Writers Wanted for Potential XDA Book - General Questions and Answers

Hi,
We're always going to have noobs at XDA. We understand that for mods, devs, and senior members, answering very basic questions is going to be repetitive and frustrating. To partially address this issue, we've always wanted to put together a fun and interesting guide/tutorial/faq for new users to the site--to explain what XDA is all about. The problem has been that--if we're going to do this--we want it done well. We want it to be complete, well-written, graphical, etc. It would be many many pages of content. The bigger problem is that we've never had a budget to pay someone skilled to write it.
A major publisher approached us recently about creating an XDA-branded book that details and explains the world of smartphones, ROMs, etc. Because the publisher would pay for the book to be written (standard advance plus royalty arrangement), we can finally "afford" to create the guide we've always wanted. Our goal would be to make important parts of the book available for free on XDA (as a resource for new users). The only problem now is that we need an author.
Tech books are NOT big moneymakers, but if any long-time XDA member is interested in a fun, paid writing project, send me an email to xda.svetius(at)gmail.com. The email, subject "Writers Wanted", should include your name, qualifications, and a short proposal for what you'd like to cover in the book or how you'd like to organize it. We expect to get a bunch of applications, so don't be offended if you aren't chosen. Note: If you have to ask how much you'd be getting paid, then you probably won't be too excited by the answer . You'll make a bit of dough and be able to brag about being a published author.
Thanks

This is fantastic news!!

svetius said:
Hi,
We're always going to have noobs at XDA. We understand that for mods, devs, and senior members, answering very basic questions is going to be repetitive and frustrating. To partially address this issue, we've always wanted to put together a fun and interesting guide/tutorial/faq for new users to the site--to explain what XDA is all about. The problem has been that--if we're going to do this--we want it done well. We want it to be complete, well-written, graphical, etc. It would be many many pages of content. The bigger problem is that we've never had a budget to pay someone skilled to write it.
A major publisher approached us recently about creating an XDA-branded book that details and explains the world of smartphones, ROMs, etc. Because the publisher would pay for the book to be written (standard advance plus royalty arrangement), we can finally "afford" to create the guide we've always wanted. Our goal would be to make important parts of the book available for free on XDA (as a resource for new users). The only problem now is that we need an author.
Tech books are NOT big moneymakers, but if any long-time XDA member is interested in a fun, paid writing project, send me an email to xda.svetius(at)gmail.com. The email, subject "Writers Wanted", should include your name, qualifications, and a short proposal for what you'd like to cover in the book or how you'd like to organize it. We expect to get a bunch of applications, so don't be offended if you aren't chosen. Note: If you have to ask how much you'd be getting paid, then you probably won't be too excited by the answer . You'll make a bit of dough and be able to brag about being a published author.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I WOULD LOVE TO DO THIS! I have a passion for writing that has consumed my entire life. Please take a look at some of my posts here on the site (keeping in mind that there are a couple of which I didn't put any creative thought into, as well as those containing references to gangsta rap and other adult themed content). In any case, I'd be more than happy to email some of my writing to any one of you who would have the time to review it. I'm currently in the process of writing a memoir, and I would absolutely be willing to share the first chapter to provide you with an example of my personal style. Thanks for considering me!!

brtnygrey said:
i would love to do this! I have a passion for writing that has consumed my entire life. Please take a look at some of my posts here on the site (keeping in mind that there are a couple of which i didn't put any creative thought into, as well as those containing references to gangsta rap and other adult themed content). In any case, i'd be more than happy to email some of my writing to any one of you who would have the time to review it. I'm currently in the process of writing a memoir, and i would absolutely be willing to share the first chapter to provide you with an example of my personal style. Thanks for considering me!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will be sending all requested information and sample work this afternoon to the provided email address!!

I just sent my info in. Hopefully I can etch a bit of my style on windows phone specifically

Related

The underestimated Power of collective intelligence

Hey guys,
I have to admit that without all the custom ROMs that you offer here for free I would have sold my Touch HD long long time ago. I see this website as big driver for HTC/ MS to sell their products. (Maybe some people of HTC/MS dont) Once again thanks for your great work and time that your spending on this webside.
Currently I am writing my bachelor thesis about "Social Commerce". One point is about "the lack of firms understanding that collective intelligence and wisdom of crowds is an opportunity rather than a threat".
To show practical examples I also chose this webside. I appreciate if you could help me with some open questions that I have:
1. From which source does the rom cookers get all their ROMs/ builts?
2. Does this site has any special contacts to HTC/ Microsoft?
3. Do you get support in any-form (money, software, acknowledgement) from htc/ ms?
4. Do you send knowledge in any way back to help MS or HTC to improve their devices/ software?
4. What was the purpose for the operators of this side to built up a webside that is mostly concerned about HTC-Devices?
5. In this threat their is a dispute between ms and xda-developers. Does ms attitude have changed, yet? How did the story ended http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?threadid=294142
Thanks in advance for your answers. This forum and some others changed my life and engaged me to buy products. I hope I can contribute with my thesis to support forums like this and to show firms that community like this are a big opportunity rather than a threat
A great way to say thanks to all free stuff you grab here is to make a donation to XDA!!
You are right why not. 10€ for all the fun is nothing.
Great to see your star!!
Hi nobody has any information to me? Or did I post in the wrong section? thanks
A community is comprised of social participants, participants who work to build an environment that is beneficial to its participants. The phenomenon would very likely take place regardless of specific participants; only the quality of the results benefiting all those that participate would decline.

Designer for your apps - Free

Hi
Currently web & print designer, I recently felt in love with Android. I will soon switch from Blackberry to a Nexus One.
Thus, I just post a thread to offer my help by designing your apps' layout.
Of course, for free. But in a first time, I will only give my help for apps that will be released for free.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking. But yes, I'm an actual freelance graphic designer, but I don't want to ask money for this. Most of developpers take on their free time to give free apps, and I understand they have no money to give to a designer. This is these developpers I want to help.
Please feel free to visit my portfolio (link in my profile )
There isn't apps designing examples, but I hope there will be some soon
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions, and same way I'm waiting for your projects
See you soon !
Feel free to ask any question.
I'm ready to get involved in your projects
Kind heart yet nobody wishes you to help. Strange eh? I think its great you offered your expertise for free.
I am amazed more people have not taken you up on your offer yet either!
Your designs look great. Although, I am not too shabby with graphics, it is always great to get a fresh eye and skill set involved. Do you have problems with ad supported apps?
Also, I have an app that I would actually like to translate to French.
I might take you up on this offer when I get my Android device in a month or so and start modding/developing for Android. I'm not quite that good with graphics.

ShootMe Dev Giving up on Android Community? What about you?

I wrote about it here: LINK
Does anyone know more about the background - from the twitter account it seems like just a general run-down and a disappointing community.
Other developers on here feel the same?
I'd love to get comments from some of the developers on here, if that is the case.
I'm not a developer but did read this already on a posting at Google+.
But you are right, moving into that direction would be very bad.
Some people think they can be rude because they stay anonymous.
Its something that happens more and more these days on the internet.
I realize it's impossible - there are 12 year olds who probably run rampant.
Seems like there is SOMETHING that can be done.
I'm as Pro-Android as they come. But at times it feels like starting a relationship with a beautiful boy/girl only to find they come with a sack load of emotional baggage.
Here's my take on it: http://andgamesdevblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/android-culture-its-own-worst-enemy.html
I am far from giving up (thick skinned) but there is a real troll culture growing and needs to be stomped out. Anonymity has it's uses but, as with everything else, has its drawbacks. What we need is troll hunters!
Paul
(aka Strangemoo)
I have seen that there are some stupid comments on the market... But not so extreme as to take down your app...
Some users is just plain stupid... I'm from Denmark, so a lot of the comments are in danish... But that devs are many times foreign and really don't look or understand the comments... But a lot of them complain about pathetic things like no app 2 sd or that some function suddenly's gone instead of just writing the dev an email about the issue and giving the app the respect it deserves... 1/5 rating is a lot of the times not justified...
Just my 2-cents...
I'm sorry but this is a silly and immature move by the developer. Receiving negative feedback, dealing with trolls and idiotic users that don't understand technology are fundamental assumptions of the internet, just like not giving out your passwords or helping Nigerian princes get their money out of Africa.
I loved ShootMe and used it for our screenshots, but I don't have a lot of empathy for people that empower others to control how they feel.
Wrote about this a few weeks back: http://www.androidstatic.com/what-shootme-removed-from-the-android-market
I work in IT support and one of the things I have to support is phones. It blows my mind how many 10-12 year old kids have nicer phones than I do because their rich mommy and daddys think their precious little angels needs the latest and greatest smart phones. I went over to a client's office a couple of months ago and he had 3 brand new Droid 2s for his kids, ranging from 10-14.
Point of all this?
In this day and age, there are so many rude little kids with nice phones all over these forums, its amazing to me anyone sticks around. Im over 40 and was raised in a different time than these self entitled children I see around here that want everything now, for free and want you to do it for them.
I cant blame the guy for leaving. A lot of times I wish I could go live on an island somewhere where I didnt have to deal with people because most of them suck.
s15274n said:
I wrote about it here: LINK
Does anyone know more about the background - from the twitter account it seems like just a general run-down and a disappointing community.
Other developers on here feel the same?
I'd love to get comments from some of the developers on here, if that is the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not a developer, but I was a ShootMe user on my EVO 4G. When it received the upgrade to Gingerbread, the app stopped working. The developer never replied to my email and from reading comments on Market didn't reply to anyone.
He did finally released a new version of ShootMe, but you had to have a computer to use it. Also everytime your reboot your phone, you had to sync everytime with your computer.
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D using Tapatalk
Welcome to the "masses".
Want a better experience? Go smaller. Dev for Windows Phone, or Web OS, or RIM.
Once something becomes part of the main stream, you'll see the d-bags start rolling in. Even something like xda can be tarnished once it "gets too big". There is hardly a day that goes by where I don't read a thread here that doesn't make me shake my head. This used to be a highly technical forum, back when every devices was htc and running windows mobile.
The only thing that can really be done, is to work with a smaller, more appreciative community. I doubt you would get very many jerk off comments from a Windows Phone user, they are happy to get whatever they can.
All very good points. I wish I had put a little into my thoughts before typing that up - dev's need to be tougher AND respond to people.
s15274n said:
All very good points. I wish I had put a little into my thoughts before typing that up - dev's need to be tougher AND respond to people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a android developer IMHO the android community is as bad as they come. Xda for example used to be a place of collaboration. Currently its a place where maybe .1% do dev, .9% appreciate the development and try to help, 99% ether complain or say nothing at all. Whether the development is for free or profite(which I won't evev get into here) how is a developer supposed to work off of that? Users would rather right a comment blasting a developer who has literally spent days of his life on some product without even attempting to resolve the issue themselves.
I'm not saying some complaints are not warranted, just saying flip the coin around and its not so hard to understand the developers standpoint.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
There is no denying that there is frustration on both sides. This frustration seems to stem from expectation, communication and control.
The developer expects their customers to be civil.
The users expects the developers to devote anything between some to all of their resources/free time building/making their products better.
Both are unreasonable expectations if you think about it.
Civility can only be maintained in a mediated environment - the Android Market seems only concerned about brand and copyright issues. Google seems to think that it's ok to put its developer behind chicken-wire with lights in their eyes whilst their customers are free to hurl beer bottles at them. Dealing with anony-trolls is time consuming and offputting.
Developers range from teenagers with spare time on their hands up to multi-million dollar development studios. I, myself, am a father of three, I work a full week (we've got to eat!) and I code when time permits. Even though I respond to every request put to my apps, if you think that I'm going to compromise the balance of other areas of my life to put in a bug fix - think again. Sure, some of the more effluent businesses can throw more resources into a project, but just bare in mind that most of us are just people and not doormats. Respect and encouragement is all it takes to make the market a happy place. Flaming just ruins things for all (on both sides).
Communication between devs and end users is and most likely always will be a bit of a sticking point. The fact that everyone has their own opinions, likes, dislikes kind of makes it obvious that there will never be an app with 100% 5 stars. Even the most popular apps on the market have ratings across the board. Though, admittedly, some of the low grades may be down to trolling - but some of them will be genuine. Communication takes time. From a user, it may take a couple of minutes out of their day. For the dev, they may have hundreds a day to deal with. This takes them away from the development that the mail is probably asking for!
A user doesn't, and should never have control over the developer. They should, however, be able to request, beg, plead *nicely*. If they get frustrated then they should remember the phrase 'you get what you pay for'. The developer doesn't get any money when you bought your phone - so don't think they have any obligation to give you something for nothing. If it's a paid app, then the developer is saying 'yes, I'll support it.' That's fair sport.
The developer should have some control over their customers in the sense that a shopkeeper can choose who they let in their shops. Unfortunately they have none. They can't even moderate the comments on the market. I've had a 'GAY - Pointless, uninstall' (his words, not mine) on a free app downloaded 12,000 times and has a 4* rating. I can't do anything about it. It always appears when people go to the page. This individual has hurt my app and me without provocation. I didn't ask anything from them. Fortunately, the following message pointed out that the 'Pointless' user was an idiot (thanks XZombie), hopefully it will negate some of the damage. We're completely at the mercy of the masses, and being a relatively new dev, it's a scary place to be!
It's a shame that the most influential party in all of this is hiding behind a wall of silence.
If you're interested - I'm keeping a track of my experience of Android development. The link is in my earlier post.
Paul
Strangemoo
Paul, I do agree with you to a point. But I'm not sure if I like about developers editing comments. But I do see what you mean about people leaving dumb comments for an app that does work.
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D using Tapatalk
Katt,
I don't suggest developers could edit comments - that would make the process equally pointless, as devs can put all of the 'nice' things they want in the description anyway. Sorry if I implied otherwise.
Devs should be able to either remove, request for removal or even block the rogue elements. At present, we have to just live with the insults with no way to disprove their claims. Even a 'troll flag' would be an improvement - to show other users that the dev disagrees with the comment.
All accountability is on the devs whereas trolls can run freely.
Do any other devs out there agree with me on this? Others may have had a much more dealings with such than I have.
Cheers,
Paul
IMO if google was smart they would allow for a limited ammount(% of total) of "submissions" of there comments to a third party(google). If they are found outlandish they can be removed.
My 2 cents lol. I can say as a dev of a few apps on the market I have gotten rediculous comments n 1 stars b4. I mean if they are justified that's a different thing entirely. But my 1 stars are disproportionally higher then the trend of the others. Which proves one thing...
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
This is an honestly great thread. Good initiative to |OP|
Taking down an app just because of a few nasty comments is just
childish and quite frankly pathetic.
Seems that developer has chucked his toys out the pram, if he does
decide to release it again who is going to trust such a developer?
I know I wouldn't use the app again, seeing as he's stuck 2 fingers up
to loyal users and the whole android community all because of a small
minority of people.
The whole thing stinks of the guy thinking he is above any kind of bad
feedback, obviously a developer that doesn't listen to the users of his
app and a developer that turns his back at the drop of a hat.
I'm sure he will be missed... Not
Ps. there are better screenshot apps out there
I agree with your comment. Though I am not a dev. I have experience working in the retail end of software. This is a I want it now society, folks forget that they got this software/app for free and as soon as they have a little issue they fly off the deep end cussing out the maker/distribitor of the product. Anyhow like you said you get what you pay for.LIke in my IT course in school my book said "check the dummy behind the keyboard" anyhow thanks for the great apps i use the time flies app.
If a dev dropped his customers because of a couple of snide comments then, yeah, I'd agree with you.
But was that the case for ShootMe?
Before we start flinging hooks around here, wouldn't it be more productive to actually find out what happened first.
I may be proven wrong here, but the guy must've been given some serious grief to take such a newsworthy action.
In fact, that's not been mentioned - it could be media storming. Drum up enough publicity and come back blazing. Only time will tell on that one.
At the end of the day, it's his property. And if he makes a lot of people unhappy that's his prerogative. The reason he's giving though are indeed a real issue the community needs to address.
The plot thickens.
(Glad you like Times Flies! You're most welcome)
Paul
I've noticed that the flavor of a community will vary a lot by device. The Captivate community seems to be generally good and helpful for the most part, but I've heard horror stories of ungratefulness and rudeness about communities around other devices. It may be the same sort of thing with different varieties of apps. If people feel like an app performs a function they deserve outright, they may be less inclined to courtesy and more inclined to selfish expectation.

Would anyone be interested in writing for a small (But growing) tech website?

Hi,
I'm Josh and over the past year I've spent time trying to build up hosting, and a functional tech website. I'm learning coding, graphic design, content delivery and business skills in this project but I'd like to grow it into a community of writers with a larger amount of views.
However, I'm currently a full-time student without the time to write enough to keep up with the larger websites, and I understand how the old saying goes; Content is king.
Therefore, I'm turning to you, the people of xda, to help be flesh out and improve this website.
As it's not got many views, I don't make money from advertising (£7 in a year), so I can't offer people money in return for this, but I can offer experience, control, and a place to voice their own opinions on literally anything.
All I really want from people is a good understanding of English, what makes a good post, a keen interest in tech, and the ability to write a few articles a week or so.
I'm not a controlling or harsh guy, and as long as you stick to formatting and good English anything goes really.
Finally, I don't want to post the website link on here because I don't want free traffic out of this; I want visits to see content!
If you're interested in this, please let me know!
midgetman7782 said:
Hi,
I'm Josh and over the past year I've spent time trying to build up hosting, and a functional tech website. I'm learning coding, graphic design, content delivery and business skills in this project but I'd like to grow it into a community of writers with a larger amount of views.
However, I'm currently a full-time student without the time to write enough to keep up with the larger websites, and I understand how the old saying goes; Content is king.
Therefore, I'm turning to you, the people of xda, to help be flesh out and improve this website.
As it's not got many views, I don't make money from advertising (£7 in a year), so I can't offer people money in return for this, but I can offer experience, control, and a place to voice their own opinions on literally anything.
All I really want from people is a good understanding of English, what makes a good post, a keen interest in tech, and the ability to write a few articles a week or so.
I'm not a controlling or harsh guy, and as long as you stick to formatting and good English anything goes really.
Finally, I don't want to post the website link on here because I don't want free traffic out of this; I want visits to see content!
If you're interested in this, please let me know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm would like to see what the website is like. Pm me.
Also quite interested, pm if you'd like to dicuss further.

[APP] Relish, our new lunch invite app!

If you're like us, you realize just how difficult it can be to get everyone together when it comes to eating out. You have to text/email everyone involved, or worse, call everyone up multiple times just to confirm details.
Whether it's for business meetings, company lunches, or a casual grub with friends, this process is usually very annoying. Where do we want to go? How's the food? Is it expensive? These are just some of the questions that come up when inviting people out to eat.
Relish solves these problems in a clean, simple, and intuitive way. Featuring a beautiful UI that's guaranteed to make your mouth water(so will the food). Please check us out at relishwith DOT us . I lost my other login to XDA and had to create a new account, sucks that I can't post links until after 10 posts
Anyways, would love it if you guys took a minute to check us out! Thank you so much

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