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

[kar200]

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.

[!Aman!]

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.

[Ameet]

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 :D)

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 :p (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

[Noonski]

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.

[Ameet]

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) :D

htc update (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=414887)

6.1 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=414869)

Elf0100: cid=00 > ruu:error294 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=414798)

How to remove the bottom bar in today screen? (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=401125)

NEED HELP (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=414810)

[blasev]

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 :D ) I learn a lot by reading pageS to pageS, I like this forum alot by clicking that seach button many2 times :D

[kar200]

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.

[Ameet]

Not many interested parties to keep this thread alive :)

Kar brother, can I close this thread now? You advice ;)

[Noonski]

Not many interested parties to keep this thread alive :)

Kar brother, can I close this thread now? You advice ;)

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)

[Ameet]

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)
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 :D

[kar200]

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 :).

[ayyu3m]

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 :D

[absorber786]

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 :rolleyes:) 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:confused::confused: silly me)

[Biffert]

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 :-P).

[Noonski]

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 :-P).

I Am Cornelio, Need Dippy For My BungHole.

Where you been Biffert, enjoyed your vacation?

This has only happened on a specific Beta Thread ;)

[Biffert]

I Am Cornelio, Need Dippy For My BungHole.

Where you been Biffert, enjoyed your vacation?

This has only happened on a specific Beta Thread ;)

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 :)

[Noonski]

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 :)

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:D

[Biffert]

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:D

Ive been finishing school and landed a job as a software engineer/consultant :) (And vacation ofcourse :P - 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.

[ayyu3m]

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 :-P).
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!

[Noonski]

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!

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.

[Ameet]

WOW!! :D This thread is my one of the most frequently visited other than the Mod forums :)

[absorber786]

I asked this question elsewhere but maybe is more applicable here...

I refer you to the Dev and Hack section where there is a Q&A type sticky (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=398571)that assists in preventing unneccasary posts.

Will it work here in this forum as well? Do you think it will work here? Can I work here;)

This may assist the mods in the their objectives of keeping it clean etc...

[ayyu3m]

Aye Caramba! Hehe ;) Ameet how you doing buddy. Any new UC roms on the way? Been quite sometime i flashed my elf. Still enjoying SPC.

ps: keke, this is a good place to say HI also. correct??!! hehe

[ayyu3m]

Originally posted by absorber786
I asked this question elsewhere but maybe is more applicable here...

I refer you to the Dev and Hack section where there is a Q&A type sticky that assists in preventing unneccasary posts.

Will it work here in this forum as well? Do you think it will work here? Can I work here

This may assist the mods in the their objectives of keeping it clean etc...


good idea. looks like ur the man up for the job. how abt we work on a sticky like that. you compile the question and i wil compile the answers???

must not include Q&A from kokotas sticky. hehe :D

+ anyone else can join too

[absorber786]

good idea. looks like ur the man up for the job. how abt we work on a sticky like that. you compile the question and i wil compile the answers???

must not include Q&A from kokotas sticky. hehe :D

+ anyone else can join too

Its not about me posting the questions.. it about users posting all questions in one place and other users giving the answers there...keeping it clean. I think where the work comes in is the admin in managing the Question linked to the answers...Just quickly looking through the unanswered questions in the dev and hack thread, it seems that there is already an exisitng thread where those questions may have been posted..

kokotas sticky is quite brilliant actually...i sometime amaze myself by actually reading the links and finding the answers without the need to create a new thread...i am guilty sometimes of piggy backing on existing threads though:o:o