yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[About XDA developers] Retrial:
Anyone remember from vBulletin times, that you could add "contributers" at OP of your thread so you could maintain a thread together?

I find this feature very useful to keep alive and updated the threads especially in threads such collections/guides etc. which contain much infos/links etc. and is hard to maintain one person alone.

There is a possibility for this to come back? @MikeChannon
[About XDA developers] Oswald Boelcke:
This was only possible in the so-called DevDB threads. And immediately during the transition to Xenforo (actually before that when we as moderators got the chance to test the Xenforo XDA site) we recognised that "contributors" was a useful feature and we discussed this among the moderators and amnistrators. However, we very soon received the information that there's no chance to implement it under Xenforo.

EDIT: I don't remember that any collection/guide/How-to was in the DevDB format; only development threads were.
[About XDA developers] Retrial:
Thank you for the information Oswald.

Indeed it was only for development threads I was contributor on some of them, but I had the hope if there was a possibility for this feature to come back, to expand it to other threads too cuz I don't find a downside for this to be used globally.

However, it's sad I learnt there is no chance to be implement under Xenforo 😕
[About XDA developers] KidCarter93:
From a technical aspect, that's been covered above.

However, the 'workaround', if you want to call it that, could simply be that someone who is willing to help gathers some of their info for you and formats it correctly so that you'd simply only need to copy/paste into your OP.

It's obviously not quite the solution you were looking for but I'm sure, if someone is already actively helping out in your thread, you could always reach out to them via PM and ask that they assist you in this way if they have the ability/time to do so.

You could then also manually add in a credit to them, for supporting with maintenance, in the OP (which, I vaguely remember that may have been how it worked with those DevDB threads. Ignore this part if I'm mis-remembering, as I very easily could be.).
[About XDA developers] Retrial:
I thought about this workaround in the past, but I don't think anyone willing to help that way in regular base. 😋

Idk for future but atm I can maintan my threads alone and work with a todo list, but it would by handy if that feature could be back. After Oswald reply I lost my hopes :/
[About XDA developers] Oswald Boelcke:
@Retrial Sadly not. The DevDB threads were a great feature that e.g. also offered the possibility to host the ROM's etc. directly on XDA. But as said, this is the past.

However, if you asked having your "collection threads" in mind there might be another possibility but please contact me privately in that respect - and please only if you already have specific "contributors" to your threads in mind and have coordinated if they are willing to cooperatively maintain your threads with you.

Regards

Oswald Boelcke
[About XDA developers] Retrial:
Atm I don't have any specific contributor for my threads (yes I had my collections/guides in my mind), I was asking generally about this feature.

I will definitely contact you if I find anyone that willing to maintain these threads along with me.

Thank you very much Oswald 👍
[About XDA developers] Oswald Boelcke:
I'm very positive that we can find a usable solution. After my first reply to you, I remembered we did that in the past. But in my young life of just 68 years it took some moments that these memories popped up.

However, it requires that you do some preparation first and you assemble your team...
[About XDA developers] J.Michael:
Whatever it is you want help maintaining, move it to github or something like Google Collaborate. Post the link on XDA.

If you have time and bile, post on a Xenforo forum that you had to go through these contortions because of Xenforo's failure to address this need. Maybe Xenforo will eventually do something.
[About XDA developers] Retrial:
Well, it's about my Android Collection & Guides / Windows Collection & Guides. For my other threads is no much important, but for these which need regular maintenance is kinda hard to track all these apps with their links, remove if necessary or find the new one etc.

I am not in hurry since I manage them atm but I guess eventually I will move these lists to GitHub so other people can jump in and Pull Request etc.

....I didn't wanted from the start to be one more list on GitHub..., like similar ones, so I decided to created these on XDA since XDA was missing such lists which are useful for users...but I guess I will have to do it since it's the easiest way to maintain such lists... I will see..
[About XDA developers] EllieCat:
Just a random question, why do the admins and moderators capitalize “member”?
[About XDA developers] Badger50:
I'll leave that to the imagination!😉
[About XDA developers] ethical_haquer:
I don't think this is the right thread, but where should I go to report an issue I'm experiencing with XDA? TIA.
[About XDA developers] Oswald Boelcke:
You're absolutely correct, this isn't the right thread.

Just have a look at this stuck thread!

Requests to Moderators and Recommendations for XDA improvements

[All XDA Members] Requests to Moderators and Admins [All XDA Members] Feedback/Recommendations for XDA

xdaforums.com

I hope we've covered most events.
[About XDA developers] Sleepy!:
Gary's new suggestion of adding an RD to EVERY device mod team seems like a fair solution...

But it might be a bit of a problem getting devs who actually have a specific device... For example, a lot of Xperia devs have just one phone, but code for the whole line-up...

Maybe something like junior mod powers can be given to the more experienced RDs or even RCs... let the RC and RD board members decide who could get these discretionary privileges...

@Rohin.... let's keep General Off-Topic's problems on our board... this is a bit too vague to discuss OT's problems. :D
[About XDA developers] overground:
All a legitimate developer has to do is PM a moderator. We will investigate validity and lift the 10 post requirement if deemed worthy.

That being said, a legitimate dev should have no problem getting 10 posts in relevant discussions.
[About XDA developers] roofrider:
That's something new.
[About XDA developers] overground:
Due to our inconsistencies, I kinda just made it up. :p
[About XDA developers] il Duce:
With the recent restructuring of the moderation system into teams, I can nearly guarantee there's real developers in each team already.
[About XDA developers] egzthunder1:
This^^

On top of that, it isn't as if the teams were not allowed to interact with one another :)
[About XDA developers] TonyStark R.I.P.:
Really?? What has xxxda-developers.com have to do with anything:eek:
[About XDA developers] egzthunder1:
Well, gary mentioned pr0n on xda, so...
[About XDA developers] prototype7:
You didn't click the link, did you? :p
[About XDA developers] conantroutman:
It's not. Anyone who is smart enough to develop is smart enough to think "Hmmm maybe if I politely explain myself via pm..." instead of barging into this forum and shouting "ermagerd ten post rule sux!!".

Just because we don't shout it from the rooftops didn't mean it doesn't happen.

Sent From My Fingers To Your Face.....
[About XDA developers] Prawesome:
Thing is, most devs consider themselves too "highly valued" to help some people..And that kinda sucks tbh

"Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense." -Gertrude Stein
[About XDA developers] egzthunder1:
Maaaaaybe :silly: :cyclops:
[About XDA developers] Prawesome:
So..back on topic, pr0n is aweso.....oh wait..sorry..

Is it possible to increase the number of featured portal posts or atleast do something to fill up the area below the side bar?

Right now, it looks really really empty and boring.I am asking this here and not in the requests thread because I don't really have much of any idea about it :/

"Everybody gets so much information all day long that they lose their common sense." -Gertrude Stein
[About XDA developers] Sleepy!:
This thread is starting to look like an OT thread now! :eek::mad:

OK maybe not...
[About XDA developers] egzthunder1:
No, it is not OT... it is called lightening the mood a bit after debating/arguing for 24 hrs...

If you notice the thread has started to get back onto the path of discussions regarding things to better the site... (see the post right above yours)
[About XDA developers] Fallen Spartan:
Folks, read the OP before you post. If what you are about to type has nothing to do with the OP........DO NOT POST!!

I'm all for discussing ideas, recommendations, suggestions or constructive feedback, but COME ON, lets get back on topic now please!!! If you're looking for a hot debate, please go elsewhere or at least take it to PM

Thanks

EDIT - I was about to go back and delete a number of posts, but decided to keep them so the thread flows/makes sense
[About XDA developers] TonyStark R.I.P.:
^^^^^

just in case people can't find the OP​
[About XDA developers] boborone:
This

I've seen this happen and helped devs do it. Been that way since the rule was put in place. People just kinda glanced over the fine points of the rule and took notice of the big picture. And yes, the ermagerd 10post sux posts don't you get you anywhere no matter what you're bringing to the table.
[About XDA developers] roofrider:
For someone new, they really need to know whom to contact..a senior mod i mean. I saw this request being turned down numerous times in the old user-mod thread...but mostly they were just users wanting to help and not devs, or maybe devs who wanted to help, who knows! Some did ask politely but the only answer they ever got was a link explaining the 10-post rule. So i said that's something new, i don't this has ever been disclosed to the public before.

--edit--

Looks like i've been living in a cave. :eek:
[About XDA developers] smartguy044:
It'll be nice to see people who actually work hard to dev to get the rd tag instead of passing up on the deserving and give it to people who have friends in high places
[About XDA developers] prototype7:
I've seen mods say it before, but like conan said, the kind of people who would think to ask would be the ones they'd want to give it to, so it doesn't really need to be publicly stated.
[About XDA developers] juzz86:
A heck of a lot of work goes into ensuring the RD program selects good applicants. This is an ever-improving process and I can tell you, as an ex-member of the Developer Committee, that what you describe is very far from the truth. People who apply for RD rely on their work portfolio and merit to get through. Not their friends.

Well said. The majority of people who actually deserve the 10-post rule waivered, usually have enough nouse to go and answer half-a-dozen questions without the moaning, anyway. And kudos to them! :)
[About XDA developers] smartguy044:
Well that's not my experience. I know many people who have been denied myself included who has better profiles then a lot of others who have received the tag. That is one of the reasons I won't post my work on xda anymore but I'm still here to help out with questions and other things.
[About XDA developers] AtoZ0to9:
Despite this thread and all the great suggestions, it will be the admin committee that decides on changes... and I HIGHLY doubt any of this thread will be considered... It's just a ruse to calm the users... and there's my feedback for your feedback thread...
[About XDA developers] conantroutman:
4/10

Your trolling needs work.

Check out our off topic section and get some practice in there. :rolleyes:

Sent From My Fingers To Your Face.....
[About XDA developers] juzz86:
Yep, well I understand why you'd feel that way, having been knocked back. The recent revamp of RD minimum requirements has certainly helped in regards to what you mentioned, and is only going to get better moving forward. This is certainly worth a look before your next re-application should you decide to, so you can ensure your threads are all in-line and consistent :)
[About XDA developers] smartguy044:
Well its not that I'm bitter its just I know people who has the tag and I talk to on a consistent basis on gtalk and they come to me for help and etc....for now on I'm just gonna help with questions and advice but not my development work. I have gained many friends through xda which means more then a tag but there is a reason a lot of the good devs have left xda and started posting on other sites
[About XDA developers] E.Cadro:
I've been following this thread since the beginning so lets go back to the second post

Now have a look here Galaxy Note II, Galaxy S III Developer Discussion [Developers Only]

So the Admin committee does take recommendations from this thread and try to implement them if they MAKE sense.

E.
[About XDA developers] juzz86:
Nah I understand. Having the tag isn't the be-all-and-end-all by any means - and in fact, there are many deserving members without it, who don't even want it :)

This is the unfortunate byproduct of the ranking system, whereby people feel they are 'lesser' without the tag. Completely untrue, of course - and you know this from experience.

In my eyes at least, the tag is superfluous - it's what you put into (and get out of) the community that truly matters, and that can only be measured individually :) Not getting the tag shouldn't really pursuade you to withdraw from the community - while the recognition is nice, it can bring with it some unfair expectations and a lot of other garbage that you're actually dodging :)
[About XDA developers] roofrider:
^^^I was about to post JF and Brut.all..looks like Brut.all is now a RD, finally.
[About XDA developers] pulser_g2:
Well none of the high profile developers I did this for had any issues with firing a quick pm to get it fixed. They have gone on to break bootloaders and other things!
[About XDA developers] pulser_g2:
Uhmmmm... He's been one for a long time I believe.

Btw you ought to be aware I have in the past been asked by users given special titles to remove them, as they don't want it... I don't make some record for people to sift through, and won't, as this isn't something up for discussion - it is their choice.

But I recall doing this for a couple of high profile people who didn't feel they deserved or wanted the title for various reasons, sometimes simply modesty.
[About XDA developers] pulser_g2:
You say this... But all of the "good developers" I know remain here... I know an inordinate number.. Who go breaking your bootloaders to let you have custom firmware in the first place. Who make the tools every single ROM maker uses to do their thing...

Even the ones doing things they've not even told people about yet!

The RD programme does have a much increased standard now though, as was explained on the portal, due to us listening to users. As such there will be a review of existing ones. But that's will take a considerable time, as there are a large number here.
[About XDA developers] pulser_g2:
Lol.

You serious?

OK let's look at changes brought about from recent user requests...

1. Removal of thanks from Off Topic

2. Introduction of developer discussion forums

3. Introduction of Original Development forums across all devices added after the (Galaxy Nexus?) added after a certain point

4. The addition of the ENTIRE Recognised Contributor and Recognised Themer systems.

5. The introduction of larger PM inboxes for these users.

6. The introduction of a ten-post rule in development forums.

7. The introduction of more mods into many forums, as users said they wanted junk cleared faster.

Oh and another good example - we introduced XDA-U for the countless people who want to learn more about development.

And yet another one from 2 days ago - the addition of an Android TV Stick devices forum... And the raspberry pi forum... And the Ubuntu phone forum... And the other new mobile OS with the funny name...

Oh, and a hardware hacking and NFC hacking forum that we added upon some specific requests.

I think you get the idea. There is also an outrageously sized thread of archived suggestions... Feel free to go through the 800 or whatever pages to see other changes...

But I think it is quite ironic to sew someone say this on the one thread where post 2 contains a request that was added shortly thereafter...
[About XDA developers] roofrider:
Hmm..maybe my memory is failing me..he was given one in the last 10 months or so?:confused:, cuz i have used JF and Brut as examples a couple of times in the past to explain to some users that a RD title is not required to do cool stuff.

Guess there are many more, would be nice to know them.
[About XDA developers] pulser_g2:
That's quite a while actually... I don't know, I'm not away to look up the date. But if a user isn't around and requesting it, we wouldn't tend to throw it upon them.

I'm not going to get drawn into a game of who does and doesn't have RD, but I think people do sometimes like to come up with their conspiracy theories about it...

And tbh the biggest reason is just that the user has got a new job or something, is busy elsewhere, and hasn't gotten round to, or felt they should, mention it...

I think I remember giving JF it, and Brut.all was on my original list of developers we have... So yeah... We know about them :)
[About XDA developers] smartguy044:
I didn't say all good devs have left but I know number of people who have. I have a lot of respect for all the devs I have come to know thanks to this site. Trust me I know about working hard on stuff etc since I'm working on building 4.2 for my current pos device that never got an update past gingerbread. My initial comment was simply to put an equal standard on the rd so only people who deserve it get it.
[About XDA developers] AtoZ0to9:
That was my honest feedback... No trolling... And if you knew me youd realize I'm a device forum convert who helped but now mainly posts in OT... Look y'all asked for feedback and I gave my honest feedback... Is there a problem with that?

Not sent from your phone...
[About XDA developers] pulser_g2:
I don't do the applications any more, but I know for a fact the applications are reviewed equally. To be quite honest, you don't have time to do anything other than that... It's more about looking at what the user has done, and if it meets the written requirements that appear.

What is worth being aware of is that the requirements have changed, but this will be sorted out when we re-align the system to ensure everything is operating under the new guidelines.
[About XDA developers] AtoZ0to9:
I'm not referring to site additions or modifications...

Not sent from your phone...
[About XDA developers] garyd9:
In your suggestion, where would kernels go? With firmware/themes?

I don't think we'd want this per device...

+1

I don't think the "quiz" thing would work. I have to be honest that I don't know of a good way to determine if a random person is a dev or not. A "test" can be faked - knowing the answers to some preset questions doesn't mean the person knows anything beyond the answers to those preset questions. Even infinite knowledge doesn't imply any skill.

Links to projects is a poor test, as there any limitless cases even here on XDA of "firmware releases" that, when looked at carefully, are really just re-releases of another persons work (or a kang of 2-3 other projects.) For example, it's trivial to release a straight AOSP android version for any device that cyanogenmod supports. Doing so doesn't imply any dev skills whatsoever. (Does XDA have a "recognized kang'er" title?)

Referrals from other devs or even from ERD's can become a popularity test

Having accounts with developer programs is also a poor test: At the company I currently work for, our Product Dev VP holds the accounts in his name, but he's NOT a developer. As well, in most cases, those types of accounts are available to anyone willing to waste the money on them (in some cases to get beta releases of iOS, for example.)

I know that I can sit face to face with a job candidate and determine if they are a faker or not, but I do that by looking at their resume and then asking them completely non-development related questions to figure out if they think like a developer or not. (Even that isn't flawless.) People with the skills to develop tend to think differently. ;)

<sidebar>

Another amusing test used to be to ask "What platform was 'Pascal' originally designed to run on?" - the proper answer was: "none - it was a teaching tool" (much as Knuth had his grape80 platform.) An acceptable answer was "I don't know, which platform?" Anyone taking guesses wouldn't be hired: If you can't admit you don't know something, then you won't be able to learn.

</sidebar>

Determining who is and isn't a "real" developer is a problem, and I think it is (or perhaps "was") a problem even here on XDA. I discussed this with a few individuals (and is actually one of the reasons I never applied: I didn't want to be grouped with some of the riff-raff who have been given "RD" here.) However, I never brought that up in public as I can't think of any reasonable solution.

(That means I'm not complaining about it here. I'm merely recognizing the issue exists, as well as recognizing that there might not be a good solution.)

Actually, at least for kernel devs, there is a good way to "test" them: Get a gun and shoot them in the foot. If they smile in familiarity, then they are real. :laugh:
[About XDA developers] garyd9:
a question for moving forward...

We (older members, moderators, etc) tend to answer questions with links to rules posts, guides to new users, etc. One of the links I see passed around quite often (and is even quoted in the "new users" guide is this one:

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=2031989&postcount=45

This post is almost poetic in trying to describe development and makes some points about XDA that, I believe, were always at the foundation of the forum.

However, is this still true? Is that still the purpose of XDA?

The question isn't sarcastic and has no motive. I think it's a question that those who guide the forum's future should ask themselves in determining how to move forward.

I do see that the ERD's tend to embrace the "HOW TO" and "interactive development" approach much more often than others. Perhaps that's why XDA singled them out. If so, then its promising from my point of view (as I tend to favor the concepts in that linked post.)

Take care

Gary
[About XDA developers] boborone:
Thank you. In an attempt to be more PC, I think we have let the whole idea of being kind and gentle let ruin the idea of learning and teaching. This place is getting out of the fostering development arena and getting more and more into the fostering support arena. Before I joined, I used to come here and read all about modding WinMo. Now you come here and you read about what to do to Android, but not what it does, or how it does it. Then there are 100 questions after the op asking for support. I get so tired of hearing times change and you have to deal with it. That's just as tired as you were once a noob too. Sht people need to learn to read. Seriously spartan, how many times do you see people in the mod request thread complaining about 10post rule cause they can't ask a question in development? It's a support site now.

/rant

BTW, awesome idea for a thread. Thanks.
[About XDA developers] mfsr98:
Maybe adding something like allowing posts before they showing up on the thread by the thread creator. For example, you go to your thread and check if you want some posts to show up there.
[About XDA developers] garyd9:
How would you suggest to solve the problem?