yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[About XDA developers] igoodbyes:
this site has been always awesome and then,

in between these times, it's been getting awesome~er and now.

it's becoming awesome~st!

i'm very glad and happy.

i wish i had knowledge like you guys. so i could help the web in some way but instead i'm novice at this. all i know is what are shown...in this website.

i'm a musician caught in the world of tech!

thank XDA-developers.com website.

always...

igoodbyes!
[About XDA developers] ramdroid77:
It would be great to also support non-HTC devices. I have there the OMNIA 2 and if i'm really honest then it beats my Topaz in the dirt! There's also a lot of great apps on it which needed to be ported to our HTC devices finally!!!

I don't understand why they added the Android forums but I would love it if it's moved to a separate development section. And then add a feature that I can hide the section from my viewing.

It's also always a long way to scroll down to ROM section of Topaz so it would be awesome if there's a feature to hide section of all the dozens of phones I never ever need. Wouldn't it improve the performance of the site anyway?
[About XDA developers] Fallen Spartan:
We all start as novices and grow while experimenting, testing and creating. If you want to increase your knowledge, read/research, try and do........no better way to learn something than to do it ;)
[About XDA developers] CommanderThor:
I would be very happy to see Windows Mobile 7 be like desktop OS. Meaning no more ROM cooking. Just included Windows Update and that is that. Desktop OS is never reinstalled, just to have another custamization, you just do that later, manualy or with .exe stuff.

No more device specific modding pls! That would ROCK. So all can focus their power together and just make customazations that work on ANY PHONE.

Either with booting customized Windows install SDs or even simplier with no need to reinstall at all with just cabs, that do it all.

If that would be the case, than this forum will have only one Windows Mobile 7 section and that is that. Would solve the problem with non HTC devices also, quite by accident :)

Pls make it so Microsoft, the only thing that could move WM7 above Android
[About XDA developers] maxawesome:
From your mouth to Ballmer's ears....
[About XDA developers] anagarika:
I totally agree with addicus (Opinion). It's the other way of saying what I've said:

More devices, more popularity, more 'ingrates'. Not to blame them, they are raised that way. Our society has changed to be 'instant' society and that is the main cause of the recent headache.

That's why, I would wait and see what's the decision, and if it does make XDA a better site, and respond accordingly.
[About XDA developers] quicksite:
This is very interesting to read, as was addicus' reasoned plea to dial back the throttle -- i would imagine in an attempt to halt and reverse this instant "gimme gimme gimme now" sensibility that has swept like a virus throughout XDA-devs.

My comments below may seem contradictory, but I am actually FOR opening up XDA to be the premier mobile phone collaborative problem-solving, mod & app dev community in all of the touchphoneosphere... with some serious caveats having to do with

(1) INFORMATION DESIGN radical improvements (sounds like these are already in the works, or, as I read Flar say a few days ago, she's seen a new mockup and says it looks great)

ans

(2) a much stronger exertion of community standards with tangible consequences -- as in (a) Warnings with Teeth re 1-way behavior and disrespectful demands, (b) escalating to Suspensions of accounts for growing patterns of demands and dissing of authors who haven't fixed something soon enough for your tastes, (c)... with serious IP address/email checks on new registrations to prevent instant new-accounts that circumvent suspensions -- and (d) outright bans for demonstrable failure to comply with the community spirit and culture of the site.

This spirit & culture might be summarized in an unambiguous way: EVERYONE GIVES -- (a) if not in software development expertise, then in helping others after you learn how to solve some of your pressing upgrade problems with your phone, or in writing up tutorials and guides, or contributing to the Wiki, or last but not least, donating to the authors who have put time sweat and logic into making phone, and by extension, our lives just a bit better. (see my note below in quotes)

Though I am very aligned with addicus' thoughts re the down sides of supporting non-HTC phones, I don't believe that is the best way to go. I don't mean this disrespectfully, addicus, i mean it in a more abstract way: it seems petty, isolationist, and really not in the best interest of staying on top of the UI, application & utility developments of the new explosive growth of the industry since Android hit escape velocity in October of 09 and is now seriously shaking up the touchscreen phone world. It's great that this discussion is taking place publicly here -- because i think there are longterm consequences in play here. I think the isolationist approach would mirror the whole disasetrous Microsoft Windows Mobile development culture of the past 3 years: By ignoring the marketplace, waving off the iPhone and its finger-navigation innovations, it has seriously threatened now whether MS actually will be able to regain what they've lost by being ostriches.

NEXT POST is where I will post some comments I sent by PM to one of the Forum Moderators here regarding why I set this "DEVVY AWARDS" initiative into motion.
[About XDA developers] quicksite:
I was referring to these comments I sent a Forum Moderator re these new DEVVY AWARDS for Recognition of Achievement.
[About XDA developers] Arktronic:
Silliness. If a developer expects to get donations that are clearly marked as such, then that developer needs to look up the meaning of "donation." If, on the other hand, they expect to be paid as compensation for their work, then they need to charge for their apps.

Just in case I wasn't clear: donations are not mandatory! If someone thinks they are, and is hurt by the fact that people aren't donating, then it's their own fault for having improper expectations.

Now, I'm not saying that we devs all need to start charging for every single one of our apps; neither am I saying that we shouldn't expect a single dime for our efforts. It's always nice to receive donations, and it's great when people feel they should donate to keep an app's development alive. However, donations should never be a prerequisite to further development.
[About XDA developers] chris1486:
its a good idea and i completely agree with the less mess part it will save the author of the thread a lot of time from replying to same questions all the time.
[About XDA developers] quicksite:
Addendum: In Defense of Newbies

Silliness.

Okay, that's just great.

Appreciate your cherry picking my entire set of comments written respectfully about the work of developers here, reducing it all to silliness.

But that makes a perfect lead-in to this, in defense of Newbies. There has always been a very small percentage of XDA-developers who communicate with extreme arrogance and disrespect; so it's not simply a one-way street coming from newbies here. Thankfully for XDA-devs, this percentage is really tiny, and the vast majority of developers here are very respectful of all members, new and old, vs demeaning.
[About XDA developers] anagarika:
THANK YOU!

Great discussion!

Even if it seems Ark and quicksite disagree with each other, actually both are in agreement (with exception for remarks such as silliness ;) on generally what makes XDA-Dev great)

BUT, I do agree that a Dev. that expect to get donation to meet certain amount is 'silly' because he/she fails to understand human nature. On the other hand, we who appreciate their work can contribute in various ways (if not always cash) but testing properly, provide constructive feedback/suggestion. Sometimes, by giving it a name it clarifies a lot ;) (been used to this reminder from my loved ones, simply because I deserve it :p)

I think if XDA can move forward with a 'revamped' model (such as website vs forum, commercial section where dev. that wants to charge can do without shame, c'mon, it's all hardwork :D, etc.) then I'm for it.

As mentioned, how this can be achieved (balancing the good work, discussion forum, and managing the information flood) that benefit everyone is to be tested and perhaps we'll see many refinement along the way.

What I do not want to lose is the spirit of 'enhancing and tweaking our phone for our fuller use, better than what the manufacturer put forward' kind of greatness XDA has been known for (and expected by many) just because of wanting to broaden the scope of the site. Again, has anyone clarified the reason of why we're even looking at expanding the variety of the devices / OS covered by this site?
[About XDA developers] Arktronic:
The reason I quoted that part specifically is that I didn't have an issue with the other statements in your posts. This one, however, irks me. Being a developer myself (full-time job as well as hobby), I've seen good devs become petty over things like "not enough donations" and I can honestly say, I hate to see that.

Again, I was not reducing your entire post(s) to "silliness"; only that particular part.
[About XDA developers] Livven:
Yes, that's a very important point. This community may be so great, but it's still not widely accepted even among all WM users. Not everyone has the time or patience to read through endless of threads, posts, just to learn all those basics which are expected here. What we need is a centralized location where newbies can find common terms explained and easy tutorials. From what I've heard, svetius is working on this :).

Also, if someone wants to earn money from an app, he/she should sell it and not give it away for free here and then complain there are no donations. If someone finds an app really useful, he may donate, but it should be considered completely optional.
[About XDA developers] svetius:
I just want to say that I really appreciate the discussion here, and we're taking note of all suggestions and comments. Things around here tend to move slowly, but I promise we're working every day to make things as good as they can be... and if we happen to screw up every once in a while, I promise we'll fix it!
[About XDA developers] Drakh:
Great idea to add non-HTC devices forums here.

As I consider (correct me if I'm wrong) this site began centered just in HTC devices much because there was no reason to look other brands, at that time most (if not almost all) mainstream WM devices were just HTC-made manufactured and a way to mod them was found (other WM devices couldn't be modded e.g. MPX220) so the forum was just HTC.

Now other brands gained popularity in recent years: Asus, Samsung, LG, Gigabyte, etc. and have a significant userbase, devices that have evolved their own hardware and software with their pro's and con's (the same between HTC models) we even borrow some ideas/tricks from those devices that help this forum (e.g. the Samsung 3D drivers for MSM720x HTC devices) or take customizations from them, so, more than HTC centric I consider this a Windows Mobile platform forum (and now Android) because we are sharing ideas between all windows devices independent of their brand.

so Why not?, in the end there are many threads already created for non-HTC devices, this will be a way to organize those threads and let users of other brands have their own space here to discuss so we all benefit from the common platform we share, I'd suggest to first create groups regarding phone brands first and with time create subgroups of each model.

About (new) users that only know to ask and expect quick answers to their demands without even taking the time to search and/or read that's something cannot be avoided, luckyly they always are just a few while the rest just want to share/interchange knowledge in the community and be grateful.

Just my thoughts.
[About XDA developers] addicus:
Having a section where people can get info quick is fine, if those people are willing to read it!

I would love to have the best of the best mobile phones worked on here because it would give me the opportunity to buy the best phones out there (if I ever get enough money to get one unlocked). I just don't want to see the site degrade trying to please everyone. I have learned the hard way in life that pleasing everyone is not possible and you have to do what's best for you in the long term.

I say this because a lot of people think the idea of opening up to other manufacturers is great (it may be), but that's usually because they didn't read properly about this site only support HTC manufactured devices then went and dropped a pretty penny on an unsupported device and are pissed. Either way I just hope whatever is done is done correctly with the long term in mind.
[About XDA developers] orb3000:
New changes are great!!

Owners, Admin & Mods

Congrats for your hard work improving XDA!!

I love this one:

My gratitude for you all:)
[About XDA developers] svetius:
"Owners, Admin & Mods

Congrats for your hard work improving XDA!!"

Can't tell if you're serious, but I hope so. This (or something like it) should have been done a long time ago. :)
[About XDA developers] orb3000:
Of course I´m serious;)
[About XDA developers] quicksite:
Okay, fair enough. Sorry I jumped to a bad conclusion. I'm actually in agreement with your principal argument -- that one should never ever expect someone SHOULD donate if it is being "marketed" here as free but donations appreciated.

Maybe you'll see it as splitting hairs, but to me there is a wide continuum in the way that developers here suggest, request, and appreciate a donation "if you have benefited from it". There are various developers here who've authored very successful software designed to be capable of extendable/modular add-ons. And I have seen sometimes complex feature requests queued up by the developer prioritized by users who have donated some small amount like $2 or $3 USD. I think that's totally valid and reasonable.

I understand that I will not change your view and I am not looking to. My primary use of donations was as an illustration of another means in a list of many ways of "GIVING BACK" . And my focus was not on "shame on developers who request donations"... but rather on the fact that some people at XDA are not givers, just takers -- and how that seemed contrary to the spirit and culture of the site. And i was citing the irony or disparity in certain users being so demanding and disrespectful, like shouting out "Dude, where's the update? you promised it 48 hours ago and it's still not here. I *need* it for my droid, can't you just finish it?" -- and yet they offer nothing back, not even so much as $1 donation. I'm speaking of a lack of consideration from the gimme, gimme, gimmes.

So I am standing by my comments, but it's fine you disagree; i just don't like marginalizing someone else's comments if there's been a good amount of effort out into laying out an argument.
[About XDA developers] Livven:
Yeah, the new device-search box is useful for newbies, but I have some suggestions:

Auto-collapse all device specific subforums on forum index page so only the name of the device is shown; clicking on it should reveal its subforums. This would also render the new device search box useless and avoid clutter.

Remove device names in its subforums, as it's very confusing right now to see the name repeated so often; as for search results, could it be managed to show the device name additionally to the name of the subforum?

Better integration of wiki, forum and front-page (I've heard this is already being worked on)

Perhaps a CMS-powered (?) section where all registered users can post their contributions in a more formal way; new entries should be checked by a moderator before publishing; there should be pre-defined fields for description, screenshot, download and forum thread (CCK?); ability to sort by downloads, views, rating etc.

Expand the above mentioned section to include also explanations of common terms (what is Manila? Titanium? HSPL?) and easy tutorials, perhaps replacing/merging with the wiki

Better search engine optimization (SEO); I've noticed threads here tend to be lower ranked than those on PPCGeeks/HTCPedia

These are only suggestions by me, which I think would make this pace better for everyone :). Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not demanding anything, I know it'd be a lot of work to accomplish all this; instead, I'll be glad if I could help in any way, even if with more suggestions ;).
[About XDA developers] Arktronic:
I agree with all of those points as stated now. While I can't speak for other devs, I know that (1) I'd certainly appreciate donations; (2) I *might* prioritize if a suggestion is accompanied by a donation, although I'd feel a little guilty about it; and (3) I would try as hard as possible to ignore the ingrates and other unpleasant people, and focus on the positive posts.

It is not realistic to expect the unpleasant people to go away, no matter what is done with the xda-dev forum. If we keep it as is, they'll still be here. If we add more devices, they'll still be here. All we can do is accept them as a fact of life and move on.

Like I stated earlier in this thread, I'd love for other devices to be here because then I'd have more of a choice in them, as I currently refuse to get non-HTC devices. (Speaking of which, svetius never acknowledged my PM sent around that time :rolleyes:). Being able to handle more good (and the inevitable bad) users is obviously very important when adding more devices.
[About XDA developers] quicksite:
"accept them as a fact of life and move on." -- Right on

Arktronic, you sound like a great person -- so i am sorry i sounded annoyed. what you say below is very true re:

Who knew? Not only can you get great touchscreen phone mod ROMS & apps at XDA... you can also get therapy - hah hahh!

You have a really good outlook about all of this, and I am glad we volleyed this back once or twice. Just further confirms what a really interesting place this is. I often marvel about the lack of borders here - and how the site is in its own way a really advanced example of cooperation and human respect -- in stark contrast to the way each of our governments interact all over the globe. but i talk too much.
[About XDA developers] quicksite:
Just a little Addendum re donation requests

This is the best I've seen yet! I know you'll love it!
[About XDA developers] orb3000:
Lol

Hahahaha, you made my day!!

:D
[About XDA developers] smaury:
I'm really happy to see new sections!!!!!!!

I hope i can see very soon also an Omnia (first editon) section!!!!
[About XDA developers] light_n_roses:
I really hope to see an acer neotouch section as there already is some work on it, most of it thanks to rafyvito...
[About XDA developers] tsak8:
Yes

An Acer S200 Neotouch thread plz!!!!!!!
[About XDA developers] Fallen Spartan:
All requests for new devices to be added should be in this thread

Ta

Rick
[About XDA developers] svetius:
In response to your suggestions:

1. We're working on a way to have the forums collapse. This will be rolled out in the forum redesign coming in a couple of months.

2. We changed the names of the forums to make it easier for new users to find the right forums, and to avoid people posting in the wrong forums (which happened a ton, giving more work to the mods)

3. Yes, we're working on ways to better connect the front page to the forums. You'll see that when the new front page launches, and when the forum redesign comes around

4. Do you mean like user-generated content?

5. I agree that we need a better way to help new users understand terminology. We're considering some sort of feature where keywords are hotlinked (and clicking on them brings up a pop up with a definition and more information). This is a bit longer term.

6. We're also working on SEO. The forum title renaming was a step in that direction, as well. Also, the new front page will help with SEO.
[About XDA developers] Livven:
First of all sorry for my late reply, hope you don't mind ;).

1. Good to hear.

2. It's a bit confusing as the name of the device (for example "8525, TyTN, MDA Vario II, JasJam") is repeated twice in the breadcrumbs or even more often on the index page (for example "8525, TyTN, MDA Vario II, JasJam > 8525, TyTN, MDA Vario II, JasJam ROM Development").

3. Good.

4. Yes, but with some pre-defined fields (for example fields for "Description", "Screenshots" and "Download") so everything is consistent and thus easier for people to understand (with CCK I mean the extension for Drupal which provides this kind of functionality).

5. I think just a glossary (like the one available in the forums right now) is enough, just make it more formal (again). But what you said sounds good as well.

6. Good.

What do you say? :).
[About XDA developers] orb3000:
@ Admin & Mods

Dear XDA Team,

As with all new changes happening lately, I would like to bring up an old request regarding in making logo operators uniform in size and smaller than flag logos, as well flag logos increasing their size.

I think this will make look much better:)

Hope you can have this in mind for future plans.

Thank you,

Orb.

I´ll post this as well in "(requests) From the Users to the Mods & Admins" thread
[About XDA developers] galaxys:
+1 for the logo operators to be uniform in size!
[About XDA developers] svetius:
4. On the new front page, we have a "suggest content" form that will allow users to send in descriptions, links, and screenshots to the news writers. This will be one way to get user-content to the front page and give everyone a voice.

5. Thanks again for the idea, we will consider this. It's not top on our list, but something we'd like to think more closely about in the coming months.
[About XDA developers] svetius:
I agree with this, thanks for calling it to our attention. I will look into how we can make the operator and flag logos uniform in size.
[About XDA developers] orb3000:
Great thank you!

I am willing to help on this

:)
[About XDA developers] Livven:
Hmm, it's a bit lame to write news about what's going on in your own forums, isn't it? Double efforts. What I mean is that contributions of all kinds (apps, themes, tutorials etc.) should be posted in a special section, which is not based on a forum or wiki system but a CMS, so it's more accessible and helps people, especially those who are new, find the things they're looking for. Discussion threads for these should be automatically created.

The main point behind me suggesting this is that right now, everything is divided between people who actually make all the stuff (here on xda, for example) and people who write about such things (like Pocketnow, but also directories like FreewarePocketPC), usually with the latter being much more influential. With my suggestion, people can just look here at xda-developers for the things they want, without digging through endless threads with cryptic terms and so on.

Another topic: I've noticed almost all links on the frontpage news are labeled with "here" instead of a descriptive term, like For more information, look here. Better would be More information.
[About XDA developers] svetius:
Because XDA is so vast in size and because there is so much awesome content/software that goes "under the radar" for users, we wanted to make a platform that allows us to bring forth these pieces of content.

As it stands now, if you've got an HD2 for example and want to learn about the latest software/hacks/tricks for your device, you have to dig through potentially dozens of threads. For some, that's fine, but for others, it'd tedious. This new front page will help those that don't want to spend all day digging and searching.

Thanks for your note about the linking...we plan to address this with the new front page.
[About XDA developers] MikeChannon:
Just on that point. Might sound lame but the Frontpage is picked up by Google and grabbed by news forums / sites and so we get good external coverage that way. If we just put new stuff from our site in an ordinary forum, it doesn't get the same exposure on news sites.

Mike