[Galaxy Note GT-N7000 General] chasmodo:
You are bored stiff waiting for Samsung to release the official Rom. You just can't stand it any longer, and are determined to give one of the custom Rom builds a try. Fine.

I'm writing this to help you to survive this dangerous journey.

Decision Making Time

First off, you have to decide what do you want your future Rom to have. You can choose between two general types of Roms.

Touchwiz based Roms

They are very close to what you have got when you bought your Note. All the Samsung addons are there, including S-Memo, Clock Package etc.

AOSP/AOKP/CM based Roms

All the Sumsung apps are chucked out of here. Sumsung stuff is generally replaced by the similar apps from the Market.

Now, let us say you have reached your decesion about the general type of Rom. What to do next?

Pre-Flashing and Flashing Time

What to do

1. Make rounds through the Development forum, and read what each Rom from your broad choice has to offer. It's the same thing as when buying shoes; you don't purchase the first pair you come across, now do you?

In other words, try to make an informed decision about which particular Rom you want to have.

2. You have chosen, and are eager to download and flash. Hold your horses, though. Do the following:

a) read about the prerequisites. They are typically listed in the 1st post of the thread (OP). Here you will learn what conditions your present situation needs to fulfill prior to flashing.

Sometimes things have to be flashed/implemented before the final flash. Find out about it and do it.

b) read the installation instructions (OP)

c) read the bugs list, just to be sure. Perhaps some features that you desperately need are not yet functional. If that is the case, move to another Rom.

d) read the last 5-10 thread pages. There's always a chance that something new has happened and the Dev didn't yet have the time to update the OP (some bug has been fixed, a new one discovered)

e) download everything you need

f) repeat b)

g) repeat b) once more, just in case

h) flash, following the installation instructions to the letter. The Dev has spent countless hours perfecting your future Rom, and tested, tested, tested every possible scenario. When he says that things have to be done in a certain way, he is always right.

i) reboot once it's done

j) all has gone well, pour yourself a drink

What to do to make sure your flash fails miserably

a) don't read the instructions

b) read the instructions, but cut corners: "WTF, this step is unnecessary, I'll just skip it!"

c) read the instructions, but decide that you know better, and invent a set of your own: "What does he know anyway, I know it can be done my way."

d) don't read the bug list; this is a sure-fire way to become a proud owner of a brand new, functional and fully-rooted Rom that doesn't meet your needs: "Where dafuq is (whatever) feature?"

When you do a), b) or c) get on your merry way to Q & A forum to start your very own "plzzzzzzzzz häääälp?!?1!?" thread. Enjoy yourself.

When you do d), off you go to flash another Rom.

SO.DON'T.DO.IT!

Post-Flashing Time (Thread, Here I Come!)

Your flash went well, there's no hiccups, you are rooted and happily playing with your shiny new toy. Excellent.

However, you'll soon want to voice your excited opinions and questions in the Rom thread. Be careful, be very careful; thread jungle is teaming with natives of all kinds. Majority of residents are creatures foraging for information - these are harmless. But - there's always a but - some serious carnivores are also there, make sure not to provoke them, or it'll be your life on the line.

Of course, there's the Dev, but his is a God-like presence and therefore not to be feared; he is a mysterious, aloof creature who doesn't interact much with the Thread Natives, for two principal reasons: 1. too busy developing, and 2. rightfully cannot be bothered to answer the same questions asked time and again. Thread Elders (or Veterans or Mums - those who know their way around and guide and help the foragers) are there to take care of that for him.

What to do

First and foremost, be kind and polite. You badly need Rom-managing information from people who have been running it for ages, and know your Rom inside and out. You'll get nothing if you are demanding or rude.

Before asking a question try to see if it's already been answered.

Do a thread search.

It only takes a minute, and you'll be surprised how much information you'll gather that way. Lots and lots of questions have been asked hundreds of times before. Don't expose yourself to ridicule (or worse) if you ask it for a 101st time.

Before reporting a bug, see if it is already listed in the bug list. Predators get very excited when you do such a report, and ugly things can happen.

Don't ask for ETA. It's pure bad manners. Always remember that the Dev is doing his magic in his own free time and at zero costs to you. Respect that; your update will come when it comes.

Try not to provoke people by asking for things that are NOT supported by the Rom. That just shows that you never bothered to read the basic information in the OP.

Try to learn as much as possible so you can start helping other people. XDA lives by that code.

What to do to get yourself killed or worse

1. When on AOSP Rom ask for TouchWiz (TW) features, and vice-versa. They'll eat you alive.

2. As mentioned above, ask for ETA. Lynching party guaranteed.

3. Demand stuff. "I want (whatever), and I want it now!1!" This is a capital offence. The nearest thread elder will start to take you apart immediately.

4. State "This Rom is ****e! Nothing here works!" The worst offence imaginable. The Inquisition is sure to arrive in numbers, and your life is forfeit.

5. Say "My previous Rom is much better than this one." See 4.

6. Start posting the same question in multiple threads. Someone on the prowl is bound to spot it, and you're dead.

7. Post a question in your thread, and re-post it 5 minutes later when no-one responds. You'll get a sound thrashing six-of-the-best style.

8. Never do thread searches, just ask what's bugging you ATM. See 7.

9. Visit the ICS thread of your choice and post: "I wanna flash this. Now, how do I root my GB first to get here?" They'll set rabid dogs on you.

10. Post stuff that will confuse the noobs. Like this: "The Dev says we are to install the Rom like this. But I have found an alternative way..." See 7.

11. Ask in and X-Rom thread: "What is better, X or Y Rom?" You'll get trampled to within an inch of your life.

12. Ask for the info that is posted in the Dev's OP: "How do I flash this...?", or "Does this Rom have (insert feature)...?" This carries a serious risk of you getting drawn and quartered on the spot.

13. Report a bug that is listed in the Dev's OP. See 12.

14. Quote a post with tons of pictures, so everybody has to scroll half a mile down to see what you have to say, then proclaim: "I love it!!1!" or "+1!" See 7.

15. Provide incorrect information with great confidence: "Can you use an ICS kernel on JB? Sure, bro, no problems!" Severity of punishment might vary according to the degree of damage done.

16. Lurk in the thread until the Dev announces that the new v13b is up. Wait 2 more minutes, then post: "What's the battery life like in v13b, guys...?" Electrocution ensues.

17. Post "Why my USB not work...?:confused:", but fail to tell them which version and kernel you are running, and what have you tried to do to resolve the issue. They'll just move along past you, ignoring you completely.

You get my drift.

Happy flashing and forum participation.:)