[About XDA developers] KingAmir:
This thread has been compiled to offer my advice to users (especially new ones) about using the XDA site. Although there are other longer guides telling users how to use the site, I think it is valid that I give tips based on my experience on the site. This is a Mini guide which means that I will only highlight key information about XDA which may or may not have been explored in different threads.
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As I say in all my guides, suggestions are like gold to me and I just want to make my service better. All reasonable comments are welcome. Please PM me if you have any urgent problems. I am sorry if my service is uninvited.

So Enjoy :laugh:

1) Post in the right place! Although it is obvious, it seems many users do not know this. XDA is split up into topics which are then (i like to think) split into 7 key areas.

-General= for all those general comments relating to a topic

-QandA = For any questions you have

- Modifying/Hacking/Unlocking = For more advanced discussion.

- Software Development = Think of it as Discussion about ROMs. Usually only advanced users are allowed here too.

- Themes = As you've probably guessed - for themes.

- Apps & Games = Again pretty self explanatory.

- Another development Place = This is basically another development forum.

Post in your device specific area and your questions will be answered quickly.​

2) Is it necessary? Your question has probably been answered before so search for it. If you find nothing go ahead and post your question making sure it is in the right place. If you are clumsy and post in the wrong place or post a duplicate, there is a higher chance you will get trolled and your thread will be closed. This leads onto my next tip.

3) Getting trolled can be part of XDA. It is usually just funny and causes no harm. However when it crosses the line it becomes flaming. This is against the rules and should be reported immediately regardless of who does the flaming. And when you do get trolled, don't feel disheartened. Everyone will get the opportunity when a thread is screaming out asking for a joke to be made. Some users will also get the opportunity to feel the troll.

4) The hierarchy. On XDA as you can see, people have different titles.

- Everyone starts as a junior member. With fewer than 10 posts you will be locked into a CAPTCHA system to stop post spamming and try to teach users the value of a post. You will get the signature ability at 8 posts.

- After 30 posts a junior member evolves into a member.

- After 100 posts a member becomes all powerful and evolves into a senior member.

There is no additional benefit to the post/title change system apart from additional respect from other users.

You then have Recognized Contributors, Recognized Themers and Recognized Developers who are members nominated for their contribution to XDA or the theming section. You will receive development tools, an ad free template of XDA and the development forums when you get this title.

You then Have Elite Recognized Developers who receive gadgets as part of their title.

Next is the Forum Moderators title. These are the kings/queens of the forums. They manage them and keep them squeeky clean.

Then you have senior moderators. They ususally look after the Marketplace.

Then you have Administrators. Each one has their own area.

At the top of it all, Mike Channon the Forum Administrator. He is the 'Bourne Ultimatum' if you like :laugh:
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5) The thanks system. Give thanks when somebody helps you or when you find a post 'interesting.' Contrary to popular belief, the thanks system holds no actual value on XDA apart from maybe status. Maybe this will be an improvement into XDA; implement the thanks system deeper. To bar up on the thanks meter:

1st bar - 26

2nd bar - 51

3rd Bar - 101

4th bar - 201

5th Bar - 501

6th bar - 1001

7th bar - 2001

8th bar - 5001

9th Bar - 8001

MAX - 10,000

6) Tech Support in the Dev Thread. Many devs do not appreciate PMs for tech support nor posts for tech support. There is a dedicated Q&A forum for that. Put it there.

7) Write clearly and use good english. As someone who speaks 3 languages I know illiteracy is a big problem. Not just for the speakers but for the readers. It is also against the rules. You will get quicker responses and more respect with good english. Posting in other languages is OK as long as the correct english translation is presented. Google Translate will aid you with this. Although this isn't the Rosetta Stone helpline, I am always keen to help. PM me for help if you want to post something and don't know how to articulate it. And with this I move onto my next tip.

8) Give basic info when asking for help. Do not just leave your question without basic background like phone, software, problem etc. Maybe you should consider putting this information in your signature once you gain access to it.

9) Help others too! By helping others you will gain thanks and again: respect.

Thankyou for reading my guide. For a similar guide by the all seeing owl mf2112 check here.

Special Thanks to deedii for all her support.

I have spent quite some time typing this review, please do not troll. All suggestions on the other hand are more than welcome. Please hit 'thanks' if you appreciate my massive effort. Sorry if this is not something you wanted. Even though the guide is long, I call it mini because it does not cover everything.

NOTE: Sometimes I find myself on XDA in the early hours of the morning providing the best possible. I sometimes do not pay attention and will get angry quickly. I never mean any disrespect to anyone. If I do cross the line I am sorry in advance. Please PM me and bring my comment to my attention. I will issue an apology ASAP. Even though many advanced XDA users have disappointed me I will always offer XDA the best. I am always trying to be as nice as possible regardless of what people do to anger me so feel free to ask for help with anything.