yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[About XDA developers] hilaireg:
There seems to be a significant amount of animosity of late in all forums - not just HD2. I'm not certain as to why this is, all I do know is that I find

unacceptable

. As moderators, we spend more time cleaning up flame & troll posts than working on our own community contributions.

My observations:

XDA is about bringing together folks who have similar passions about mobile technology. As such, I expect a certain degree of maturity and professionalism from all members during their "stay" on this forum.

Responses that provide helpful and constructive information as opposed to "use the search", "try Google", "it's broken", "fix it", etc. help guide the thread back to topic. Here's a few examples:

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=9929554&postcount=4

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=10749020&postcount=7

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=10097254&postcount=22

There is absolutely no reason to respond in a rude tone, make someone feel stupid, or disrespect a member trying to offer something back to the community ... it is not constructive and serves no purpose. Members are never forced to frequent a thread on this forum and as previously stated, members should choose to move on instead of posting inflammatory comments.

Shortly after the launch of a well advertised mobile device, there is an influx of new members. Most all carriers and device manufacturers send their customers to XDA for technical assistance. Place a call to your carrier technical support department, it won't take long before the support representative instructs you to: "check out XDA, they have tons of information on how to fix that ...".

Most of newcomers who frequent the site are under the misconception that XDA is an extension of their carrier technical support department. This becomes apparent when I read posts complaining about issues with features or demanding an answer to their problem. As most of these newcomers are less technical, they lack the expertise required to assess the problem and determine the correct terminology to use in a search.

The current consumer model is not conducive to holding carrier and device manufacturers accountable. The current marketing paradigm is about convenience and how the one device that "does it all" is here. Most consumers buy into the paradigm and spend little to no time researching before the purchase. Once the device is purchased and fails to meet expectations, they simply go out and purchase something else.

vBulletin Search is horrible and unless one has a PhD in XDA Google Search, the likelihood of finding a meaningful answer in a billion threads is well ... challenging at best.

There are other observations that I have made; but the ones above are IMHO, some of the key issues and why I prefer to take a less aggressive approach when moderating newcomer posts.

Regards,
[About XDA developers] madnish30:
Those observations are very accurate and sums up the issue well, Hilaireg.
[About XDA developers] egzthunder1:
Thanks to all for giving your two cents on this rather important issue. The problems that we currently face are a product of people not having a sense of community. As hilaireg stated, many come here for a "quick fix" simply because the CSR at their company had no idea what to do and decided to direct you here to see if maybe you could fix the issue yourself.

Admittedly, there are search engines that are somewhat better than vB's, but the point that the OP is making is 100% dead on target. By playing "smarta$$" and replying "search, you n00b" instead of providing any meaningful reply will do nothing else than dilute the results of your search. Having said this, people complaining that the search does not work, 8 times out of 10, are expecting the right answer to pop up in the first result from the thread, and will probably give up if by the second or third link they have not found anything. Patience is a virtue, and people looking for knowledge should expect for this to come at the price of a little effort.
[About XDA developers] kidrythm:
I went from a $10 clamshell dumdum phone for 6 years, whambang straght into my Leo. I am over 36 & under 38 years old.

It took me 3 months of fumbling around getting peeved over constant resetting and crashes.

Not once did I bother anyone here with a question that with a bit of hands on do-it-yourself would eventually learn on my own.

However, I had Tmo tech. on speed dial...

I am not new to the forum game though...check my thread "Throttled". lol.

anywho, my phone will remain stock with tweaks, skins, and sweet theme action.

This is an awesome piece of awesome, but NOT for the severely impatient or timid.

Thank you XDA for doing the absolute maximum in making my leo purrrr!!!!

and moan threads are for sissies btw...lol.
[About XDA developers] TheATHEiST:
@ hilaireg & egzthunder1

I understand and agree to some extent your points but the fact of the matter is that something really needs to be done to halt or slow down the amount of dupe posts or other that are polluting/diluting the forum.

I'm going to be honest I dont really have any problems using vB search and usally find the info I need. PLUS much rather find the info myself because it also makes me learn other stuff in process that I may need in future that I wouldnt usually learn if I had just gone and asked somebody for specific info.

Here are the steps I take to find the relevant info...

Check stickies

Check latest topics

Use search function (topic titles)

Use search function (topic content)

Then if I dont find any info I want I begin to start a new thread and take note of the "similar threads" function before posting. If all else fails I use google.

The problem is that 99% of newbies dont do any of this or very little to look for what they need info/help on, They just rather create a topic and let the info be brought to them, which is fine but majority of questions are already answered in stickies or tuts/guides which are easy to find.

I really think that we need to have a 100 post limit on the dev section this will reduce by allot the amount of spam we get, maybe not specifically for replying to topics but certainly for creating them. And also maybe a FAQ sticky in each Q&A forum with links to most asked ones.
[About XDA developers] apallohadas:
The newbies aren't the only problem.

*You* yourself recently lit into a newbie in a very uncalled for fashion. With your post and the followups to your post, you helped muddy the waters for finding actual solutions.

There are solutions:

1) the OPs start updating their original posts with solutions to outstanding problems. The search engine is only as good as the queries being put into it, and as more "SEARCH DA TRED NEB3!!!" responses fill the thread, that makes actually finding the solution all the more difficult.

2) Regulars stop flaming the newbies. When I first started posting here I got a number of @ss**** responses to reasonable questions. If regulars behave like that, what type of newbs do you think you're attracting?
[About XDA developers] Tribulattifather:
Lets not make this a 'he said/she said' or a pointing-fingers thread.

For a solution to the problem at hand, when we see such behavior, we can easily rectify it - as the OP stated - by posting the answer to questions instead of telling the person to search for the answer.

Now this does also bring a 'double-edge' scenario: This may give the n00bs the idea that it is okay to post a question without searching. But this is already happening.

So if we at least cut the amount of posts about the same topic down, there will be less of what bothers the senior members. And we won't have to suggest 'Search the forums for the answer.'

As a possible-soon-to-be-moderator of the Herald forums, I promise to do this myself. Hopefully, we can all agree to do the same as Senior Members of this community. I also don't expect anyone who has less than a hundred posts to do this, but, hopefully a trend will catch on.
[About XDA developers] TheATHEiST:
Hey I didnt say they was the only problem, hence "99%".

If we keep re-iterating the same answers we are just going round in circles. The ONLY way to solve this is to somehow halt/slow them from asking the same repeat questions in first place, not just keep providing the answers every time they decide to be lazy and ask the same question and not just that they also ask them by creating a topic in the wrong places.
[About XDA developers] EddyOS:
It's not just the HD2 forum, it's the same in the Desire one too (and yes, I'm guilty of a bit of flaming but some people just ask EXTREMELY dumb questions and even when you answer continue to ignore you so they deserve it)

Rule 1 of the forum is to search and for those who haven't even done that they deserve it too. But to those who say they've actually tried and not found anything I'll try and be helpful
[About XDA developers] uberamd:
These people just need to learn the proper way to ask a question. If you want a response from the power-hungry people who reply with insults, you must phrase it properly.

Instead of saying: "How do you get bluetooth working in Android NAND?"

They need to say: "

Android on the HD2 SUCKS

because bluetooth doesn't work right!"

What you will then see is these jerks flocking to prove the OP wrong, all while answering his question. 90% of the time, it works every time.
[About XDA developers] apallohadas:
But if we do keep reiterating the answers to properly asked questions, that makes the search engine more useful for those that do use it. The answer doesn't get buried in 'you suk n00b' responses.

If a person feels they can't respond without insults, then they should have the self control not to respond right?
[About XDA developers] madnish30:
IMO the ones with knowledge need self control and should control their temper; and be helping ( luckily for us most are ).

And the n00bs need to know the forum decorum and manners better.

And the minimum posts requirement to post in dev. section is a small but very important step in the right direction, I recall when I signed up on XDA for months I was just reading and posting. And posted only in the Q&A threads or threads related to fashing/ROMs ( when I needed help with that); but these days the people won't have the patience to do that.

Either we need to vomit it out on them or somehow teach them the old school method of search + posting on right threads/forums.
[About XDA developers] aenedor:
I have replied on the HD2 Android forums, telling the person off for not searching first but then answering their questions as best as I could.

Maybe that is the way? give them the answer but tell them that next time they should use search first?

Another thing, I visited the HD2 Android forum since July, I noticed a trend as the same questions got asked week in week out, as the weeks went by new persons would reply with constructive answers. This is a good thing and very cool :)

On the WP7 forums... dual booting and getting a key from MS have raised the entry level, I think this is why we are seeing an increase in posts that frankly make me want to hold my head in my hands. It is fantastic that there is such enthusiasm :) but on the basis of some of the posts I read these persons are simply not equipped to get WP7 working :/ So maybe treat WP7 forum as a special case and not judge it as we do the others?
[About XDA developers] Haizum74:
I think the other issue is that while people can search and read others questions that are the same or similar, it is not personal to that person. If they post their own thread then it is personal to them, they made that and 'own' it regardless if something similar has been answered in the past. In a way its like you getting someone else to ask your questions all the time and having to accept the answer without being able to question it again. Would piss you off hey?
[About XDA developers] TheATHEiST:
Why couldn't they question it again? Anybody is welcome to reply in a thread that has had a question asked and answered, If there is something they need clarifying there is nothing stopping them from asking in there but majority just bypass these threads and start there own with same initial question.

PS. Love the avatar ;)
[About XDA developers] smoothone:
To the OP, you make a valid point but sorry buddy people just get fed up with others laziness. This happens in all of the forums and it will continue just like the "tards" will keep being lazy and asking redundant questions and starting redundant threads. Straight up laziness! Just like they feel they have the right to do these things well others do have the right to flame!
[About XDA developers] Archer:
Spot on mate. That is 100% the point I'm trying to get across. You just made my huge post look silly ;)
[About XDA developers] rosedog:
Agrees 100% with what you said and as a newer user to this board I've tried the search function and it can be completely overwhelming. Take for example anything Android for the HD2 and you get a +52 page thread. Crap! Grab a blanket, a candle, an apple and don't forget to say her name Atreyu because its almost a neverending story.
[About XDA developers] rosedog:
It might happen sometimes but that's no reason for us to be pricks about it.

IIRC I remember a news post not to long ago, along the lines of XDA needs new members. Being politely kind instead of "Go eff yourself n00b, figure it out for yourself" goes a long way. Soon enough n00bs become regulars and regulars become senior members and such the circle of life begins anew. BUT if said n00bs can't get with it then off with their heads.
[About XDA developers] johnson8cyl:
Lmao rosedog. Loving the humor. This happens in every thread here. Can't really say anything that hasn't been stated already. I think the threads with questions and no answers need to be deleted by the mods so read time is shorter maybe? And answers need to be added to the op for easy access. People are lazy.

On the other hand I read a LOT before I got into root and haven't had to ask stupid questions. Have never flamed either. It's all in the attitude. I have to much to do/learn/read to be flaming. I either help or keep cruising. Those should really be your choices.
[About XDA developers] rosedog:
Thank you, thank you... I'll be here all week and don't forget to tip your waitress! :D

^^

Now if someone would kindly point me in the right direction to find this "XDA App" I would be greatly appreicative!.
[About XDA developers] Archer:
On the Market, search for "xda-developers". You can search for "xda app", but that brings up lots of other stuff too. The app is 2nd down the list for me when I do that, but it will obviously vary from region to region.
[About XDA developers] not2nys:
The biggest problem with the HD2 forums is support.

Of course, everything the chefs do to help bring Android or WP7 to the HD2 is

really beta or even alpha. But, when fixes are made or troubleshooting occurs,

the OPs are almost never updated to provide n00bs with the information that

will help everyone. And, not everyone can stay glued to a thread to keep up

with all the bug fixes or troubleshooting success stories. Search only goes so

far with vBulletin, as well.

Really, while the mods have done a great job organizing the boards to a more

logical layout, they need to start focusing the chefs to keep their threads

organized. We've got a lot of brilliant people around here, and they're often

frantically flooding us with new information, updates, and builds. The mods

need to remind these guys and gals that they need to keep it organized.

Personally, I would start locking threads if they got too fragmented (currently,

most of them IMO). Of course, I'm a control freak. I admit it, LOL.

Threads should be:

OP - Release information with

explicit directions for success

.

1st reply - ALL Troubleshooting and bugfixes, updated by chef.

2nd reply - Future updates.

3rd-on - User posts.

If a chef can't or doesn't provide reasonable support, then the thread should be

locked until the chef can appropriate more time to supporting the release. An

awesome build or app, that works, and is supported, makes one a hero. A build

or an app with zero support makes one a jerk.
[About XDA developers] Haizum74:
Why couldnt they? Well they do by setting up another thread and this in turn pisses folk off. I think its the psychology of it all that they take ownership of their thread and question. Its more personal to them. I am of course just judging this on my own opinion but I have done it myself.

PS. Lol, liking yours too, nice one.
[About XDA developers] jemaho:
I totally agree with johncmolyneux here. I posted today a tip (the one about putting your battery for 5 mins in a fridge to put it alive for a little after in order to recharge it) and got insulted by a kiddo.

What he doesn't know is that I'm MCSE and have a degree in physics. My guess is that the HD2 subforum is in need of a serious mod to calm down this kind of replies.
[About XDA developers] hazard99:
Just so you know this isnt just a problem with the forum's or any forum's for that matter. It's an actual problem with people in real life.

I work in a computer retail environment. I can't count how many times I've been asked what a pop up message means. My first response is "cant you freakin read".

Then I think back to my recent experience with vision loss. My eyes wouldnt focus and it was hard to even make out peoples faces.

I also often get a lot of people expecting support for free. they often get pissed off when I tell them it cost money for me to help. They can't tell the different between the company that made the item and the store that sells it.

Recent dialog with a customer.

Me: hi how can I help you.

customer: Can you set up my printer? I do not know how!

Me: Yes for 30.00.

customer:(dirty look) Are you crazy. I can have someone

come to my house for 20.

me: ok

customer: well I could just return it.

me: (smiles) ok well we do charge a restocking fee.

customer: I cant win can I.

The point of bringing that up is this. We have no idea what is going on in someones life. They may have a hard time understand how to navigate the forums or even real life items. It seems a lot easier to just answer their question.

Aslo We are the minority. These things are second nature to a lot of us. Overall I've found that if I cant respond in a nice fashion I dont respond at all.
[About XDA developers] ayyu3m:
i salute johncmolyneux for opening a thread to discuss this ever growing situation. as he stated, a wider forum means a wider range of audience.

thing is, "search" is so easy to spell than to do an actual search and reply.

all of us are not equal in intelligence and the ability to think beyond and do a simple google search.

this becomes specially true when you have a dead device in hand.

i wud say 60% of us in the forum are jus youngsters and we dont own a second device in our daily lives. set aside, the ones provided by our company.

there is the human rule. we panic when we loose something suddenly. be it a phone too. and it takes just one of us to add insult to injury.

so we jus need to push on thru our assault and try a little guidance method on first approach.

sure if the "noob" is repeating the question over and over again, this tends to get our nerves.

anyone can check my recent posts in the diamond forum. in one week there have been 3-4 bricks reported by 3-4 new users.

i try to cool them down, by asking obvious questions which are helpful for them. for example, if they can load into bootloader mode. if they can download the stock rom. and if the serial is not accepted, i try to find them the official rom.

ofcoz i cud go on and say..."search" and smash them saying methods to unbrick hav been said so many times. but i dont.

and know what. i never stop until there problem have been solved. ofcoz maybe 1 out of 4, i may have not been able to solve completely due to no official rom available...i wud gladly say, those who had their problem solved never posted again about the same problem in the diamond forum / rom development.

in simple terms. dont jus go flaming for the sake of your know-how or to boost ur ego / post numbers. and if you dont want to help...jus let it go. someone who has more time will eventually help. it is better than killing someone's hope i tell you really!!!

i dont mean to anger anyone if any!...jus an explanation of how i handle things and add to this great forum
[About XDA developers] apallohadas:
You sir/mame are showing our age!!!
[About XDA developers] geddeeee:
Totally agree!!!

XDA forums at the moment are full of abusive replies and people who are intent on flaming.

Over the last week or so, I have posted a few comments/observations about WP7 on the HD2. I was totally ripped to pieces and abused.

Not everyone is doing this. A few user names have been noted, and I will be avoiding them at all costs. They are doing nothing for these excellent forums. Their apparent 'know-it-all' attitude is really starting to grate.

As we all know, everyone's hardware and software combinations, will yield differing results. To be told, I am a retard and doing it wrong, and that my observation or opinion is not valid or completely wrong is beyond annoying.

I have over 20 years experience in developing for various OS (including the new WP7). For these people to say that my opinion is sh*t or not valid, just because they experience differing results, is frankly bullsh*t. It seems their point of view is the ONLY one that is right!!!

I won't bother posting anymore. I can do without the animosity and the smug pomposity of certain individuals.

It would be a shame if XDA forums were inhabited solely by these people, but it seems that is the direction it is going......
[About XDA developers] olyloh6696:
Haha :P

Unfortunately I have to say I am like that in my TG01 forum. I don't swear or flame at other XDA Members, but I just tell them to simply

'Search Before Posting'

I understand your logic now, and will keep that in mind :P
[About XDA developers] TheATHEiST:
That's actually a pretty cool story, very fitting and inspiring.
[About XDA developers] crawlingcity:
+1. definitely inspiring
[About XDA developers] Archer:
Now that's what I'm talking about! Cheers Dan :)
[About XDA developers] tmihai20:
This is not the only place it happens. If there is a forum, where people post any methods that imply following some steps, there will always be people messing something up and people giving short and hateful answers. As far as I am concerned, I have tried to help people. The same situation happened in the Artemis forum, right after Sternas released his first modded ROM that was not compatible with HSPL. They had problems removing HSPL and therefore the phone would not function properly. After a while people got tired of answering the same question over and over again and started pointing people to search instead of asking. Even when the first post had link to the posts explaining the procedure, there would still be questions about that. You are absolutely right, but we must draw a line somewhere. Those users that do not search should be punished as well as people not helping them. I know a forum that lost its greatest contributors because a mod didn't like the answer he received and started punishing people for nothing. He should have known better to search than any other regular user.
[About XDA developers] polo735:
Some users need to get over it. If you really care, just hit the report button on bad posts.

This forum has gotten pretty stupid for all the ways already mentioned. The situation is just a problem of human nature. Its a huge forum with tons of users from all over the world. You have the smart devs, the helpful users, the lazy users, and the jerks. Its a cross-section of humanity. Get used to it.

Just be happy with what you get out of the forum. The forum that allows us to have a device with extreme hacky geekness and crazy multibooting sickness.