Can someone please explain to me what's happening?

[Frisco]

I feel they (the minority of extreme advocates) are part of the ecosystem of any community and give the rest of us reminders of how not to act even if at times we feel like it.

I (partially) part company with you at that notion.

They're around, but we don't need them, or any other sorts of vandalism of the site, as "reminders of how not to act."

The "ecosystem" outside the forums, in the non-text field world of day to day reality where we live, doesn't need them either; it's just that they're always amongst us and that is because they are us.

We're all faced with those attitudes, the negative ones that get posted in here, in this case about an "enemy" device.

At some instant most of us reject the urge to post that junk; that instant can come at any moment before hitting the submit reply button, or even after hitting it just before hitting the edit button when a sense of civility washes over us.

In a mostly civil forum, those who go ahead and post that stuff, in the hope of engaging somebody here who is willing to get into an overblown, snarling pillow fight with them, find themselves not only opposed by their intended target, but also by the Moderators; and they're the ones who "give the rest of us reminders of how not to act."

 

[Roxors]

I can't speak for the rest of the AF users out there but personally i don't care where i am if i have a valid point as to why one product is better than another i will voice it.

People aren't going to like hearing that their device/ OS is inferior to another one that is on the market. But lets face it there is ALWAYS going to be something bigger and better.

To take it personally instead of as constructive, is just dumb. Slug pointed out that it is off-putting to new comers when they see a "bashing" but sometimes a bashing is needed. Maybe not as bad as i have seen it in some places, but everything needs to be taken down a peg at one time or another.

Debating topics is a good thing. If one side loses their temper or gets offened it should be on them not the setting or in this case forum it is taking place in. If you are Debating with someone in a park you aren't going to be like. "DAMN you park, damn you to hell for letting this debate come up."

Alright thats all im gonna say for now.

 

[SB13X]

I (partially) part company with you at that notion.

They're around, but we don't need them, or any other sorts of vandalism of the site, as "reminders of how not to act."

The "ecosystem" outside the forums, in the non-text field world of day to day reality where we live, doesn't need them either; it's just that they're always amongst us and that is because they are us.

We're all faced with those attitudes, the negative ones that get posted in here, in this case about an "enemy" device.

At some instant most of us reject the urge to post that junk; that instant can come at any moment before hitting the submit reply button, or even after hitting it just before hitting the edit button when a sense of civility washes over us.

In a mostly civil forum, those who go ahead and post that stuff, in the hope of engaging somebody here who is willing to get into an overblown, snarling pillow fight with them, find themselves not only opposed by their intended target, but also by the Moderators; and they're the ones who "give the rest of us reminders of how not to act."

I agree entirely with your sentiments. I however have a habit of balancing my own points out with the opposite view. You will notice that I suggested to the moderation team to take a bit more of a stricter line with the "bashers" I'd be quite happy for them to do so and have them removed permanently.

I just can't understand why a moderator would openly admit that these types put people off staying here while doing absolutely nothing to get rid of the unwanted element asap. I can't for example understand why a certain forum user who has no in depth reason to be here, does not own an Android phone (not saying this must be a prerequisite) , has no intention of buying an Android device, can offer no technical help to users on the Android OS, but merely comes along to defend Apple to the hilt by knocking Android down a peg or two. Yet this user still persists around here.

The way I see it is, is that it can't be that hard to decide on wether or not to allow iPhone discussion and comparison and allow all that goes with it or ban the subject altogether. No iPhone discussion on these boards, apart from complaining they have games that we don't, serves any constructive purpose around here..

 

[Roxors]

So no offense intended by this, but you are saying just because we have one type of phone or OS or whatever we should block out all the rest and shut ourselves into our little Android panic room?

Talking about Apple/ iphone is a good thing, and so is their users coming on here to learn and discuss with us. Not looking at other point of views is ignorant.

Android is awesome and i love it, but that doesn't mean when i get a new piece of tech in front of me i am going to turn my nose up to it just because it isn't what i already have.

Again i am not attacking you just your views.

 

[SB13X]

Maybe the best thing for it then to allow open discussion but give it a specific section of the forum and have any and every iPhone based topic moved there (the same for Symbian, WebOS, WinMo). That way it isn't the first thing new users of the site see but if they are coming here specifically for that then they can go ahead and find it. Not only that but new users an see we take views from across the spectrum and appreciate them just the same. That way if the iPhone (or other brand) owners who are coming here to stir anything up can be handed infractions and suspensions if they take their preaching outside of said arena and the same for those wishing to argue with such types. However even in said sections any and all posts which are unconstructive such as "IPHONEZ IZ LIKE FAILZ INNIT BLUD" should be removed without hesitation. Just an idea?

(Oh and Roxors I can enjoy a good debate without falling out with you no covering yourself with the "no offence but" lines lol I respect a lot of your contributions. I'm just here to validate and balance, myself included.)

 

[mpw]

...any and every iPhone based topic moved there...

But do you then move topics like 'Best Media Player for Android' to this sandbox when they descend into an argument about iOS vs Android too?
or
'Just got the Android version of greatest app evar, how can I do x which was so easy on iOS?', which is clearly going to end as an argument between good and evil??

 

[lunatic59]

The problem lies in the grey areas, as do most things in life. True bashers -- those who insist on "debating" by personal insults or repeatedly goad the forum by accusation or unfounded claims -- are suitable for ejection in my opinion. After all, rowdy fans are escorted from the stadium as are those who interfere with the game. Restaurant patrons should expect obstreperous diners to either respect others experience or be asked to leave. Politely at first, or more forcefully if they object.

The dilemma occurs when there needs to be a judgement as to what constitutes "trolling". Most of the rules of conduct on public forums are purposely vague with a wide latitude for moderators intervene solely on their own feelings, and to their credit, only act on the most egregious of cases. Debate and comparison are good and healthy for the growth and improvement of all platforms. Sometimes those discussions become heated and wander off-topic into the realm of the proverbial pissing contest. Other times a perfectly reasonable, albeit passionate, interchange is disrupted by gratuitous idiocy that could possible hijack the thread away from its usefulness. It is in those instances where I feel moderator intervention is not only warranted, but necessary.

As for the OP's original question ... I personally feel that it was simply an attempt to accuse Android users of being petty and insecure. The feigned indignation gets tiresome and demonstrates the OP's intent to inflame rather than to inform. there are no significant statistics to suggest the contrary.

I find it hard to believe that any regular member of any forum doesn't understand that there are bullies, cowards and fools in all walks of life, so the question on its face is disingenuous. Imagine if one of our moderators were to start a thread in an iPhone oriented forum to the effect of "The iPhone is a great device so I don't understand why so many of its owners must behave like snobbish elitists." A ridiculous premise that should immediately be met with criticism and derision.

 

[SB13X]

But do you then move topics like 'Best Media Player for Android' to this sandbox when they descend into an argument about iOS vs Android too?
or
'Just got the Android version of greatest app evar, how can I do x which was so easy on iOS?', which is clearly going to end as an argument between good and evil??

Not at all a Moderators job is to regulate such posts and stop them descending into such nonsense. All posts unrelated and non constructive to the OP should be pruned. That said the Moderators need our help in regards to these erroneous battle grounds by the sensible headed of us reporting them. None of the topics your suggest should ever end up in such a way. People who cause such issues should be granted a 3 strike rule where they are warned that such argumentative debates belong in their seperate OS related section, if the same users are responsible for continuing said arguments in the incorrect section, they then recieve an infraction with a reminder again as to where that type of debate between OS's belongs, and if it happens a last time a short term suspension or ban depending on how outrageous and antagonising they have been throughout the process.

 

[lunatic59]

Exactly my point. It's an Android forum, so why this unhealthy obsession with the iPhone?

True enough, but when the media holds up the iPhone as the model for the smartphone paradigm it becomes the benchmark for comparison. How many times have you read about the next new "iPhone killer?" It's this hyperbole that fuels the competition and borders on yellow journalism -- or yellow blogging, if there is such a thing. Think about it ... the iPhone set the bar higher for new devices, but it didn't kill of any platform or device. In fact it spawned many more than it ever hurt. The relative failure of the Blackberry Storm or the dwindling of the WinMo platform's market share were due to their own shortcomings, not Apple's successes.

If you walked into a Toyota dealership and heard the staff putting down the Jetta, and you owned one and didn't agree, wouldn't you speak up?

All I'm saying is that this sort of thing does turn newcomers off...

Probably not. I would, however trust their judgement less and most likely not purchase a Toyota from that dealership. So, I do get your point.

They come here looking for information about Android. If I were in their shoes I'd much rather read about Android's positives than the iPhone's negatives.

Agreed, but contrary to the OP's claim, there really isn't a torrent of iPhone bashing going on here. In fact the majority of iPhone related topics that aren't about comparisons of functionality or utility are tongue-in-cheek. The few that are started specifically to "stir the pot" (like this one) should be dismissed as the work of ... myself exclude ... the lunatic fringe.

 

[jamor]

True enough, but it's not quite that simple.

Android owner starts disparaging thread about iPhone in an Android forum.
Several more jump on to the bandwagon and add their tuppenceworth.
iPhone owner joins the Android forum to put his/her pov often times regurgitating Apple marketing.
Android owner attempts to educate iPhone owner about the Android platform's capabilities.
iPhone owner refuses to acknowledge even the possibility of error.
Android owners start screaming "fanboi" or "troll".

Walk into to Toyota dealership and ask to see the latest Jetta, or pull up to a KFC drive through and order a whopper. You either get a giggle or sneer. Same principle.




Oh, I don't know, it's seemed to work for many social groups throughout the history of mankind. I believe there's evidence of Egyptian pyramid builders painting derisive hieroglyphics in the tomb of Kufu about the slaves dragging stones on a sled because their carts had wheels.

The problem lies in the grey areas, as do most things in life. True bashers -- those who insist on "debating" by personal insults or repeatedly goad the forum by accusation or unfounded claims -- are suitable for ejection in my opinion. After all, rowdy fans are escorted from the stadium as are those who interfere with the game. Restaurant patrons should expect obstreperous diners to either respect others experience or be asked to leave. Politely at first, or more forcefully if they object.

The dilemma occurs when there needs to be a judgement as to what constitutes "trolling". Most of the rules of conduct on public forums are purposely vague with a wide latitude for moderators intervene solely on their own feelings, and to their credit, only act on the most egregious of cases. Debate and comparison are good and healthy for the growth and improvement of all platforms. Sometimes those discussions become heated and wander off-topic into the realm of the proverbial pissing contest. Other times a perfectly reasonable, albeit passionate, interchange is disrupted by gratuitous idiocy that could possible hijack the thread away from its usefulness. It is in those instances where I feel moderator intervention is not only warranted, but necessary.

As for the OP's original question ... I personally feel that it was simply an attempt to accuse Android users of being petty and insecure. The feigned indignation gets tiresome and demonstrates the OP's intent to inflame rather than to inform. there are no significant statistics to suggest the contrary.

I find it hard to believe that any regular member of any forum doesn't understand that there are bullies, cowards and fools in all walks of life, so the question on its face is disingenuous. Imagine if one of our moderators were to start a thread in an iPhone oriented forum to the effect of "The iPhone is a great device so I don't understand why so many of its owners must behave like snobbish elitists." A ridiculous premise that should immediately be met with criticism and derision.

This is the smartest guy in the room. Listen up folks!!

 

[Roxors]

@stublake13 thanks, just makin sure that i covering my ass, (i know some people get offened easily) i like that idea to where we have a dedicated sub forum for just those types of debates... (not sure if there is one or not yet i will have to check now lol)

Of course there are always going to be those people to try and stir the pot, and as it was pointed out the members who have been around a little longer and seen these people over time, which is the purpose of the MOD's...

Though this thread may or may not have been started out of spite, like most debates useful ideas are coming out of it.

 

[smacky]

Most Android users can't tell you why they bought their phone. Most iPhone users can. They're comfortable and happy with their decision, whereas pencil-dick Android users need to validate themselves by bashing Apple.

Stop me if I'm wrong.


I'm in the middle of the trifecta that is Linux, iOs/OSX, and Windows. I run OSX on my MBP, I have Win7 in Boot Camp and have Windows running on all my parents' computers at home. Then I run Ubuntu...occasionally..and then there's my Android devices.

I like all three and I don't see how anyone can have an allegiance to one. You can prefer one, but to bash the other is just ignorance. The people responsible for these platforms >>>> most of the people on this forum and anyone that bashes their products. There's a genius behind each of them. I think most of the insecurities lie in people sad they haven't done something similar to these guys OR they are just ignorant at the thought process put behind designing something like this.

Not that I'm a know-it-all, but I certainly don't bash the other without at least trying it. And I've tried the three major ones and I have learned to appreciate them all for what they are worth.

The others can't .

 

[damewolf13]

On Macrumors, only one out of the first 200 topics is a topic about an iPhone user bashing an Android phone.

On androidforums, there are 4 out of the first 20 topics basing Apple/iPhone.




I'm honest to God interested in why a larger amount of Android users feel the need to bash a product they don't have/want, more than iPhone users. Can anyone perhaps explain this?

Wow! I am sorry if that has been your experience at the Android forums.
I know that the Android fans are very passionate about the Android platform. Sometimes we may go overboard though. Sorry about that.
As for the Apple fans bashing Android, I can't speak to that since I have no desire to hang out in the Apple forums.
Anyway, whatever your purpose here, and however long you decide to stay, I welcome you.

 

[Vihzel]

What's an iPhone?

 

[lunatic59]

Stop me if I'm wrong..

Okay. You can stop.

 

[damewolf13]

Most Android users can't tell you why they bought their phone. Most iPhone users can. They're comfortable and happy with their decision, whereas pencil-dick Android users need to validate themselves by bashing Apple.

Stop me if I'm wrong.


I'm in the middle of the trifecta that is Linux, iOs/OSX, and Windows. I run OSX on my MBP, I have Win7 in Boot Camp and have Windows running on all my parents' computers at home. Then I run Ubuntu...occasionally..and then there's my Android devices.

I like all three and I don't see how anyone can have an allegiance to one. You can prefer one, but to bash the other is just ignorance. The people responsible for these platforms >>>> most of the people on this forum and anyone that bashes their products. There's a genius behind each of them. I think most of the insecurities lie in people sad they haven't done something similar to these guys OR they are just ignorant at the thought process put behind designing something like this.

Not that I'm a know-it-all, but I certainly don't bash the other without at least trying it. And I've tried the three major ones and I have learned to appreciate them all for what they are worth.

The others can't .

Now, do you really want someone to stop you if your wrong?
Consider the answer carefully.

 

[Roxors]

I can tell you excatly why i came to Android,

1, it is by Google (seriously this tickels me pink)
2, it isn't all dull and how "they" want it (they aka apple)
3, there are a lot better developers than there is at RIM/BB
4, The phones that Android comes on are a lot better than others
5, it has a little green alien as their Icon
6, they like fatty foods for their OS names HEHEHEHE i like food
7, Its AWESOME DUHHHHH

ok there are more but i will stop now as i know it was a Rhetorical statement...

 

[AaronRodgersFTW]

I don't get fanboys in general. Who really cares if someone talks smack about your electronic device? As long as your happy with it why should it matter? I think to a lot of these people it's not even about the devices, it's about the troll. For some reason people love to troll. I find the simple minded ones chose game consoles, phones, ect... It's really pretty sad. Most of these trolls would be afraid of an ant in real life by the way.

 

[Bnice]

On Macrumors, only one out of the first 200 topics is a topic about an iPhone user bashing an Android phone.

On androidforums, there are 4 out of the first 20 topics basing Apple/iPhone.




I'm honest to God interested in why a larger amount of Android users feel the need to bash a product they don't have/want, more than iPhone users. Can anyone perhaps explain this?

This is one of the reasons why, some iphone users or former, like to come on to a Android Forum and express how iphone do this and that or why can't it be more polish,help me like android the list goes on and on,kind of what you just did by starting this post,do folks really expect to come to another forum and brag about another product and not be scrutinize,Now some folks are just happy with the device they purchase and if the individual is happy then thats all that matter.

 

[Frisco]

Most Android users can't tell you why they bought their phone. Most iPhone users can. They're comfortable and happy with their decision, whereas pencil-dick Android users need to validate themselves by bashing Apple.

Stop me if I'm wrong.


I'm in the middle of the trifecta that is Linux, iOs/OSX, and Windows. I run OSX on my MBP, I have Win7 in Boot Camp and have Windows running on all my parents' computers at home. Then I run Ubuntu...occasionally..and then there's my Android devices.

I like all three and I don't see how anyone can have an allegiance to one. You can prefer one, but to bash the other is just ignorance. The people responsible for these platforms >>>> most of the people on this forum and anyone that bashes their products. There's a genius behind each of them. I think most of the insecurities lie in people sad they haven't done something similar to these guys OR they are just ignorant at the thought process put behind designing something like this.

Not that I'm a know-it-all, but I certainly don't bash the other without at least trying it. And I've tried the three major ones and I have learned to appreciate them all for what they are worth.

The others can't .

What you do "bash," though, with consistency and as a matter of predictable posting style, is anybody who you perceive as being opposed to your views ("..pencil-dick Android users," etc.. good Lord, man grow up).

Your post there seems to be an attempt at setting yourself aside from participants here who poke fun at iPhone users and Apple products in general. You set yourself aside, alright. But not in the light I think you may imagine yourself to be in.

As far as the thrust of the OP's notions about there being some sort of disparity in the numbers of Apple product users who trash Android users and vice versa, I think that is correct, as I look around the various forums on both sides.

Perhaps the reasons for that include an acute recognition on the part of most Android product users that, given a choice, they exercised that choice by purchasing an Android phone rather than an iPhone, some migrating to this side directly from that side.

Every device out there from Palm to Blackberry to Android is a choice to not purchase an iPhone and to not bring AT&T anomalies into their lives.

In the end, though, debating about why this or that side picks on the other side more, etc, seems strange, given human nature's propensity to even those things out over time.

 

[Aiyan]

There will be always topics about iPhone on this forum, as it will be about Android on iPhone forums. It's just the nature of human - we can make so many examples of why there will be light humor and some threads dedicated against Apple.

For one, it's not about insecurties for people, but think of it like sport. You got a team you love and follow, albeit it has it good and bad times - you will always stick to it and back it up, this said team got a rival. Situations happens and of course, the fans will make fun of their rivals.

You can remove the sport and put up two countries. You have two countries close to each other. Let's say in my situation Norway and Sweden, we got jokes about them and they have jokes about us, but when we sit down - we talk like we're family and poke fun of each other now and then.

So my stand is, as long as they aint meant to be harmful/ill intent, I don't mind seeing discussions/debates like that or just fun threads like that.


But I don't think threads that are light hearted is bad for the forum, but people with ill intent is far worse and it doesn't really matter which camp that person is staying in then. On the side note for this forum, I think AF is among the best forums when it comes to impressions. I have had no problem at all showing off this forum to people that like Android, want to know about android or curious Apple fans that are wondering about Android. So keep up the great work and good thread by the way, though I feel this was probably not what he intended to be written. *laughs*

 

[NYCHitman1]

For some reason people love to troll. I find the simple minded ones chose game consoles. It's really pretty sad. Most of these trolls would be afraid of an ant in real life by the way.

I know just the perfect person.. hahahaha!

 

[jamor]

I don't get fanboys in general. Who really cares if someone talks smack about your electronic device?

You should get it... you are an Aaron Rodgers fanboy!

 

[jamor]

I know just the perfect person.. hahahaha!

haha. Right on point, like a numba 2 pencil.

 

[ballisticn8]

In my experiences most iPhone users I've known bash everything as being beneath them and their elitist device. Whether its Apple, Blackberry, Android, or any other you always are going to find people that feel a need to defend or prove their belief that what they use is better.

My buddy got the new iphone 4 and spent $30 on a case because they advised him at the time of sale on release day the case was designed to help it make calls better, yet he still laughs at my droid and calls it outdated, slow, etc... He was trying to update something on facebook and couldn't get a signal so he was searching for wifi, i clicked wireless tether on (with no security options enabled and no wireless network named and smiled as my phone vibrated showing he was connected to my droid). He made some comment about how even his wifi was great picking up signals in areas of low coverage.

This was his face when I turned my phone around showing him that his all high and mighty iphone4 was connected to my lowly droid:

He's thinking about selling his iphone4 now for the galaxy s