yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] _Alex_:
I'm really frustrated with this forum. I was about to become a lurker again and stop contributing, but I realized that this is not the solution.

Since the Kaiser forums are the most active forums on the entire site, we need some changes to make it better for all.

What I'd like to see done to help the situation is the following:

(edit) A wiki that's easier to edit and navigate, e.g., mediawiki, which would mean

More folks updating the wiki with the ability to edit subsections

More folks viewing the wiki with auto-created tables of contents

(edit)A single 'post your questions here' newbie thread to limit the amount of new threads created

(edit2)A thread or wiki entry linked at the top of every forum with proper forum etiquette.

(edit2) idea about restricting users according to post count removed

All of these suggestions will make this site more manageable and usable for all.

If you have any ideas, comments or opinions for or against, or just want to add to the list of suggestions, I look forward to them.

UPDATE 03-13-08

Thanks to Flar and the mods for pushing for new forums! Hopefully these changes, along with more member contributions, we will be able to fight back the redundant thread problem. I've noticed that quite a few senior members have taken a similar stance as I have with new users & redundant threads. I've been trying to either:

Giving the new user a search term (that we know will help), or

given the new user a way to navigate and use the resources here, mostly created by us to prevent users from asking questions in the first place, or

given the noob the links he wanted.

If you're genuinely interested in helping others, you'll realize that two of the three ways actually teach a person new things, which means they'll be better off on their own, while #3 only encourages them to ask more questions.

Finally, for all of you that may be new or have less post counts, it's not the amount of time you've been here reading, because that's not contributing back to the community. So my suggestion to you would be to come back and re-read this thread after you've contributed back to the forum by having at least 500+ genuinely helpful posts and see if you feel the same way.

And I don't mean suggestions to fix a soft key issue by bashing the keyboard with a screwdriver, like someone who has flamed this thread :)
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] Hdstreetglide:
I couldn't agree more. A big part of the problem is the refusal of some to read or search before posting. When they don't get an immediate answer in an existing thread they start a new one. Maybe the answer is to allow the number of daily posts to be restricted by member status, with senior members being unresticted and moving downward from there.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] P1Tater:
To bad you can't put all of the threads inside the new sticky. That way, to post a new thread, you had to go thru the new sticky. Other than that, the only option I can think of is to hunt the redundant thread poster down and dismember them slowly on live t.v. broadcasted only to XDA members.

Edit:

I personally vote for my second option.:D
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] kwickone:
Agree with both suggestions. Mods...any comments? I have not dealt with forum software before...are those restrictions able to be implemented with this forum?
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] Confused Stu:
I've always liked the idea of limiting new people from starting threads, but I don't think we can judge on number of posts. I think this will just end with people joining, throwing an extra 30 useless posts into the first threads they come across, then posting their question thread.

I've always liked the idea of making someone wait 24 hours between registering and posting AT ALL. This way, we can still help those people with a genuine problem fairly quickly (rather than making them wait a week) but still weed out those who ask questions that could be answered by 2 seconds of thinking or looking.

Just my 2 cents! :)
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] fb401:
Great suggestions _Alex_. There should be a stew time for new forum members. A 30 post limit should do it because by then one should have learned a little bit at least.

And now that there's a Google search box near the top of the page HOPEFULLY that cuts down on redundant new post.

@kwickone - Yes, it's possible and quite easy at that.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] sd73ta:
maybe there should be a noob section like hofo has for banned members. and you have to wait a while before you can post in the regular threads. then wait even longer before you can start a new thread.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] zcink:
Perhaps a rethinking........................................

Okay, this is a common problem on here. Over and over -- endless threads on this subject. It cannot be solved with current technology.

Embrace the problem.

Sandwich method:

Commend them on their new purchase of the new phone they got. Great!

Then advise them to search. Read and learn.

Then Commend their enthusiasm for Any effort they show.

...
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] dwny:
Have a 1 month waiting period before being able to post & 3 months before before starting a new thread.

Just my thoughts....It has gotton out of control.

This forum has turned into a user manual / tech support.

There already is a noob section...the problem is no one reads it!

I waited 3 months before my 1st post or flash. I shadowed the threads, followed the chefs at that time (Faria, Molski, Xelencin, Risidoro) and watched the results of people flashing their ROMs. I waited till all was clear before I flashed.

Nowadays, people are buying expensive devices and just jumping into deep water without knowing how to swim and the cry to the lifeguard for help.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] Shadowdh:
Would there be any way to link keywords to threads that already exist before its posted... eg if I started a thread re "no sound help me I dont read"... before it posted a list of threads that exist already would pop up saying something like have you looked at these...? perhaps wikis could be linked in the same way... or is this not possible...? cheers
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] Jewcookie:
This is not very userfriendly for people who do search before posting. Considering not every new user who joins the forum is a "lazy" noob.

Maybe it is an idea to have it a bit like the "Facepunch forum" of GMOD. (for non gamer, it a HL2 mod forum) They had exactly the same problem only a little bit bigger then it is on this forum.

They solved it by some sort of rate system. Forum users can rate a post. If a user get a certain amount of negative points he is banned from the forum for 24 or something like that. You can also rate someone if he makes clever remarks or usefull contributions and rate him with a "thanks!"

This way people know they are being watched for stupid questions that are posted over and over again and search before they do something stupid. After all, saying stupid thing will cost you a time ban.

If you want to know exactly how it works. Register at the facepunch forum to check it out. It really does work. http://forums.facepunchstudios.com/
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] Prattle:
Even from my rudimentary knowledge of PHP based forums such as XDA, that would be extremely prohibitive in terms of processing power. Context-sensitive searching (even cached) is very resource intensive, and even implementing it on the Kaiser section ONLY would probably bring the boards to an impressive crawl.

This seems a bit extreme. I bought my Kaiser and spent two or three days reading the wiki, boards, and specific threads about the Tilt. Still, I had a few questions that weren't addressed by existing threads and needed to start at thread. I agree with Alex's idea that there should be a delay (or post count check) for starting a new THREAD, but certainly not posting in general.

Likewise, I'm beginning to toy with cooking my own ROMs, and what if I was interested in starting my own thread to announce its availability? Certainly I shouldn't be required to append it to an existing (and likely unrelated) thread?

To the OP's original concern, I don't think it's a terribly unique thing to XDA. I frequent many forums, and it happens everywhere, particularly those which address technology or relationships. Everyone seems to think that their issues are unique and that they won't be covered in an existing topic. Likewise, many people just aren't comfortable with reading technical specifications, instructions, or explanations. I have dozens of friends capable of READING manuals for the devices they own and getting exactly what they need, but they don't trust the accuracy of the information unless I tell it to them myself.

Reading a bunch of instructions and trusting they are accurate is much scarier than having someone explain it to you, even if they're just regurgitating information already contained in dozens of wikis, texts or posts. This is the primary reason we have TEACHERS; most people are capable of reading everything they need to know, but prefer to have someone relate it to them in a way which caters to their understanding.

Long-winded thoughts aside, I agree with Alex's suggestions in their entirety.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] dazzle999:
i dont agree with the whole 30 or 100 postsbefore starting a tread but i do agree with the fact that it's annoying to read the same stuff over and over again people comming in with the same problems and questions but there are also people like myself that are longtime members but actually do read alot of posts so that they dont need to ask anything and dont make the 100 or so recommended post before starting a new tread..

but thats my opinion
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] tdusen:
I don't see how not being able to start a new thread will help.

Assuming I actually did search for my answer and wasn't able to find anything, where would I turn? If I can't start a new thread, I would have no choice but to hijack a different thread. That would probably upset the people involved in that thread more than creating a new thread that they could easily ignore.

How about the new thread button routing through search? So that when you entered the title, it did the search, and at the bottom of the search results there was the button that actually started a new thread.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] zcink:
Steal Google's Idea

Okay, How bout this:

When you open www.xda-developers.com you get this:

A Huge Search Box. Nothing else. You Have to go thru the search box to Even access this site.

?????

...
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] dwny:
It's a matter of setting standards....there are none here!

If you know what the rules are, then you'll follow them....but you have to have rules 1st.

That's where the problem lies.

How many new issues are there actually? Most of the issues are when people have a problem with a specific ROM. What's been happening lately is that the Rom threads are huge now and to gain attention to their inquiry, people are starting new threads. If you take a look at who's doing this, it's members under 3 months

(Just my opinion & observation)
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] _Alex_:
LOL... It's great to see a drunk guy contributing to this thread as it adds a touch of humor to the entire situation :D

FWIW, one of the new members decided to post their opinion about our frustration venting over in the regular Kaiser forum (which I read very infrequently because I know that's going to be filled with support requests).

I'm wondering how many new users will chime in on that thread...

arrogance and elitism (were all here for the same thing)
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] DSmithZ28:
Why not add a few more Mod's and just delete them (threads or posts) quick and easy? Have an automated response to the person that: "the answers you needed were already posted in another thread".
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] _Alex_:
I totally agree that there needs to be some forum etiquette that needs to be followed, especially regarding new threads. The question is how we go about enforcing it...

Hopefully the mods/admin will read this thread and take our suggestions to heart.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] zcink:
Sober

Okay

A totally Sane -- Sober guy -- was just joking bout the drunk part.

A Huge Search Engine

You have to go thru the search Engine box to enter this site.

You can't miss.

Anyone who does not search will be Shot On site and put into the Ovens!
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] mchapman007:
So true about not wanting to read *****

Prime example; recent thread...

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=383394
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] sd73ta:
what if there was a rom developer section that only mods could move posts to. and a general section. so say someone developes a new rom they post it and a mod moves it to the developer thread. then the gen pop can post in that thread but cant start a new thread. i know its a little bit of work for the mods but i think it would keep things more organized. plus the repeating threads are in the general are and you dont have to go through some much to find things. also when people get sick of answering the same questions they wouldnt even look in the general area.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] leoiden:
its ironic that mods take forever to make there opinion noticed but if you post warez i will bet you they will have there say in a heartbeat!
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] unwired4:
There's enough noobs posting without adding anything on existing threads without making them do it to achieve new thread status.

As with all web forums, this place thrives on new members. By all means restrict them for 48 hours (but if doing so, make sure the welcome email advises them that if they have come here seeking a problem, using the google custom search with "[HTC device name] [specific application] [symptom or problem]" will probably help 90% of users out).
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] dwny:
Authorities can come in and shut the site down for piracy.

I guess that has a higher priority than going on a posting rampage:eek:
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] P1Tater:
I still vote for my second option.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] dwny:
You see how you quoted yourself.....

I've done that in the past to refresh my question
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] cuboosh:
ok so i agree however;

one thing we should add is a sticky thread titled "Slap-a-*****" the first b id like to slap is gorkymax ..now some of you may think this is harsh but in all reality its really not..

my purpose would be..

jakeypoo slaps gorkymax (reason: created a thread about a new htc rom while 3 others already existed)

..this points out the user and the reason for being slapped.. can someone agree on this with me?

after being embarrassed enough people might start to search
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] dwny:
Cool but people would end up in there when they really don't deserve it.

If you haven't noticed, there's been some nast beef's around here.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] cuboosh:
lol well it was worth a shot.. i could just see it how.. some new user ***** slaps a mod.. it would be priceless and the mod would of course delete the user or something.. :\ shucks it sounded so good in my head.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] GSLEON3:
This was my intention with this post: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=369254

Creating a place for Noobies to post where they can find help & be broken into good etiquette in posting. This would free up the Upgrading & Development forums for "Upgrading & Development" instead of trouble shooting for redundant issues.

I mean, from my thread above, 10 people are willing to volunteer to help out in a Noobie Kaiser Forum as Mods or Helpers including me. I don't think there's any question that can't be answered by 3 or 4 Seniors acting as guides.

My point was that if there is an issue I can't answer, I know where & how to find it & then if I, or the other "Helpers" can't you've only got one Senior bothering the Alex's, Dutty's, Jockey's, Olipro's, etc, etc. of the forum.

I'm sure Alex would rather get one question from me, knowing I've read & researched, then getting the same question 12 times a day from a junior member.

& if a particularly bright noobie comes aboard, then one of the helpers could contact a mod & say, "hey let's waive the post count & get this guy bumped up to the standard forums.

I think it's the only way. Noobies will not read & learn unless forced to somehow. I try to field a lot of the simple issues & the "I think I bricked my device" posts, that I know are easy fixes or MTTY fixes, but there are just too many to not have centralized.

Besides that: Check this out, I had a noobie yesterday want help. I agreed to walk him thru Hardspl & a rom upgrade & some cube issue. I told him I didn't want any donation, just that he needs to help when his time comes. The kid had the nerve to tell me he had to go out & that he thought it would be a good idea if I gathered up all of the programs & cabs he wanted! LMAO! Needless to say he was laughed at & sent of to read some more while I consider still helping him, but I'm sure he'll be posting again soon.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] Audio:
Wait wait wait...

I understand where the frustrations are coming from about too many threads and duplicates and what-not... But you can't simply deny people with less than 30 posts the ability to start a thread!

I know there may be a few who register with the site, don't bother searching, and immediately start a new thread, with a question that has been answered a million times... but what about those who have been members for years, who simply don't post often? What is being suggested here seems like a convenience thing for the older members (older as in: been on this site longer and has a million posts) as opposed to making the site better...

An example of why junior members should be aloud to start a thread:

Just bought the phone, but there is a bluetooth problem, it affects ALL devices made after a certain date (say.. 10th Feb 08), there is a solution on another site, but I can't post the solution, because I'm being victimised as I've not had the phone since the dawn of time like the all-mighty members/senior members, and I've not posted 30 times in other threads (mostly saying, "thanks", "your wrong", or other terms to that effect).

This needs to be taken into account....
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] GSLEON3:
& wouldn't a noobie thread where they can be supported by a few & can post their hearts out solve this?

Beilieve me, I want to help them, & I want them to post, but I don't want to have to dig thru tons of crap posts to find info on modding my xip & looking for the true PP offsets, etc...

& of course if it indeed affect many phones, you would have one of the "Kaiser Noobie Support" guys or gals kicking it up to the Developer level forum.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] _Alex_:
A single stickied 'all questions' noob thread would be a great help in addition to my earlier suggestion of restricting new threads to members.

As for the second part of my post, I almost forgot why people don't like editing the wiki...

The fact that you can't edit subsections of a page!!! I realize that most of you do want to help, but it's seriously daunting to edit an *ENTIRE* wiki page...

When the current site admin, Flar, was brought on, Peter Poelmann, the 'owner' said Flar would be upgrading the wiki to mediawiki (which has subsection editing capabilities and auto-TOC creation amongst many other features). This was back in 2005, back when I was lurking in the blue angel forums. Is this upgrade still going to take place?
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] SacTilt:
I totally agree that there are issues with people posting too many new threads, but I'm not entirely sure what the best option is. Personally I don't start new threads, because I read and search for my answers. At the same point, I don't respond to a lot of threads due to the fact that I'm not always the best person to be helping so my post count is fairly low. Should I be limited to starting new threads... probably not, but where should the line be drawn.

My main recommendation would be to somehow teach users the proper way to post a subject for a new thread. I am tired of the "Help, what should I do" or "what happened to my device" threads. If you need to start a new thread, use a constructive subject.

This may not fix the problems, but may help with the searching. As we all know, the search feature within any forum isn't great, and unfortunately too many people don't know to use Google to search this individual forum. Maybe if all new threads had a relevant subject, it would improve the search feature, and therefore reduce the number of repetitive threads.

Just my thoughts.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] ponch92:
Hey guys... I just flashed my phone. I can't get any sound... no rings.. no audio when I call someone... any ideas?

My camera doesn't work either....

What is the cube?

What's the best ROM for my phone?

I searched btw, I couldn't find anything.

EDIT: Does God exist?
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] P1Tater:
another thread was just started with the same damn question.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] chipsxj:
How about new members get 3 new threads per month, but can buy additional posts for say $5.00 each over the 3 new thread limit?

allow them to search and post to existing threads without restriction. If they attempt to highjack the thread then suspend the account for a predetermined amount of time.

This should cause them to really think about how they want to use the 3 free threads......then if they want to start more than the 3 free ones the forum can generate some $$$$$$ to help defray costs or expand.

also would prevent them from just jumping in and posting alot to increase their status for more posts.

You could increase the number of free posts by membership level.

Just a thought.
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] _Alex_:
LOL!

Redundant / irrelevant posts in a thread are also a problem. One thing at a time though, we can't possibly fix all the problems with the forums at once! :D
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] jarek91:
I wonder how much that'd cost the chefs like dutty...
[Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III Windows Mobile ROM De] GSLEON3:
I'll tell you what. I can't tell you how many Noobies have been uterly suprised to find that they can search a specific forum or thread using this.

A lot of Noobies don't understand they can filter through search results & individual threads & are to overwhelmed when they get 13 pages of search returns.