Develop Bugs

[Possible Solution] To Newbie RTFMs

Have a look at the form here:
http://support.catalyst2.com/index.php?_m=tickets&_a=submit
1. Submit the first page with any option (doesn't matter).
2. Type a few words like "email settings".
3. Notice the suggestions which pop up at the bottom, allowing to you find the solution without even having to actually submit your query, thus cutting down on questions which could easily be answered by the questioner themselves with a little research.
I'm not saying it will be easy, and it may very well reduce the site to a crawl, but you could have a pre-fetch on the articles held in the Wiki which would provide common solutions to a lot of threads which pop up with simple questions.
What might this require?
1. An up-to-date, correct, and well-referenced Wiki
2. Presumably a lot of server horsepower!
What will this prevent?
1. Easily answered questions like "Where can I find links to all the WM6 ROMs?
What will this not prevent?
1. Idiots who don't even read suggestions as they type their question
2. Recently solved problems in threads that get swamped by meaningless posts
3. Posts like "Thanks <insert name>, downloading now..."

Looks Good, BUT...
Looks good, but if you can't get a noob to search the forum using the provided search tools or to even correctly (correctly, being the operative word) google the site, we won't be able to get them to use this form...
Now, I do believe that you are on to something... IMHO, the search function should also include a link to google with the advanced search part already populated for searching in xda-devs... I know that there have been threads with the google links already posted, but they aren't stickies anywhere...
You are on the right track... Maybe all of the more knowledgeable members that are bother by this noob thing (like myself, since I am still a noob...) can simply add a link to the google search function in their sig, it will make it easier for newcomers to the site to locate the information they require...

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear -
The Create a thread, or Reply to thread, message box would have this feature implemented - so even as the person was typing in their mundane question, it would provide a link to the answer right in front of them which they would hopefully click before actually posting their question.
I think the search function on this forum is partly to blame, as any search under about 5 letters simply doesn't work. To make it better there are a few options:
1. Make it search Google by default
2. Make it default to replying with Posts rather than Threads (as some threads are hundreds of posts long)
3. Make it search both the Wiki and the Forum (solved with Google)

IMHO, the search function should also include a link to google with the advanced search part already populated for searching in xda-devs... I know that there have been threads with the google links already posted, but they aren't stickies anywhere...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a google sticky alread. It just so happens to be 3 threads above this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=304582
1. Make it search Google by default
2. Make it default to replying with Posts rather than Threads (as some threads are hundreds of posts long)
3. Make it search both the Wiki and the Forum (solved with Google)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you have a valid point Oli. I haev seen many posts with ppl voicing concerns about the search function, and I would tend to agree that it would help if it could be re-structured. Especially with the rate that this site is growing, some search function upgrading would be a good suggestion. However, just like finding any other type of info on the net, its all about your search skills. After spending enough time using the search tools, you find tricks and techniques to narrow your results. Im happy to see this thread, and hopfully the mods will combine their powers to find a way to simplify finding info here.

I am glad that there are ppl here that realize there is an issue with the search function... I also agree that there should not be a lot of stickies, but the BEST place for it, would be in the Search FAQ.... Have any of your read it... It is not that good and as a noob, doesn't show me the best way to implement it... It just says to use the search function... If I were top dog, I might change it a little, just to alleviate some of the darn stupid posts... maybe have it come up as a precursor to registering... Not that everyone will read it, but they will see it...
Just my .02 again... I'm gonna have to get some credit around here... these two pennies are gonna start to add up...

[FAQ] User signature?

Is there a way I can add my own signature on here? I heard that it is in USER CP but the option isnt there ...
Moderator Edit - Here's the answer from svetius
svetius said:
This was an effort to combat spam, and it's had a huge impact! You'll be upgraded to a full account after a certain number of posts (5 - 8 depending on the feature)--it happens automatically. Sorry for the inconvenience
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may take time after reaching the 5-8 post limit for it to allow you access, this is because the process runs in the background.
And when you have enough posts, you can edit your Signature in the UserCP (on the left hand side called "Edit Signature").
Or just click here : Edit Signature

XDA-Dev. said:
i wonder if how does this help in stopping spam ..... anyways .... whatever you feel is good should be good someways
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People / Bots were Posting generic messages, like "Thanks this is great" or in some cases, actual responses based on words in a thread. The post it's self was not spam (although pretty pointless), but the users signature would contain 3-4 links to an online company of varying levels of trustworthiness.
We used to find one or two of these bad boys a day. Because they didn't create new threads, nor did they make it obvious to the casual observer, they were getting away with it.
I have not seen one of the so called "signature spammers" since the rules were put in place.
Dave

I had the same question...this is an excellent way to manage spam users. Good job, looking forward to delving more into this forum and getting a signature!

I was a bit upset at not being able to have a signature. Thanks Daveshaw for explaining. Its indeed a great way to stop spammers.

jade12 said:
I was a bit upset at not being able to have a signature. Thanks Daveshaw for explaining. Its indeed a great way to stop spammers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be all set now, check your User Control Panel

finally i found the way!!!thank you

At last I found out why I cant use signature.
I will be using the "search" more.

ah so
so that's why I couldn't see it, cant wait to unlock my sig status

Ya the post limit thing when you start a new account is a good idea to keep the spam to nothing..

Been readying these forums for a while now and finally signed up and that was the first thing I went to go do so I could edit mine to say phone type and what rom and all that nifty stuff nice t see I'm not going crazy and it really wasn't there lol
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

Pbwizkid said:
Been readying these forums for a while now and finally signed up and that was the first thing I went to go do so I could edit mine to say phone type and what rom and all that nifty stuff nice t see I'm not going crazy and it really wasn't there lol
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
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Ya just takes some time lol.. Alot of sites do it that way nowa days... I always forget to come over to these threads to check on things... Always busy in the EVO 3D ones...

I like and dislike the idea.
I just logged into my account to make post (have like none) so am sorta spamming to be able to post solutions to android revolution HD. /sarcasm. My post aren't spam but i'm going to get 8 before midnight tonight!
I can see how it helps, but jeez. Couldnt post in the developer forum for the audio fix solution I made.

CodyJv said:
I like and dislike the idea.
I just logged into my account to make post (have like none) so am sorta spamming to be able to post solutions to android revolution HD. /sarcasm. My post aren't spam but i'm going to get 8 before midnight tonight!
I can see how it helps, but jeez. Couldnt post in the developer forum for the audio fix solution I made.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you could post it in General, and then help a few people out while you were there, in Q&A, if your device has one. Don't bother with useless posts, they will be deleted and you'll never get to 10.

.
reinbeau said:
But you could post it in General, and then help a few people out while you were there, in Q&A, if your device has one. Don't bother with useless posts, they will be deleted and you'll never get to 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you might be right but its not that easy. You know I have experience in those stuff in the development forum, but I have no way to make posts there.
I dont wanna be a sort of spammer by posting stupid stuff to get all the 10 posts.
But this 10 post rule leaves no other way to accomplish...
To find a topic that I can make a useful post takes a lot of time.

If you can't spend the time to make ten legitimate posts before posting in the dev fora, then you don't deserve to post there. This is a developer forum, not a support website.

XiproX said:
Well, you might be right but its not that easy. You know I have experience in those stuff in the development forum, but I have no way to make posts there.
I dont wanna be a sort of spammer by posting stupid stuff to get all the 10 posts.
But this 10 post rule leaves no other way to accomplish...
To find a topic that I can make a useful post takes a lot of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh really? I was a clueless noob total non-developer when I came here and I had no trouble at all helping people who needed links or a little guidance where to find the information they need. XDA works because people help those who help themselves. Do not post useless posts, they will be removed and you'll never get to 10.

Why did this thread get unlocked? Now it's more noobs that can't read and just complain again.

boborone said:
Why did this thread get unlocked? Now it's more noobs that can't read and just complain again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know, I don't have mod powers here or I'd lock it back up myself

Just posted this in the mod request thread
reinbeau said:
I don't know, I don't have mod powers here or I'd lock it back up myself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

boborone said:
Just posted this in the mod request thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I requested that it remain open. I've helped out others with legitimate issues before here. Also, leaving it open allows mods to track spammers easily.

Search this thread

What happened to the "Search this thread" button? It was there last night, but gone today. Am I just not seeing it somewhere?

What's up with search?????
Me too.
I'm logged in, yet every forum page I go to does NOT have a search tool.
What's going on with these forums.
This happens all the time!!!!!

Yeah I'm also having this issue. At least now I can post stupid threads in the wrong places and no one can say to search before I ask dumb questions.

This site has been riddled with nothing but problems a lot of yesterday and so far today. Hopefully, the team will be able to get it sorted ASAP for us
Sent from Sony Xperia S using XDA Premium
Join my threads here and here

If you're using the new theme then it may be in the collapsible side bar. Otherwise it's a bug.
Sent From My Fingers To Your Face.....

Why does search keep disappearing and reappearing?????
What is going on with this site????
Search is absolutely essential to get anything done here.
Why does it keep going away???????

It's gone again..?

Perhaps it's in maintains mode?
Would be nice have some kind of notification/warning when such things happened.

yeah it's gone again coz i'm not seeing it :/

It's gone... And the n00bs are going to be even more dumb if they don't even have the option to search Help!

+1 I need search!

This is really annoying. Makes large threads hopeless to search...

Azurael said:
It's gone... And the n00bs are going to be even more dumb if they don't even have the option to search Help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's already started!

I understand if the site is having a problem with the search function. Those kind of things happen. But if it's broken, then please put up some prominent stickies to let people know it's broken and what the status is!!!
Because, well, with the search function broken, we can't search the forum to find out if the search function is broken! See how that works?

Please bring this back!

FYI, I was using the 2010 theme and "Search this thread" disappeared. I just switched to the new beta theme, and now I can see a "Search this thread" function, but when I use it, I get a message that "search is temporarily not working". An error message is definitely an improvement over a disappearing function.

I really hate this too. If its broken mods could easily let all us know in the portal.
The google search function works but it **** hard.
I always get this error
vBulletin Message
Search is temporarily unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.

They must want everybody to stop using the pesky search function and just post new threads. Easier for everybody that way.

thepieguy said:
They must want everybody to stop using the pesky search function and just post new threads. Easier for everybody that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nooooo
without search function it's hard to find anything in lots of pages thread

It's back!

Search is broken

I have a post on this forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1714
It fell off the first page so, to find it, I entered my screen name into the 'search this forum' box. It returned nothing and brought me to an advance screen.
I then entered my user name into the search box on the advanced form labeled "SEARCH BY USER NAME".
Again, no results found.

Search isn't broken.Change the search term to something more general and try again...
POTATO!!!!

Right now, I keep seeing a cat reading a book when I try to search... :silly:

Prawesome said:
Search isn't broken.Change the search term to something more general and try again...
POTATO!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So when trying to find posts with my name in them, I should search for "General Synpax"? I was unaware of this promotion; I'm flattered.
The real problem is that the author field isn't included when the search is run, and it should be.
Really, why even bother having a site search functionality if it's going to be this bad. Just use Google.

synpax said:
So when trying to find posts with my name in them, I should search for "General Synpax"? I was unaware of this promotion; I'm flattered.
The real problem is that the author field isn't included when the search is run, and it should be.
Really, why even bother having a site search functionality if it's going to be this bad. Just use Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can search by author in Advanced Search.

synpax said:
So when trying to find posts with my name in them, I should search for "General Synpax"? I was unaware of this promotion; I'm flattered.
The real problem is that the author field isn't included when the search is run, and it should be.
Really, why even bother having a site search functionality if it's going to be this bad. Just use Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is by design - the vast majority of users want to search for keywords. If a user happens to share username with a keyword, they don't want to be inundated with their mindless musings in off topic...
If you want to find a post by a specific user, just hit the little cog for advanced search, where you can search based on username.
XDA has 4.6 million users, and 21 million posts, so search needs to be a little bit more specific to ensure that you can actually find things.
To find your own posts or threads, use the link to your own profile There's a button there to show all your posts and/or threads.

pulser_g2 said:
This is by design - the vast majority of users want to search for keywords. If a user happens to share username with a keyword, they don't want to be inundated with their mindless musings in off topic...
If you want to find a post by a specific user, just hit the little cog for advanced search, where you can search based on username.
XDA has 4.6 million users, and 21 million posts, so search needs to be a little bit more specific to ensure that you can actually find things.
To find your own posts or threads, use the link to your own profile There's a button there to show all your posts and/or threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer.
As a web developer myself, we recently had this same issue come up. We shifted all the search to Bing. This both got us better results and eliminated one target for a DDoS attack.

I tried searching earlier today for: Zenithink (the brand name of my tablet), and didn't get any hits. At the time of this post there did seem to be a problem with the search, but it seems to be working now.
k.

Also, keep in mind that search results can be delayed up to 10 minutes:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/faq.php?faq=searchlight_search#faq_recent

Hi all. I would like to ask something please if any one else have the same expierence:
When I search something and I get some results, I have a problem when i chooose the link (Thread) .... I dont see the thread that i have clicked on, but I am lead to a different page...
Can anyone help me?
Thank you in advanced

It happens with me too.
Sent from my GT-I8160 using Tapatalk 2

Can you please remove the single-click unsubscribe from emails?

I don't know if it's just me, but I frequently end up unsubscribing from threads when I what I really wanted to do was view them.
The layout of various email notifications from different forums are all different, and in my experience most of the time the "visit this thread on the web" is the first link under the response. In the case here the first link completely unsubscribes you from the thread without any confirmation request. I then have to go and resubscribe again.
Most other forums have a confirmation page when unsubscribing - is there a reason there isn't one here?

Telek said:
I don't know if it's just me, but I frequently end up unsubscribing from threads when I what I really wanted to do was view them.
The layout of various email notifications from different forums are all different, and in my experience most of the time the "visit this thread on the web" is the first link under the response. In the case here the first link completely unsubscribes you from the thread without any confirmation request. I then have to go and resubscribe again.
Most other forums have a confirmation page when unsubscribing - is there a reason there isn't one here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We balance ease of unsubscribing with having a confirmation dialog to ensure member wishes to actually unsubscribe. Given that balance we err to the side of unsubscribing right away because we don't want people to mark our emails as spam. It is easy enough to re-subscribe to a topic as well. But I'd be interested in hearing others opinion on this.

Nothing makes me more mad then having to sign in when I want to cancel a subscription. That being said, I usually enjoy the XDA emails I get, but for other sites that I need to sign in to cancel email bombs, but don't know my login information. I get angry.
Keep as is.

I appreciate the perspective, but I don't see either of these points as a barrier.
How does requiring a simple one-click confirmation inside the web page change if the email is viewed as spam? In both cases the email is identical. If someone manually is flagging the email as spam then they obviously aren't active in the first place (anyone who is active wouldn't do that).
Also I didn't say that you had to log in to unsubscribe. A simple one-click confirmation inside the web page is all I'm proposing. Considering how it currently launches the site to complete the unsubscribe this would only add 2 seconds.

Personally I don't see any issues with the current email layout.
The link to the thread is at the top of the email, and the unsubscribe is WAAAAY at the bottom. I have no idea how manage to click the wrong one

Because a lot of other forums have their links all at the bottom, and the first link is usually the one to go to the web version. I'm on a lot of different forums, and I have (unfortunately) developed the habit of just clicking the first link after the response in order to see the response in it's full context.
Oddly enough other forums also have a confirmation for unsubscription.
When there's a 1-line reply it's also not "all the way at the bottom".
How about this then: Instead of a confirmation, how about just a "Did you click this by accident? Click _here_ to resubscribe" after the "You have successfully unsubscribed" message?
That way if you intended to do that then there is no change at all, but if you did it by accident it's easy to undo the action.