[General Topics] noppy22:
Thanks for opening this thread and asking the question. I'm sure there will be a lot of different opinions here. I'll try to be concise with mine:

- Should developers be able to moderate their own threads?

It sounds good in theory, but I'm not so sure about this. The existing complaints about inconsistent applying of the rules would be multiplied and what happens when a developer in their own thread starts taking a heavy hand and applying their own rules? That would only start more arguments between developers and users, and also developers and moderators. I think an impartial judge(ie. a moderator) is probably going to be the least devisive way of policing a thread. No matter which way this one goes, there will always be people who disagree, or are unhappy with a decision, be it the user, developer or moderator.

Another question is: should developers be able to stipulate what type of content they want, posted in the OP in their thread(outside of the general site rules) and report users for breaking those "rules"? At least then there is a clear expectation of users in that thread to read the OP and abide by the developers rules......I still think going down this road would lead to way more confusion.

- How should moderators deal with "annoying" users? What should they do when individual developers don't think we're doing enough to control a problem?

This is related to the question above, and I'm not sure there is a broad answer to it without specific examples, but it proves the point about letting all developers moderate their own threads. Most developers tend to have strong and differing opinions(with good reason) about what type of content is acceptable in their threads. The problem is XDA as a forum needs to be reasonably consistant, otherwise it would turn into a complete mess, adding confusion on top of what there is already for a large number of casual XDA users. I guess the question is whether we want XDA to be "user-friendly" or an "elite" site for developers. I think the debate about this could rage for eternity....

- Should we allow donation requests? In what form?

Some developers/contributors don't accept donations, some allow it. I would draw the line at allowing donations as long as they are not required to use a rom/kernel/app etc. I've seen some users ask developers to allow them to donate because the developer didn't have a "donate button" to show appreciation. I have no problem with that. I just think making a career or business out of android development belongs somewhere else. But I think some leeway should be given to those who have contributed greatly to the XDA community by allowing discreet links to their own website or blog.

- Should we require a developer to get permission before using another developer's work? What happens when one developer is unhappy about the use of his work by another developer?

Would most developers want to be asked for permission if there is no intention to publish or share it, only build it for personal use? I would say no. If the intention is to start a rom thread and proper credits are given(such as: All credits for this work to superdev, I'm not a dev, I only repo synced and compiled), then I don't see that as being that different unless the dev wanted to publish it themselves later. For that and other reasons I think it should be required to let the dev know you want to publish that work. I think the respect works both ways. If permission is sought, then denying or revoking that permission should be explained with the reason why. I guess if there is disgreement from there, then it is up to a moderator to decide whether the reasons are fair or not. I think fair weight must be given to the argument of the dev, but I don't think the dev is always right either.

The basic examples at the end of the OP show how complex this is though. There are definately scenarios that are completely not OK, some that are arguable, and some that are fine. I think the developer should have a large say on what is OK or not OK within reason.