A noobs guide: what is a ROM, Radio, etc - Upgrading, Modifying and Unlocking

right...theres the title...anyone care to enlighten me?
Please don't post about searching as I've spent the last 30mins looking around various posts with little to show for it.
tbh, I'm suprised this isn't a Sticky already at the top of this thread?
If I have completely missed this somewhere on the site, please let me know!
Cheers
Wayne

ignore me...I FINALLY found a reference to it in another thread!
For any others who are blind (like me) or just can't be arsed:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HimalayaFAQ

Related

'n00b' Bashing

I'm fairly new to this forum, however have been a member of many other forums.
I find this forum quite interesting from the point of view that anyone who asks a question is in danger of being immediately flamed and potentially to the point of never returning.
I recently looked at a thread where someone asked a question that was answered somewhere else. Three members jumped on the bandwagon to flame to poor sod. Another member jumped in to defend the fact that people should be free to ask questions.
In the end, there were 12 replies to the question that, in that thread, was never actually answered.
12 posts just to discuss the relevance or appropriateness of the question that was not even answered.
Most forums I have been a member of have some very strict views on staying on topic. This reduces the flaming which seems to do more 'cluttering' damage that questions that have been already answered.
So if I have a question, I will STF only to find 42,000 topics on the same thing that don't actually answer anything, but discuss the "relevance or appropriateness of the question that was not even answered".
If the members, who should know better, stayed on topic then people would be able to readily identify the good threads more easily and not feel it nessesary to ask again... and again... and again.
So... Instead of flaming n00b questions that have allegedly been answered before, why don't the members of this forum look in the mirror and...
STAY ON TOPIC!!!​
Note that I have posted this where I think this kind of discussion belongs... (i.e. not in any of the threads that actually deal with meaningfull discussions about phones).
Let the flames begin...
sounds like you are talking about the hermes wm6 forum... yes we know there is a problem... yes, we are working on it.. and there is already a thread for this.. so there was no reason to start another
BaggyG said:
I'm fairly new to this forum, however have been a member of many other forums.
I find this forum quite interesting from the point of few that anyone who asks a question is in danger of being immediately flamed and potentially to the point of never returning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
STFU noob.
ok, I jest... but seriously, it did reach breaking point and something had to give... fortunately it's unwinding itself now.
Also to be fair to long time members though, every time a new OS version is out, the place is flooded with n00bs that usually don't even take the time to look at the threads presend on the same damn page.
It's beyond lazy, it's just ignorant to expect people to wipe their arse for them even if the toilet roll is right there in front of them.
Sometimes help is warranted and they get flamed, but when upgrading these expensive devices, they should take the time to understand more about it
Perhaps we should have an aptitude test before allowing access to the forums hehe.
shogunmark said:
sounds like you are talking about the hermes wm6 forum... yes we know there is a problem... yes, we are working on it.. and there is already a thread for this.. so there was no reason to start another
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gee... Hermes forum? How'd ya guess
I tried STF for a thread on this, but couldn't decide what to search on: n00b? Flame? Agro? Dummy spit? Ignorant?... So many choices
But okay... I've had my say so I'll pull my head in and get back to my life.
By the way... Great forum and wiki. Very helpful and informative.
Baggy
Same thing can be observed in the prophet forum too, lately. Once a new OS is out for the device the same questions are flooding over and over again. And it's surprising to see that the so called noobs who just started "annoying" the others are flaming the next generation of noobs who introduce themselves with the same kind of "new and unanswered" questions. The people are not stupid,but the are lazy a... I have the feeling that certain forums are laking of active moderators who maintain order when necessary.
While I think it's important to encourage all members (yes I've seen a few senior members asking things that have been previously discussed in the same thread) I think the whole attitude about it is wrong. There's really no need to get all pissy about it, and much less calling people "noob". Really someone that goes off on a noob rant can't have much of a life in my opinion. We are all busy -some more then others- and we really don't want to waste time answering redundant questions, but isn't going off on someone and calling them a noob an even worst usage of our valuable time? besides..... who really gives a rats ass about getting called a noob.
In closing, if you feel a noob is bothering you, ignore him and he might eventually get the point, or behave like a human beign and help the guy out. However, as BaggyG says don't turn the damn thread into a name calling fiasko. One 20 word post asking a question is not as irritating as a 500 word essay on the stupidness of noobs.
GAMBIT999 said:
Same thing can be observed in the prophet forum too, lately. Once a new OS is out for the device the same questions are flooding over and over again. And it's surprising to see that the so called noobs who just started "annoying" the others are flaming the next generation of noobs who introduce themselves with the same kind of "new and unanswered" questions. The people are not stupid,but the are lazy a... I have the feeling that certain forums are laking of active moderators who maintain order when necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
since i dont frequent the prophet forum's and im not sure who our active mod(s) are for prophet, if you would let me know what threads need to be moderated i will be more than happy to flex my muscle in there.
and actually on that note....
If anyone see's anything anywhere on this board that needs to be moderated then please either report the post or shoot me a pm or any of the other mods and i will be more than happy to do what i think is necessary with the thread or posts.
shogunmark said:
If anyone see's anything anywhere on this board that needs to be moderated then please either report the post or shoot me a pm or any of the other mods and i will be more than happy to do what i think is necessary with the thread or posts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wondering if it would be possible to put an announcement or sticky on each forum identifying the mods for that particular forum.
Just a though...
Baggy
Damn. I saw the title and thought "Man, that'd be fun!" and everyone in here is complaining about it? (joking).
Seriously though it is a problem. But everyone here can do something about stopping it. I mean, if you know there is a solution to the question they asked and it's somewhere else in the forums, give them a link and tell them how to find these answers. If you don't know exactly where it is, tell them what forum to search. At the very least, say nothing. When people only read the last page of a thread it is very annoying but those are best ignored. There is absolutely no need to publicly flame someone and waste even more space on a thread.
I'm currently working on a bug tracking system for new roms so hopefully that will reduce a lot of these kind of questions by keeping answers with the questions and moderators and chef's being able to easily delete repeated posts.
It's just a bit of common courtesy which is as sadly lacking as common sense at the moment unfortunately.
Maz
http://maz.net.au/
one of the other things is the sheer VOLUME of replies, in the Hermes section, there are over 250 replies in a couple of threads! not meaning to sound lazy, but that is a hell of a lot!!!
of corse i'm reading them and reading repeat after repeat of questions that are the same.
Its great when the #1 topic poster goes through the posts and copies soloutions to problems and presents it in the 1st post!
hmm think thats covered just about everything on my mind
*gets flamethrower out*
Flamin' time =D
kiddin'
Y'all have to admit. Some of the "senior" members here have this god complex.
Once they manage to have their devices run unofficial stuff - even if it isn't their own work, and they were just following simple instructions, which don't really take much work once you get down to it - they think it gives them every right to go Bastard Operator From Hell to just about anyone else.
I guess it's pretty normal for unofficial channels, innit - I see the same kind of folks in emulation and driver forums. Not to mention linux and hardware boards. But some of the "ascended" here ought to remember that they didn't start as gods, and may not really be that much of a "god" after all.
You know there are noobs and then there are noobs.
Take a look at this thread. If every novice would put half the effort in as this guy did we wouldn't be having this dessication at all.
Don't get me wrong, I do not support flaming (well maybe with some small exceptions) and say what you will about senior members but at least all those guys who "just followed simple instructions" had the sense to go find and read those instructions.
So can your really blame someone who spent time reading and learning when he sees the forum flooded by people who expect to be walked through something step by step without bothering to put in even a minimum effort?
No, dozen responses that don't answer the question are not the solution, but hey everyone needs to went somehow.
levenum said:
You know there are noobs and then there are noobs.
Take a look at this thread. If every novice would put half the effort in as this guy did we wouldn't be having this dessication at all.
Don't get me wrong, I do not support flaming (well maybe with some small exceptions) and say what you will about senior members but at least all those guys who "just followed simple instructions" had the sense to go find and read those instructions.
So can your really blame someone who spent time reading and learning when he sees the forum flooded by people who expect to be walked through something step by step without bothering to put in even a minimum effort?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. There's WAAAAYY too much "how do I. . ." posts in the forums when all the information is already there for READING. More stickys at the top of the forums won't solve the problem, because the ones that are there WITH the information are not being read by the noobs even now.
It's really sad for me to see the direction that this board has taken in the past year. When I first registered, it was an AWESOME site with LOTS of users developing useful tools and apps to make these devices even better . . . a place to share ideas and to try out the cooked ROMs.
Then, we had an influx of new users about 6 months ago that simply couldn't -- or WOULDN'T -- search for answers before posting. Now, the board is so bloated with those useless posts/threads that it's a nightmare using the search function anymore.
While I still come here daily to check the General section and the Wizard section, I don't do much posting and only read the threads of general interest to me. I'll help where I can on answering questions -- but only if they haven't already been asked a gazillion times before. I still look for the tools and apps from the developers here to keep tweaking my phone to get the absolute MOST out of it, and I've flashed more ROMs from this site than Quaker's got oats. -- and all without asking "how do I. . ." or "I've bricked my phone. . . " because I READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE DOING ANYTHING!!!
It's really that simple. All you have to do is READ and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS -- step by step. Don't skip a step or leave anything out, and it works!!!
that it's a nightmare using the search function anymore.
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Click to collapse
As much as I see your point, I have only 2 words to say. "Vicious Cycle".
I'm also a noob but i dont care because i know my options, first do a search ( which by the way is pratically unusable, but not only here all foruns have this problem), but in a community so big it´s comprehensive cause sometimes the answer to the problem is two threads bellow or in the next page, but no let´s open another thread asking the same thing, and i know that such attitude will lead to saturation of the older members.
The answer is simple if someone is in the mood answer if not leave it, until the users realize their options to search for things this will never end.
I'm glad to be here because above all it's a learning place for the ones who enjoy this platform and the ones who just like to know about varied stuff.
Cheers and have a nice weekend
yes thanks everyone for all thr help and advice. Keep it up!
Peace out
Registration fees
To alleviate the amount of worthless posts and to give something back to those that dedicate so much time and effort to this forum (rom cookers, admins and mods) why dont we add a registration fee to this forum?
Just a thought, but I would happily pay an annual fee of 20 eur / 15 GBP for this forum.
Searching
I think that quite a lot of the problem is with how difficult it is to get answers out of the forum search facility if you're not used to it.
Could it be possible to add a dumb-ass version that's the default?
There have been no end of times in the past when i've been searching for info on upgrading and I have to trawl through hundreds of irrelevant posts (most of them telling people to go to other posts that don't have the right info on them).
Also, back in the day there was a lot more info on the wiki section relating to the upgrading/modding etc but now (understandably given the number of devices available) the information only seems to be in the forums.
I like the idea of having a sticky in each thread listing useful articles on common topics. I bet no one will bother to read them though.
I still think my library illustration I gave over at TC stills says it best.
We all know the library is full of info on so many things you could want to know. And we all know what's expected of us in a library; go find the book on the subject. If you have trouble finding the answer, then ask your question.
I think where so many go wrong is thinking that they can just walk in to the library and start asking questions from whoever just happens to be there, rather than first trying to find the answer for themselves in the variety of books available.
And what's wrong with someone who at first was a noob - asking repeated questions - and then learning what's expected of them, and then expecting the same from others? You got told to be quiet in the library, at first you were offended, and then began to realize the benefit, and then inturn expect the same from others.
I really don't expect people to figure it out. Call me a pessimist or call me a realist.
Oh, by-the-way, have you noticed that this kind of topic always results in long, drawn-out posts?

Radio Versions..............

Hi guys. First off please do not shoot me for this question, but I truly think this will help alot of people here, including the pro 'chefs'. Anyway I just wanted to know where to find the different radio roms which exist. Trust me I spent more than an hour looking for them and didnt find one. So please can someone have mercy and just post them on one sticky for all the good people here...............Thanks in advance
well, there are lots of threads for radios in the wizard forums and wizard wiki, i don't check the other forums (yet), and googling this site gave me LOTS of results for various devices

My Head's Going to Explode - Sticky's == Good

With the amount of editing and new versions of ROM's and applications, and people's suggestions, it takes going 39 pages deep into a thread to get any good info, or a download.
For Example, Kavana's thread, Rickwyatt's thread....my god. Is it possible to sticky JUST the latest version of ROM's, applications, etc.
So many versions of everyone's ROM, it's hard for the newer people (such as myself) to know wtf ROM to get, and to know if they're inclusive to updates from the previous version.
I installed Kavana's lastest ROM a few weeks ago, but I like some of the updates that Rickwyatt has done, but it's so hard to understand the progression of versions. Also Rickwyatt's threat makes my eyes bleed with all the ascii seperating the versions. A FINAL version would be nice, and a list of what it includes.
Another sticky with add-on links or attachments would be key as well. I think keeping ROMs and apps down to a few threads would be a lot easier for people who are new to flashing to understand.
I wish we had a moderator in this forum, that actually took care of these things, but it doesn't look like one exists.
d0m1n0 said:
With the amount of editing and new versions of ROM's and applications, and people's suggestions, it takes going 39 pages deep into a thread to get any good info, or a download.
For Example, Kavana's thread, Rickwyatt's thread....my god. Is it possible to sticky JUST the latest version of ROM's, applications, etc.
So many versions of everyone's ROM, it's hard for the newer people (such as myself) to know wtf ROM to get, and to know if they're inclusive to updates from the previous version.
I installed Kavana's lastest ROM a few weeks ago, but I like some of the updates that Rickwyatt has done, but it's so hard to understand the progression of versions. Also Rickwyatt's threat makes my eyes bleed with all the ascii seperating the versions. A FINAL version would be nice, and a list of what it includes.
Another sticky with add-on links or attachments would be key as well. I think keeping ROMs and apps down to a few threads would be a lot easier for people who are new to flashing to understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're absolutely right. Doing so would eliminate a lot of the redundant questions that continue to be asked. By the way, it bothers me when noobs get pounced on because they ask questions that have already been covered. Unless they've been lurking for weeks prior to registering--how are they to know that their issues have already been adressed several times before?! I'm by no means an expert...but I am a tad more knowledgeable now than I was when I first logged on here. I STILL have "noobish" questions here and there! Some are VERRRRRY NOOBISH! lol But I would hope that someone would lend a hand to help me out from time to time. ((exhaling)) Whew...
I agree with everything that what just said. I am new and I find it hard to search for anything because I don't know what's new or updating. I started a thread for help and no one seems to wanna help.
I've been here for a while now, I just don't post as much, only if necessary and mind you, getting my thread sticked - The Upgrade from Windows 5 to 6 Guide was a mission. I even asked to be the moderator for this forum because I really have a good idea as to where what can go, Me & OrganicM/Ricky/Kavana/RIPSyntaxx are some of the members I can think of as moderators. I asked many times to be the moderator but I didn't even get a reply to know if I was selected or not.
If I'm elected as the moderator, I'll organize everything as soon as possible and delete threads that are not needed and taking space for no reason. I'll do it accordingly
1) Guides for Upgrading/Solution to Errors etc
2) SIM/CID/APP Unlock
3) ROMS
4) Registry Hacks/Tweaks
5) Apps
6) Backgrounds/Themes
7) Games
6) Suggestions
7) Etc
- That's just a quick rough format but you get the drill
and let me tell you something, I completely agree even with whatever that's been said, even though I'm an old member - I had to dig through threads to even find stuff that's worth it for me, for example - registry tweaks for OldSaps Favorites to work - cmon now :S
I had to search and search - so why not make it easier for all newb's and old members so everythings organized and in one place??
Can some moderator help us out? In the smartphone section, we have the most Excalibur users compared to other phones. I'm not putting anyone down but there's many threads compared to others.
Why not make 3 moderators for each section? If you guys think I'm good enough to be a moderator, I don't mind. I'd be happy to moderate - If not me, no problem - Anyone senior who knows the subject and knows what to do to keep this thread clean !
Please Help Us, Moderators !
lukybandit said:
I've been here for a while now, I just don't post as much, only if necessary and mind you, getting my thread sticked - The Upgrade from Windows 5 to 6 Guide was a mission. I even asked to be the moderator for this forum because I really have a good idea as to where what can go, Me & OrganicM/Ricky/Kavana/RIPSyntaxx are some of the members I can think of as moderators. I asked many times to be the moderator but I didn't even get a reply to know if I was selected or not.
If I'm elected as the moderator, I'll organize everything as soon as possible and delete threads that are not needed and taking space for no reason. I'll do it accordingly
1) Guides for Upgrading/Solution to Errors etc
2) SIM/CID/APP Unlock
3) ROMS
4) Registry Hacks/Tweaks
5) Apps
6) Backgrounds/Themes
7) Games
6) Suggestions
7) Etc
- That's just a quick rough format but you get the drill
and let me tell you something, I completely agree even with whatever that's been said, even though I'm an old member - I had to dig through threads to even find stuff that's worth it for me, for example - registry tweaks for OldSaps Favorites to work - cmon now :S
I had to search and search - so why not make it easier for all newb's and old members so everythings organized and in one place??
Can some moderator help us out? In the smartphone section, we have the most Excalibur users compared to other phones. I'm not putting anyone down but there's many threads compared to others.
Why not make 3 moderators for each section? If you guys think I'm good enough to be a moderator, I don't mind. I'd be happy to moderate - If not me, no problem - Anyone senior who knows the subject and knows what to do to keep this thread clean !
Please Help Us, Moderators !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's make this guy moderator. newbs like me need a guide.
I agree! This forum is great but looking for the information is become more difficult and sometimes confusing.
I agree we need some moderators here, but i think we might have to post this on the general Section, see if we get the moderators to help us out.
I fully agree. I joined this forum just a couple of weeks ago, and it's been a living h*ll waving through all the threads here at XDA and at Howardforums just to find the solutions I need. Even the FAQ threads at Howardforums are ancient and 50+ pages, just a lot of stuff to read.
Get a poll going on.
I definitely agree with this and strongly urge EVERYONE to support so we can get 3 moderators. I myself can be one depending on user response as I'm familiar with the layout, the content and have been here for a while to know what's good and what's not. I was the one who wrote the The Windows Mobile 5 to 6 Guide and I know it helped a lot of people. Before, people used to post questions non stop and eventually a lot of users got frustrated. I do suggest a FULL CLEAN UP of this section and I could get it done hopefully by the coming weekend if everyone here helps me out to become a moderator. Here's my suggestions for moderators
1) Organic (AMAZING Contributor - The 6.1 Slide Panel King)
2) Outerdepth (Very Helpful - Has the knowledge and the resources available to help you)
3) PudgeDaddy (Was one of the prime reasons behind Weather Panel and has contributed a lot as well and is very helpful from first-hand experience
and finally Me only because I do have the extra time to help clean up the mess, have the knowledge, have been posting regularly and finally know what to do when it comes to helping the majority of questions.
It's upto you guys and someone has to e-mail the Moderators because I did in the past and No Luck. Finally, I'm not sure if everyone's willing to do this (from the 3 that I suggested) but I definitely will be happy to do it.
Keep Posting and Let's do something about this, guys !
What do you say guys?
Help me out here.
if you want to provide useful, up-to-date info, why not use the wiki?
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Excalibur
I will be happy to moderate the threads and forum here. I'm here almost 24 7 anyway. I've also tried to PM other moerators and even the admin...with no luck.
After reading this thread, I feel like I'm on Capitol Hill. lol Re-elect lukybandit for District 4 congressman!
I posted a verbose request for Mods (or making our own) to the staff here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=392112
Please visit, and maybe tack your approval on too? If everyone does this, it might affect them more?
Profezza said:
I posted a verbose request for Mods (or making our own) to the staff here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=392112
Please visit, and maybe tack your approval on too? If everyone does this, it might affect them more?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did my part on this lets hope we get more people to comment on it so we could get this going.
I'd be more than happy to moderate the Excalibur thread as well. I am almost here 24/7 myself. Me, Organic & one more person who is a regular (so far I've seen outerdepth to be pretty regular and jjdograz - not sure if thats the right username) but yes both of these are very helpful, have the knowledge and are pretty regular. I'd definitely help this forum out. I know what to do and how to get rid of the junk as soon as possible and help this thread a better place to be. Right now, in my opinion - it is a nightmare. So many newb's and even old-timers have such a hard time finding the right information. As Windows 6.1 is the current ROM, Me & Organic will collaborate and break it down for everybody with the right sticky's and information needed to get your 6.1 up & running without errors. Furthermore, I will have Recommendations (for apps, regedits), solutions to errors etc. You get the picture. I love XDA and so does almost everybody. Without XDA, my phone would have been a HTC s620 but thanks to XDA it's now a customized and highly modified machine.
I've said what I could have, please read my previous posts to see what I would do and how I would do things. If you don't think I'm the right person, no problem
I only want 3 moderators in this forum so visiting XDA could be a peaceful one. As of now, the search function has been fully abused, atleast by me because I have such a hard time finding the right information when infact, all the crucial information should be stickied.
Anyway, do your part and help get this going. As it'll only benefit newbies and ofcourse old timers, it's best we get to this as soon as possible. Thanks
Cmon guys we got to get this going so we could have a beter looking forum and make it easy to all of us to find updates.
I think the ROM cooks just need to learn to use the wiki. e.g. have a table sorted by date of all the ROMs and a page about each.
Good point... but the question is... will the majority of the users use the wiki ? Nope.

Excalibur wiki

I've been trying to spelunk through the posts here and put all the salient information in some sort of organized form on the wiki. Hopefully it'll give newcomers and lurkers a good starting point. Also, it should help eliminate some arrogant "we've answered this a thousand times" responses from regulars. In the absence of a good team of moderators, hopefully it will help out.
Check it out here: http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Excalibur
nice work
Thanks, this will help a lot of people.
Good work!
Cheers.
Excelent summary
beartard said:
I've been trying to spelunk through the posts here and put all the salient information in some sort of organized form on the wiki. Hopefully it'll give newcomers and lurkers a good starting point. Also, it should help eliminate some arrogant "we've answered this a thousand times" responses from regulars. In the absence of a good team of moderators, hopefully it will help out.
Check it out here: http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Excalibur
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kudos!
I think that's a great idea! Keep conversations in the forums that reference a wiki of key information.
Just wanted to say...
Good job. I'm glad someone decided to do this. Keep the posts up to date, that's the only way this thing is even slightly useful. So far, so good, though.
I'll help if you want. Just let me know what to do. Take it easy bro.
P.S. In reference to your message to me the other day. Did you notice the calendar and the clock. Both say something special on the time and dates.
LOL!
beartard said:
I've been trying to spelunk through the posts here and put all the salient information in some sort of organized form on the wiki. Hopefully it'll give newcomers and lurkers a good starting point. Also, it should help eliminate some arrogant "we've answered this a thousand times" responses from regulars. In the absence of a good team of moderators, hopefully it will help out.
Check it out here: http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Excalibur
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow thats nice, added to bookmarks
outerdepth said:
Good job. I'm glad someone decided to do this. Keep the posts up to date, that's the only way this thing is even slightly useful. So far, so good, though.
I'll help if you want. Just let me know what to do. Take it easy bro.
P.S. In reference to your message to me the other day. Did you notice the calendar and the clock. Both say something special on the time and dates.
LOL!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There have been way too many responses here lately that were less than civil to someone looking for help, as if editing a registry key is arcane knowledge that should only be held by a lofty elite. Also, there were plenty of repeat questions that may have been answered 30 pages or so down in the forum. I will tell you that the default google search of the forum is unwise and really doesn't help unless you word things very carefully. At least the "advanced" search lets you limit your search to a particular device's forum. But it's not readily obvious that the text telling you to use it is actually a link.
So, I went back to the beginning of this year to pull stuff out of forum posts for the wiki. I'm sure there was more further back, but I just didn't have the patience to cut through all the crap.
And have at it, brother. It's the community's wiki. I just figured it was time someone "seeded" it.
Sorry for the bump. Just wanted everyone to know that the wiki is being regularly updated now and most, if not all, of the frequently asked questions are there. A wealth of information has been added and some of the areas (like CHome Weather) now have their own pages.
I'm inviting everyone to help keep this up-to-date. I'll be trying to pretty it up and keep everything in some sort of unified style. If you notice anything is missing or needs to be updated, please update it. If you're uncomfortable doing that, just let me know and I'll get right on it.
beartard said:
Sorry for the bump. Just wanted everyone to know that the wiki is being regularly updated now and most, if not all, of the frequently asked questions are there. A wealth of information has been added and some of the areas (like CHome Weather) now have their own pages.
I'm inviting everyone to help keep this up-to-date. I'll be trying to pretty it up and keep everything in some sort of unified style. If you notice anything is missing or needs to be updated, please update it. If you're uncomfortable doing that, just let me know and I'll get right on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great Work, Brother.
If you noticed, I now have everything in the stickied thread and will be updating it. That way, people won't have to click a link each time because I know some people are just lazy and would rather have everything in one place.
Your an important addition to this community. Thanks once again.

[CLOSED][HOW TO] make a substantial THREAD, POST, QUESTION and POLL

So mf2112 just gave me the idea of making this thread. Thanks man!
I based this thread here and i just edited some of the lines to make it more XDA-related I HOPE THIS'LL HELP A LOT AND MAKE XDA MORE ORGANIZED
Also, if you are a NEW USER, you can just HIT THANKS instead of posting in this thread, other users might go suspicious and report you
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Click to collapse
First of all, the FORUM RULES should be FOLLOWED
What's inside:
HOW TO MAKE A THREAD
HOW TO MAKE A GOOD POST
HOW TO ASK A GOOD QUESTION
HOW TO MAKE A GOOD POLL
HOW TO MAKE A THREAD
THINK OF A GOOD TOPIC
The best web forum threads are the ones that resonate with forum members. Shoot for something that hasn't been said before.
This will draw their attention, and bring them into your forum thread. The search function is your friend, to double check that your
idea, question, opinion, etc has not already been posted recently.
If you have a unique thread with unique content, you will get a much better response. Also remember that an illiterate thread,
such as "C4n u guyz halp mmeh, i got br!cKd.", will simply scare people off, or cause them to flame.
ADD A CATCHY/ATTRACTIVE TITLE
Your forum thread's title is your one shot at getting forum members interested in your topic. Being able to create an
interesting title is a basic marketing strategy. Titles that work well are often humorous, extremely clever, or just flat out blunt.
Titles should also explain the content of the thread. Creating titles such as "Problem!" or "Sigh..."
do not let members know what the problem is, or what you are sighing about. Make sure your post explains it.
also, you can check Better Titles and Thread Tags! for further details
INCORPORATE A POLL (if necessary)
Everyone has an opinion, and everyone also loves letting their voice be heard. By adding a poll to a thread,
you will encourage people to express their opinion. This often leads to debate, which is always good for the lifespan
of a forum thread, as long as it stays friendly.
Make sure your poll consists of plenty of options. Sometimes a Yes and No aren't enough.
Adding an "Unsure/Undecided" option will help keep a poll 'clean', as it gives members a third choice.
Often when unsure, they will simply pick one, but when given the option of "Unsure",
they will be able to chose what they really feel.
PARTICIPATE IN YOUR THREAD
People often create threads and forget about them. If you are active within your forum thread,
that will help keep it on the first page. This might inspire people to contribute to the thread if
they see the creator still involved with it. This does not in any way mean you should bump or
spam your thread, as that will simply scare or annoy some people away. Make sure your posts
further the constructive discussion, so as to continue on topic.
PICTURES/CODES
Everyone loves pictures. If the cake is a lie, then this fact is the opposite of cake. Are you posting
a support thread, regarding a bug? Post a picture/codes showing the bug! Add a picture that would
simplify/help us understand your problem or thread. Pictures attract people, as long as it keeps on topic.
MAKE READERS INTERESTED
One way to make readers want to continue reading your post is humor. Humor can go a long way, as long
as it makes sense and stays on topic. Pictures also keep interest, as well as a well-organized unique thread.
ORGANIZATION
An organized thread is a good thread. Using quotations, lists, and many paragraphs can make a large
wall of text seem much less intimidating. No one, I'm sure you will agree, wants to read a giant wall of text
with only two paragraphs and three periods. Commas, periods, lists, quotes, paragraphs,
and using clear English will make any thread a winner.
DOUBLE CHECK
Does this thread need to be created? Does it have a point? Have I mentioned everything I need to?
Has a similar thread already been created recently?
ADD TAGS
At the end of a thread, you can see "EDIT TAGS". Add tags to make your thread searchable!
also, you can check Better Titles and Thread Tags! for further details
...Last Step
So, now you're ready to hit that button at the bottom, and post your magnificent beauty, correct? Wrong.
Hit that preview button next to it! Do you have everything mentioned that you wanted to mention?
Is their anything else to add, or unneeded sentences to remove? Is there any typos to be fixed?
Is the thread readable, with paragraphs, periods, commas, and so on? Does the thread look good,
clean and organized? Would >you< want to read this thread, if you were in the shoes of another member?
Now, once you have done all that, it is time to post that wonderful thread of yours for others to see.
Congratulations, you just made a good thread! :highfive::highfive::highfive:
When making a thread, and posting in it, DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING:
-Bump it with pointless posts, such as
"bump"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
,
"+1"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
,
"post people post!"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
, etc.
-Start a fight, simply because you do not agree with an opinion.
Ignore it completely, as this will simply let it die and goes to off topic.
**Now, remember, when making a thread, you do not need to use all of the above suggestions at once.
Too many pictures, jokes, and a poll in one can be overwhelming. You don't want to scare anyone away.
HOW TO POST
When posting in any thread, ask yourself the following:
Does this need to be posted? I often ask myself this question, and more often then not,
realize that the post I was making truly was not needed.
Will this post take the thread off topic, or help continue the constructiveness of the thread?
Will this post be beneficial to the thread?
Have I made my post illegible? Are there any typos? Is this simply a wall of unintelligible text?
Are there any similar posts posted before me? [Thanks ErnuB]
TIP:
NEVER quote a very long post :| unless you think it is necessary to do so.. [Thanks roofrider]
If you're confident you have covered all of the above, then you sir or madam, are ready to post :highfive:
HOW TO ASK A GOOD QUESTION
Now, sometimes you simply want to ask a question. There are many things to do BEFORE asking a question.
here are the following:
Try to find an answer by searching the forums, as many popular questions have already been answered.
Try to find an answer by searching the web for fansites and wikis with information that may help you..
Try to find an answer by reading the FAQ.
Try to find an answer by inspection or experimentation.
Try to find an answer by asking a skilled friend!
When all else fails, begin your question writing. Make sure to point out that you've done all of the above,
so you don't look like a lazy old minotaur! Also, always remember, GOOGLE and the SEARCH BAR ( found at the upper most right) are your BESTFRIENDS
Don't Panic!
Now, it's important not to panic, even if your question seems very important. A panicked question is a bad question.
Prepare Your Question
Think it through. Hasty-sounding questions get hasty answers, or none at all. The more you do to demonstrate
that having put thought and effort into solving your problem before seeking help, the more likely you are to actually get help.
Why isn't anyone helping?
Never assume you are entitled to an answer. You will earn an answer, if you earn it, by asking a
substantial, interesting, and thought-provoking question — one that implicitly contributes to the experience
of the community rather than merely passively demanding knowledge from others. Asking a bad question
will get you a bad answer, or none at all.
Wrong Question, |\|00|3! :|
Beware of asking the wrong question. If you ask one that is based on faulty assumptions, RandomGuy123
is quite likely to reply with a uselessly literal answer while thinking “Stupid question...”, and hoping the experience
of getting what you asked for rather than what you needed will teach you a lesson.
Or they will troll, flame, or insult you, which will get no one no where.
Speak English, not Engrish!
Another mistake is asking a question that is unreadable, written in l33t speak, or missing paragraphs,
commas, periods, and so on. Make sure the question is written clearly, and re-read it again. If no one can
understand the question, no one can answer it.
Should I post in an existing topic?
Make sure to remember, sometimes questions should be in posts, and sometimes in threads. It depends
on if a similar topic is active, and whether the question has been answered before. But remember,
do not hijack a small thread based on a question to begin with. Use your best judgment.
...Last Step
The last thing, is to post it in the correct section. If you have a question, then post it in the Q&A Section!
When asking a question, DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING:
Quote
Post an unreadable or confusing question.
Panic when posting a question, writing it badly and hasty.
Bump your thread, asking "why hasn't anyone helped amahgod!".
Message or email random members begging for help.
Spam your question in multiple threads.
Spam the thread in multiple sections.
Now, go post that awesome question and get an awesome answer!
Here's another good guide:
[Guide/Info] What you need to include to get help
Additional Info: (thanks to It_ler)
If neither the question nor the answer can be found, then you have to find the proper place for posting your question.
Is there a forum for your device, then go to that forum.
Is there a dedicated Question & Answer (Q&A) sub forum, then go there.
Is there a thread for asking / even for new users, with many posts and the last post is from today, then go there and post your question there.
Or is your question/issue related to a special app, the post into the apps thread, is it related to a kernel, find the kernel (discussion) thread, or is it ROM related, then use the ROM thread.
This step is very important, as you have to find a place where your post will be seen by some experienced users which know the answer.
Then check the contents of your post itself.
Please think about the xda rules (no offence, no personal attack, English, etc.).
Describe as much as possible, what might be useful for others to think about the possible cause of your issue and a good solution to fix it or to give your the right answer.
What device/model, what app(s), what firmware version (ROM, kernel, modem, etc.), what was before, what is now, what have you done, what has happened in between, etc.
Maybe not all those information is really needed to solve the issue or give your the answer, but are you sure that it is not relevant?
If you are not sure, then provide this info.
Be polite, stay as "objective" as possible ... most of the time, emotions are not needed to solve the issue
Maybe you say something like "I would appreciate any kind of suggestion, even if it does not help to solve the issue for me.", or "Thanks in advance.".
It's a kind of motivation for other users to be confident to answer your post, even if they are not absolutely sure that it really can solve your issue.
HOW TO MAKE A GOOD POLL
Ask Yourself
Before creating a poll for your thread, ask yourself "Can my question easily be voted on with small answers, or should I simply
allow people to post their opinions without a poll?". Remember, not all threads and questions deserve polls.
Some need to be answered in long posts, or answers that could vary greatly and need more then 20 options.
Create a Poll That Fits
Your poll should fit your topic. Having a topic about if bullhorses are fast enough, and then asking in your poll
"Do Steppe Horses need nerfed?", is not a good first step to getting good, accurate results.
Options Matter
You should always have plenty of answer options. "Yes" and "No" are good to begin with, but you need
to have more then that for accurate results. Someone who is not sure or has a different answer might chose
yes or no, when they would rather chose different.
For "Are bullhorses fast enough?" You could have "Yes", "No", "Undecided/Unsure".
For "Do you think this idea will help?" you could have "Yes", "No", "Undecided/Unsure", "I have a different idea and will post it below."
Do Not Post a Joke Option
Having a joke option, such as "Goat" or "Bewbz" can be funny, but will severely damage the accuracy of the poll results.
Restrain yourself from posting a joke option if you want real results.
Have Good, Easy to Understand Options
Have options that people can chose easily and understand. Using "yes" and "no" rather then "i guess, lol, whateverhahahaha"
and "whatever" will get you more voters and better results by far.
thank you,
a very well detailed guide indeed,
you are amazing. .thank you!
thank you.
it's useful for me.:good:
rainbow9 said:
thank you.
it's useful for me.:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problem glad to know it helps
Good initiative, will be added to the [Newbies][Recognized Contributors] New members friendly Q&A thread... will be really helpful for the newbies.
Sent from Nyarlathothep's SGSII..."Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn"
INDEXED in [INDEX of GUIDES/TUTORIALS] SGS2 GT-I9100 [31/08/2012]
Any Doubt, please don't hessitate to ask.
Loved it. Good guide :thumbup:
sent from the thing I stab with my finger when I get two minutes
Great thread. One of the mods needs to give it some glue
Thanks credits to mf2112 for the awesome idea
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Well done mate.
Thanks for helping out the newbies (myself included )
gsainath4u said:
Well done mate.
Thanks for helping out the newbies (myself included )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to help out
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
thank you we needed it
mburaksayici said:
thank you we needed it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hope you are guided well by this thread
saywhatt said:
HOW TO POST
When posting in any thread, ask yourself the following:
Does this need to be posted? I often ask myself this question, and more often then not,
realize that the post I was making truly was not needed.
Will this post take the thread off topic, or help continue the constructiveness of the thread?
Will this post be beneficial to the thread?
Have I made my post illegible? Are there any typos? Is this simply a wall of unintelligible text?
Should I have a cookie before work?
If you're confident you have covered all of the above, then you sir or madam, are ready to post :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would add one more question, has anyone else posted the same?
particularly when you're answering a question
ErnuB said:
I would add one more question, has anyone else posted the same?
particularly when you're answering a question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woops.. forgot that part. Thanks!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
saywhatt said:
HOW TO ASK A GOOD QUESTION
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just as a small addition:
If neither the question nor the answer can be found, then you have to find the proper place for posting your question.
Is there a forum for your device, then go to that forum.
Is there a dedicated Question & Answer (Q&A) sub forum, then go there.
Is there a thread for asking / even for new users, with many posts and the last post is from today, then go there and post your question there.
Or is your question/issue related to a special app, the post into the apps thread, is it related to a kernel, find the kernel (discussion) thread, or is it ROM related, then use the ROM thread.
This step is very important, as you have to find a place where your post will be seen by some experienced users which know the answer.
Then check the contents of your post itself.
Please think about the xda rules (no offence, no personal attack, English, etc.).
Describe as much as possible, what might be useful for others to think about the possible cause of your issue and a good solution to fix it or to give your the right answer.
What device/model, what app(s), what firmware version (ROM, kernel, modem, etc.), what was before, what is now, what have you done, what has happened in between, etc.
Maybe not all those information is really needed to solve the issue or give your the answer, but are you sure that it is not relevant?
If you are not sure, then provide this info.
Be polite, stay as "objective" as possible ... most of the time, emotions are not needed to solve the issue
Maybe you say something like "I would appreciate any kind of suggestion, even if it does not help to solve the issue for me.", or "Thanks in advance.".
It's a kind of motivation for other users to be confident to answer your post, even if they are not absolutely sure that it really can solve your issue.

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