How can we make the XDA forums better?

[Timmmmaaahh!]

Suggestion : I would like to implement Teamviewer or any similar free program to this forum or it's certain section to help others in that manners directly rather than write whole set of pages for one thing. It would be great for Android head units section.

One of the cornerstones of XDA is learning how to mod one's device, this is not a remote support service. There can of course be 1-on-1 support but that should just be set up between those members privately, including assuming the liability of all security implications. Above all, it defeats the purpose of the community: sharing knowledge.

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"

 

[IronTechmonkey]

Suggestion : I would like to implement Teamviewer or any similar free program to this forum or it's certain section to help others in that manners directly rather than write whole set of pages for one thing. It would be great for Android head units section.

For a few decades I've used utilities such as team viewer for IT support and I like them when helping a remote user whose computer I am obligated to keep running but I would be very averse to any features in a public forum which might involve remote review of desktop, remote listening of audio, or remote review of any files on the device.

In fact, near the top of the list for things that such supported users would be told not to do would be to allow anyone in any public forum to have direct access to anything on their device.

One significant aspect for me, and I suspect many other people, here at XDA is the fact that we do have such separation. This is not to say I don't think it's a a great idea for providing direct tech support but in most operations (the ones I'm familiar with) the Q&A and discussion forums are quite separate from any technician's ability to enter another person's computer.

 

[IronTechmonkey]

One of the cornerstones of XDA is learning how to mod one's device, this is not a remote support service. There can of course be 1-on-1 support but that should just be set up between those members privately, including assuming the liability of all security implications. Above all, it defeats the purpose of the community: sharing knowledge.

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"

Ninja!

 

[Anton TNT]

One of the cornerstones of XDA is learning how to mod one's device, this is not a remote support service. There can of course be 1-on-1 support but that should just be set up between those members privately, including assuming the liability of all security implications. Above all, it defeats the purpose of the community: sharing knowledge.

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"

I tought this forum is for helping others and publishing your works / mods.
Above all with helping others (speaking for my self) I would like Admin just to insert my LINK of Teamviewer HOST here in some threads to connect to directly to user who wants help directly on their automotive head unit. Meaning that I DO NOT want to involve all admins and senior members into this. Period.

 

[simplepinoi177]

Just my thoughts (no actual "staff" stance).....

Providing support through forums & threads has worked successfully for years(XDA is how old?) without having remote support being a necessity to be just as effective.

If anything, this sets a precedent; and what's to stop actual scammers from using this site as a[nother] way they use TV to scam hapless victims -- they provide minimal support, then trick certain/other members into thinking "fill this form for payment or else your phone/device is going to die/break" or something (installation of malware, going through personal files). If this is set up for you, why not for others (potential scammers)...?

Also, this potentially sets up with the spirit of Forum Rule 9 "Don't get us in trouble". What's to say you or any other dev/RC/regular member sets this up, breaks a device or something, and the "victim" goes after not only you/dev/RC/member, but XDA as this is where everything is set up and holds the site responsible?!

By keeping it on this site, things are regulated and watched so there is accountability and responsibility against such matters -- if you only knew how much spam is created every day that, if left unchecked, would potentially & innumerably scam so many members...

As stated before, things can be set up 1-on-1 via PM or outside contact, which would absolve XDA of any consequent result/responsibility.

 

[Renate]

Providing support through forums & threads has worked successfully...

Well, yes and no.
I agree with you that keeping out money-grubbing services is important.
OTOH, turn around on a thread with newbs makes you want to rip your hair out.
If I had a nickel for everytime I've had to say, "Google minimal ADB, then get back to me"...
And all the "conversations" (a/k/a PMs) that I've had where I say, "I have a solution, but please post a thread and then poke me".
If you want to improve xda, find a way to get members (even "Senior Members") to respond in full sentences to explicit solutions that you took the time to type out.
"Didn't work." should elicit a dope slap.

 

[simplepinoi177]

Well, yes and no.
I agree with you that keeping out money-grubbing services is important.
OTOH, turn around on a thread with newbs makes you want to rip your hair out.
If I had a nickel for everytime I've had to say, "Google minimal ADB, then get back to me"...
And all the "conversations" (a/k/a PMs) that I've had where I say, "I have a solution, but please post a thread and then poke me".
If you want to improve xda, find a way to get members (even "Senior Members") to respond in full sentences to explicit solutions that you took the time to type out.
"Didn't work." should elicit a dope slap.

While it could be easier or less frustrating, we get there eventually close enough that usually "providing support...successfully" is a true enough statement most times -- at the very least in the context of conversely alternatively finding remote support being a necessity to be just as successful or effective enough.
But, as with most everything, it/we can all be better or improved still (at least in terms of "newbs" or even seasoned members following etiquette & common sense/decency)....

 

[Renate]

Something that always annoyed me:

XDA Developers was founded by developers, for developers. It is now a valuable resource for people who want to make the most of their mobile devices, from customizing the look and feel to adding new functionality.

Oh, so now it's a valuable resource? When did it become that? Was it completely pointless before then?

 

[Anton TNT]

Something that always annoyed me:

Oh, so now it's a valuable resource? When did it become that? Was it completely pointless before then?

I see it as a nerd helpdesk rather than valuable resource

 

[IronTechmonkey]

I see it as a nerd helpdesk rather than valuable resource

Well... nerd helpdesk is a valuable resource.

 

[simplepinoi177]

Something that always annoyed me:

Oh, so now it's a valuable resource? When did it become that? Was it completely pointless before then?

I'm sure when that statement was "crafted", it was either taken directly from the beginnings of XDA or Audentio (from the "crafted by Audentio" -- "We craft strategic, people-friendly digital products and communities." service the site owners contracted) took what was the "mission statement" of the site and ran-with/modified it; but didn't consider the "tense" of the statement and leaving the word "now" that had migrated from its origins.
...if anything, that's my "head-cannon"....

 

[sd_shadow]

That phrase has been used at least since July 2012.

 

[Renate]

XDA Developers was founded by developers, for developers. For over a decade it has been a valuable resource for people who want to make the most of their mobile devices. Before that, we're not sure.

 

[cmfCyangenModteam]

Fix this glitch:
In basics, when you readed a new notification on XDA website, then it has a change to appear again, even if you readen it.
Strange

 

[Anton TNT]

Question ! Have you any problems with search bar of a thread? I had problems few days ago, it does not search terms and any words in thread , just this message someone call Neo haha

 

[richardamcd66]

Make this forum more secure. Members should be willing to help each others. Members should respect each others point of view, even if you are in disagreement with it.

 

[fillwithjoy1]

Can't easily find the Galaxy S4+ or S4+ in fact I didn't find either.
It's convoluted, at best.

Same goes for Galaxy S23 Ultra. Cannot find it in Search unless I find a post that is posted within S23 Ultra

 

[fillwithjoy1]

"Elites"? Buzz words are useless; specific details/incidents/threads please.
Anytime everyone agrees, something is usually very wrong.
Censorship kills sites.
Losing "elite" keystone members kills sites.
Censorship kills sites... an occasional flamewar is desirable. Real life is much worse; dumbing down a site kills it every time.

I think @Jaxidian is talking about responses like this https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/app-2-2-11-dec-2022-v3-1-betterbatterystats.1179809/post-88808625 which can be seen as "rude" to some extent, but idk how to solve that. Maybe the response should be "Well there's not much we can do, since it's out of the developer's hands. You'll have to help the developer get it working if you want it to be fixed"

 

[blackhawk]

I think @Jaxidian is talking about responses like this https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/app-2-2-11-dec-2022-v3-1-betterbatterystats.1179809/post-88808625 which can be seen as "rude" to some extent, but idk how to solve that. Maybe the response should be "Well there's not much we can do, since it's out of the developer's hands. You'll have to help the developer get it working if you want it to be fixed"

I see no problem. People need to grow some thicker skin.

 

[Homeboy76]

Same goes for Galaxy S23 Ultra. Cannot find it in Search unless I find a post that is posted within S23 Ultra

Did you do a Google search for a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra forum?

I did and found a XDA forum for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.