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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
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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!!
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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
Hi guys. My name is Joseph Truax, and I am working on an Android Exclusive Social Network.
We have a prototype, that my project manager has made for us, but, he needs money to get our working product started. $15,000 gets the app made.
I am looking for someone, or a few someone's, that would be interested in taking on this task for equity.
We have valued each 1% of equity at $11,666. For the work that you would be doing, I will offer at least 3% of the products equity, or, 1.5 million shares of stock.
I would just need you to follow the guide of our prototype. I have almost all the questions that you may have, answered.
This is a mash up that we are creating. We have consolidated some very popular websites, into a simple and easy Social Media, that replaces having to go and check 8 different sites.
We really need someone that would be interested in being part of the next huge service. What we have is really awesome, and will be around for a nice, long time.
The final thing, Facebook is where you go, to talk to the friends you have. Our network is where you go, to MEET new friends. I am pretty sure, that you will absolutely love it. Thank you guys, for your time.
Pm me
Sent from my Motorola Defy using the XDA App
Probable Billions. The numbers add up.
You guys, this is a 3 month project at the most. I will give you what you deserve. I don't really care about the money. I care about the change that can be made with the money. This is a big deal. Anyone in America interested? Please, for the love of god, PM me!
After reading the the 12 pages over in Viewsonic's Facebook Discussion section on the gTablet support, I came away with the idea that what we need is a single united voice to get Viewsonic attention.
facebook.com/topic.php?uid=58738271675&topic=18712
While many has already blog, tweet and post in forums to show how unhappy they are with the way Viewsonic has treated the gTablet, a single united campaign will hopefully get the attention of online (and maybe offline) media. This would lead to positive PR for the gTablet hardware and negative PR for the company. Hopefully, it will show them the true popularity of the device and get them to reconsider abandoning it for something newer.
I've created a Facebook page to get us started.
facebook.com/pages/Viewsonic-gTablet-Owners-Unite/115515855214154
I welcome any input, help, advise, suggestion etc..
A small update.
Almost a week have pass since the launch of the Viewsonic gTablet Onwers Unite Facebook page and we have nearly 40 people responded. It's a great start but we need more people. Please Like the page if you have not already done so and share it with anyone you know who own a gTablet or looking to get one.
Our goal is NOT to discourage people from buying the gTablet as more units sold translate to a bigger user base. If nothing else, the popularity (=sale figure) would be the one thing Viewsonic cannot ignore.
Join us @
facebook.com/gTabletOwners
they wont give a rat crap about you. The only way they will listen is to get the general public attention.
Spike, that is the purpose of the Facebook page. It require minimal commitment from people. All they have to do is click the Like button. People who wish to be more involve and post and spread the words etc..
And we have 91 members now.
Anyway, last night it came to that while many have said that the only way for Viewsonic to listen is hit them where it hurt the most, through their sales. So I've started a companion page to Viewsonic gTablet Owners Unite called I Switched from Viewsonic. This page is to help register the people who are boycotting the Viewsonic brand. To get all those statements in the same place instead of spreading all over the Internet. Once again, the aim is show strength in numbers.
Before anyone ask, Yes, you can continue to use your current Viewsonic product(s) as long as you have made a purchase of a different brand because of a previous bad experience with Viewsonic.
facebook.com/pages/I-Switched-from-Viewsonic/266914796653802
Time for a little viral marketing.
We are about to hit the 100 members mark sometime this week. To celebrate, I think it would be a great opportunity to do a big (viral) marketing push.
If the Facebook study I have read is true, the average person on Facebook has about 10-20 people on their friends list. My suggestion is for everyone to take a minute to hit the Share button on the bottom left of the Facebook page to post it on their Wall. That would give us a minimum of 1000+ more pair of eye balls seeing the message. Some of them might be gTablet owners or know someone who does. But our real aim is to bring to their attention our cause and at the same time spread negative publicity for Viewsonic to another 1000 people who might in turn share it with more of their friends. With some luck, we might just reach that critical mass that will attract Viewsonic attention.
Make sure to include a message along the line of:
"I own a Viewsonic gTablet and I need your help. Viewsonic has abandon this device after only 3 months of support. Now they are killing it by refusing to provide the necessary driver so the community developers can continue to update it. Please share this with all your friends so we can warn as many people as possible about Viewsonic dodgy business practice."
facebook.com/gTabletOwners
just posted it on the FB support page. lets see if it stays up.
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=18712&post=99303&uid=58738271675#topic_top
I understand where you are coming from, but asking a corporation to support a commercial failure is most likely falling on deaf ears. Just ask those people who bought Touchpads. Viewsonic doesn't make their money from people like us.
Sent from my T-mobile G2 using Tapatalk
Nospin said:
Viewsonic doesn't make their money from people like us.
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Yes they do.
Fact Most happy consumers have no voice, It's not that they do not have one its more like they have no use or want to be bothered with it.
Upset people have a voice and use it.
So if I was a consumer that was looking for a good product, and search the web for a viewsonic tablet review I will find peoples likes and dislikes.
So if the upset customers (US) make noise, it will hurt their bottom line. I would not want to buy a device that is dropped from support and has bad things said about it.
I as a web guy would have done this a little different.
Create a facebook page for people to like and post their thoughts.
Create a twitter account and link it to the facebook page
Start going to the review sites you find in google searches and post your review with a link to your facebook page.
Heck you could even post on review sites for other viewsonic products (LCD's etc...) stating that you have owned and after the tablet mess, you will never buy again and so on.
I know VS is probably reading this and thinking "Shut up already, we do not need more trouble", but VS it's your fault and only you can fix the problem.
One thing I have learned in the last few years in tech, is never mess with the tech geeks as their numbers can kill you.
BTW, I liked both pages. No more VS for me! and I will spread the word.
PS. PM me if you need anything.
copc, thank you for you support.
I consider myself a thinker, not a leader. It takes a while for my brain to to digest and come up with new ideas. So I really appreciate yours and others help with keeping this project alive. I'm going to ask Roebeet and Living Enzyme if they would like to be Admin on the page or recommend someone who would be a good candidate. We really need a few more people to keep the page alive.
Anyone want to take a stab at making a viral video?
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2391476,00.asp
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.
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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.
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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.
I received an e-mail earlier today from the developer of an app I downloaded to my tablet:
[[email protected]] ✆
1:18 AM (9 hours ago)
to undisclosed recipients
Hey Guys, [bleep] from [bloop] here.
Thank you all for purchasing [bloop], I of course appreciate it, and hope you have enjoyed it thus far.
I have a huge update I'm working on, should involve stuff#1, stuff#2, and stuff#3.
I hate email blasts like everyone else, so I'll get straight to the point. I need your help.
I think the small number of reviews / comments are holding the game back. The game has an awesome conversion rate (20% of the people who see the game buy it), it just needs more people to be able to find it.
If you enjoyed the game, can you please take a few minutes to visit the games "Google Play" page and leave your feedback. I'm not asking for 5 stars, just your honest opinions. You can also use this to leave feedback for me that I can use to improve the game!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=[blippetybloop]
For those who have already rated the game, I severely appreciate it.
Again, apologies for the email. A one man shop doesn't have many options available =\
Thanks!
[blip]
[bloop]
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I was wondering whether I could get the thoughts of this community on that. It really bugs me to think that the developers for all of the apps I use have my e-mail on file and can choose to use it for their own purposes or some other less appropriate purpose (e.g., selling to an ad agency for a quick buck).