start? So from that perspective I can understand why someone would start a new thread. On the other hand, looking at myself when I first came here... all I did was dig through the piles of information just reading, not looking for something specific but just gathering as much info on any subject as I could.
As for the thread closing and modifying posts. The closing of threads depends on whats going on in the thread. Closing a thread on the first available answer can leave some users without a clue because the given answer wont work for them, and the cant reply on the thread to continue asking. Which can be a missed opportunity to add more useful data to the forums if someone has a different solution to the problem.
Modding the answer into the posters question can lead to some confusion if you ask me Only a mod has the uberpower to edit a users post, so if there is a mod nearby that had a good comment you have to look at your own posts, but you also have to look at the end of the thread to see if someone posted usefulness in case your post was not modified (hihi MODified ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Am Cornelio, Need Dippy For My BungHole.
Where you been Biffert, enjoyed your vacation?
This has only happened on a specific Beta Thread

Noonski said:
I Am Cornelio, Need Dippy For My BungHole.
Where you been Biffert, enjoyed your vacation?
This has only happened on a specific Beta Thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, but it was more of a big picture perspective on the matter Ive been reading the thread as well and saw the request for some opinions so I thought, why not

Biffert said:
I know, but it was more of a big picture perspective on the matter Ive been reading the thread as well and saw the request for some opinions so I thought, why not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just to excited because i just ordered My Pro.
Gotta run Print and sign the contract.
But still Where you been?
Do tell or i'll fill it in myself

Noonski said:
I'm just to excited because i just ordered My Pro.
Gotta run Print and sign the contract.
But still Where you been?
Do tell or i'll fill it in myself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive been finishing school and landed a job as a software engineer/consultant (And vacation ofcourse - Poland and Tsjech republic)
No Pro for me yet, still playing with my Touch (cant wait for the new Surface btw) and Kaiser
So its all good here
Edit: Bit of topic here, sorry bout that.

trashing threads too early create confusion!!!
Biffert said:
I think for someone new to the scene and first coming here, it can be quite overwhelming. There is tons of information available, but where do you start? So from that perspective I can understand why someone would start a new thread. On the other hand, looking at myself when I first came here... all I did was dig through the piles of information just reading, not looking for something specific but just gathering as much info on any subject as I could.
As for the thread closing and modifying posts. The closing of threads depends on whats going on in the thread. Closing a thread on the first available answer can leave some users without a clue because the given answer wont work for them, and the cant reply on the thread to continue asking. Which can be a missed opportunity to add more useful data to the forums if someone has a different solution to the problem.
Modding the answer into the posters question can lead to some confusion if you ask me Only a mod has the uberpower to edit a users post, so if there is a mod nearby that had a good comment you have to look at your own posts, but you also have to look at the end of the thread to see if someone posted usefulness in case your post was not modified (hihi MODified ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EXACTLY!
even if an answer has been already given...a thread shudnt be closed so early. cos the user has to check and then give feedback on whether it has worked or not.
i respect the work of the mods...but somehow i cant fully support the idea of kabooming threads when a single answer or a re-directing link to an answer has been given. also note that, a new user tries to follow the thread he has created and which HAS the answers given mainly by other members....so when the user looks back...the help given or the helpful posts made in that thread is also missing. this creates confusion. and the end result....new threads too. at a point where closing a thread is justified is okay...but trashing a thread...wud and WILL only create confusion and misleading guidance. I hope this sentence is fully understood and looked into.
So, in my opinion, this does hinder what we are ALL here to do. To help out so called noobs!!!! This is finally what made me speak out here, cos i have witnessed a few cases, where some users has been lost into the advent of search button!
WHEW! Finally i hope i have shed some light on this debate too.
respect and peace to all members!

ayyu3m said:
EXACTLY!
even if an answer has been already given...a thread shudnt be closed so early. cos the user has to check and then give feedback on whether it has worked or not.
i respect the work of the mods...but somehow i cant fully support the idea of kabooming threads when a single answer or a re-directing link to an answer has been given. also note that, a new user tries to follow the thread he has created and which HAS the answers given mainly by other members....so when the user looks back...the help given or the helpful posts made in that thread is also missing. this creates confusion. and the end result....new threads too. at a point where closing a thread is justified is okay...but trashing a thread...wud and WILL only create confusion and misleading guidance. I hope this sentence is fully understood and looked into.
So, in my opinion, this does hinder what we are ALL here to do. To help out so called noobs!!!! This is finally what made me speak out here, cos i have witnessed a few cases, where some users has been lost into the advent of search button!
WHEW! Finally i hope i have shed some light on this debate too.
respect and peace to all members!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This definitely goes for the Elf Rom Development thread now.
It's already good and cleaned.
I did notice that i do carry over the policy from a few other threads.
I'm all over the place, and at development a thread is fairly quickly moved if it does not belong there.
You should see how many reported posts come into my mailinbox.
The funny thing is that actually the hardcore cleaning stopped, just at the moment this thread got started.
So it now mostly is focused on going through old threads and going through their importance.
So for a while (and still) we have to be very straight forward.
Just look at the Diamond Forum with 845 Threads, and it's only been out for a short while. So over there there really is a now mercy policy that most mods agree on at the moment.
So the policy used there does not apply to the touch thread (not by a long shot).
A you can imagine how easily you start applying these rules.
I heard one user say "It's not a democracy here" in defense of the mods.
Truth is that it is a bit grayish on that matter, Most reported posts are submitted by users. (not the matter in ELF Forums).
So i can say that in the case of ELF forum i'll be mostly going through the very old posts and do some data compression if need be.

Cooked ROM (Hey JimmyMcGee)

I have a new TILT from ATT, US. I was hoping someone could provide advise on a lighter ROM (one without the ATT crap everywhere) that I could use. Also, if I do so, can I revert back to the stock AT if I need to?

Three Words:
Wiki
Sticky
Search.
Welcome to XDA.
Thread Closed.

Hey Jimmy McGee...
Why did you close my thread on ROM suggestions? I am so new to this and was referred over to this forum by the owner of another large site that handles other phones. You said: Three words...WIKI, Search, Read or something to that extent...Why? Al I was looking for advice on what I should choose, not instructions on how to install or anything really technical. Instead, why not try helping rather than closing threads...

maybe because there are just so many threads that ask/suggest the exact same thing?

i guess you must find out for yourself.
every rom is different, nobody can tell you if its great or less great. its the same for buying a new car. everybody tells you different things.
think about it, and try some roms. take your time

if you read his response you will answer your own question.

I waited 6+ months before even posting on this site coming from Howard forums strictly because of the name of this site. You could at least respect when a thread is closed to put some thought into it. You should also try to education yourself a little before creating more spam threads. The mods have to sift through enough of it as it is. Where you came from and who sent you is irrelevant.

Thanks da_mafkeez...
that's all I wanted was a suggestion. Isn't that the point of forums? As for the other weenies, I will so try to be a better boy...

Because everyday someone gets their new phone and asks the same questions, its a pain for the mods and members to have to tell people the same things over and over. Check out the wiki and stuff at the top of the page it will give you just about every answer you need. When youve read through it all and still cant find your answer then try starting a thread. It wont drive people as crazy around here.

terrapin69 said:
Why did you close my thread on ROM suggestions? I am so new to this and was referred over to this forum by the owner of another large site that handles other phones. You said: Three words...WIKI, Search, Read or something to that extent...Why? Al I was looking for advice on what I should choose, not instructions on how to install or anything really technical. Instead, why not try helping rather than closing threads...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a neat little function in the site called "private message" for something like this. Please do not disrespect the mods and and forum by creating a new thread after yours has been closed.

Ya know what...
if there were as many members responding to my requests for help as there are these, it'd be great...

terrapin69 said:
if there were as many members responding to my requests for help as there are these, it'd be great...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then we will be just encouraging this kind of behavior

Here's a little friendly advice...
The reason that so many people are reading and replying to this thread is because you are having a go a one of the forum Mods. The Mods on this site are respected by all other members; they uphold the Rules of this site (found here) and ensure the forums are clean and easy to read by everyone:
From the Rule Book said:
1. Check if something hasn't been asked before
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Click to collapse
If you have problems with a Moderator or the Rules, bring it up with the Mod in question, or another moderator or even one of the Site Admins.
Don't feel insulted by the fact that your thread was closed, and don't make it personal (Rule 8 ). It's not the end of the world.
Dave

terrapin69 said:
if there were as many members responding to my requests for help as there are these, it'd be great...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As i've stated many many time in the forum to noobs who complain that we don't answer their questions...If you asked your questions in the correct manner, and put it in the right place, then you will find the people on this site to be very helpful to you. If you insist that you are above the rules, and choose to disrespect the forum, the mods, and other members then you will not find it to be a welcoming place at all. There are not many rules here, but those who have the knowledge that you seek expect those few rules to be abided by, and as another use said, if we answer your questions when you intentionally didn't put it in the rigth place it only reinforces the belief that the rules don't matter.

chill up dude - we are all one big crazy family here
closing a thread is a tough decision to be made but some times a mod need to take it for the good of everybody
maybe next time if you want to ask specific question or a individual advice (try using Personal Messages), in couple of occasions i sent personal messages to mods asking advice/opinion and they replied me promptly but if i had posted my queries as thread i am sure they will close 'em up...
back to your question - there is no best answer to what is best rom because i will say 50% is personal prefrence and 50% technical details so nobody will know what is best for you expect one person - YOU - cuz u can judge them for ur use and ur prefrence
best wishes bro
terrapin69 said:
Why did you close my thread on ROM suggestions? I am so new to this and was referred over to this forum by the owner of another large site that handles other phones. You said: Three words...WIKI, Search, Read or something to that extent...Why? Al I was looking for advice on what I should choose, not instructions on how to install or anything really technical. Instead, why not try helping rather than closing threads...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I think I feel the hammer coming on!

Does that mean it's "hammer time".
Oh crap, did I just say that. I need sleep
Dave

Dude, AllTheWay has shot me down twice & moved one of my posts. Am I crying about it, NO. He did that because I didn't follow protocol. It was a learning experience for me & probably some other people who saw it happen. I'm not pissed off at him for it. I apologized & thanked him for teaching me something. Your thread was probably shot down because someone else has already asked the same thing at some point. These guys have been here longer than us & know a hell of alot more than we do. If you're still reading this at this point, I should feel pretty inportant for keeping your attention this long. I wouldn't @#$% with the Mods, Admins or Seniors on this site. They know what they are doing, that's why they are where they are!

Well, terrapin69, If I offended you. I'm sorry.
I hope you stick around this is a great place.
Now to answer your question, Why did I close the thread?
I think others have covered it. I respect your opinion. But please respect mine.
It wasn't meant to be curt, but more to be efficient.
Look at the Sticky Roll Up Thread. Read The Wiki, and Of Course Always use search.
Just note, Asking "what Rom is the best" is so subjective that there is no answer.
I have the reasons why. If you want to know most of them, just check out the Rules here.
I appreciate your eagerness. The Kaiser is a great device.

AllTheWay said:
I think I feel the hammer coming on!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was actually my first thought when I clicked on this, that somewhere I was going to see AllTheWay's Hammer graphic somewhere in here before long.
To answer terrapin's original question: ROM selection is entirely a matter of personal choice, and there are so many options that the only way to really tell which is best for you is to browse through the ROM threads, read the features of the ROM, look at the screenshots, and if you like what you see, flash it. If you don't like that ROM after flashing, find another one.

Re: New forum board for support?

Re: New forum board for support?
Hi all
Could a moderator make a new forum section in the Dream heading for support?
I'm just a little tired of reading the repeated requests for help with rooting/omgz i broke my phone/rc29-rc30 posts.
This section should be for android development! For example i made two threads with 2 development questions and they've been burried by support questions which is quite frustrating to say the least.
Thanks for reading
Darkflare

good idea tbh.
was thinking about this the other day because this forum just gets so cluttered with stupid help request posts, it's hard to find anything and also, doesn't look very good to newcomers. (well, the ones that can use a search button)
whatever, i voted yes

Please please PLEASE yes.

Agreed
I Agree
People do need help (some just don't know how to search)... but the Dev forum is not the place for it.

This is a great idea, and would make the search function work better anyway.

tim_programmer said:
People do need help (some just don't know how to search)... but the Dev forum is not the place for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is wrong with the Dream forum??

I would like to see it as well but I don't really see it working. I see this happening. New people post there with questions on how to do something. Most senior members will probably stay away from that forum because of all the threads asking the same question. New people will see no one is really helping them. Then they will come back to development thread and start posting again.

You guys might as well kill this topic, it will not happen.
I spend hours alone, every day trying to keep this and the theme forum somewhat organized.
Another forum?? will not help one bit, unfortunately.
What people have to learn is how too search and read prior to posting.
What you "Vets" can do to help the situation is "Report a post" with a link where you think it should go.
Being a mod, i can say 2 to 4 people only, from Dream forum reports threads.
This isn't easy, especially with all new posters, not knowing better.
This is exactly why T-Mobile took Root away from the general public. LOL

Mikey1022 said:
You guys might as well kill this topic, it will not happen.
I spend hours alone, every day trying to keep this and the theme forum somewhat organized.
Another forum?? will not help one bit, unfortunately.
What people have to learn is how too search and read prior to posting.
What you "Vets" can do to help the situation is "Report a post" with a link where you think it should go.
Being a mod, i can say 2 to 4 people only, from Dream forum reports threads.
This isn't easy, especially with all new posters, not knowing better.
This is exactly why T-Mobile took Root away from the general public. LOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But thats just it, theres no where to move the support posts too!
If there was a support section i would GLADLY start flagging the hell outta threads that need moving!! but currently there is no where to send them.
Whatcha think? otherwise if you can suggest where i should suggest these help posts to go i will happily start flagging them for you!
thanks
Darkflare

So whats the criteria for reqporting a thread?

what about something to weed out retarded people? It's getting really off topic like OMG JESUS FREAK and #$%^HELP&^%$#
I appreciate your hard work mods.......

I remember another forum ( i can't remember which) but when you clicked "new thread" it asked you for your subject first, then showed links to similar threads and a "continue with new thread" button. Is there anyway to implement that here. Seemed pretty helpful even after searching the forum.

Read the rules in my sig or opening threads will threads already open, for the Same topic

Here is another vote for a support forum.