speedfreak32
Well-Known Member
Maybe its just me, but this forum seems to be over moderated based on the number of new threads. I am all for combing GPS and froyo threads, but 3/4 of the new threads are moved shortly after posting.
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Over moderated?
- Thread starter speedfreak32
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- samsung captivate
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yahoowizard
Android Enthusiast
Just better organization, I guess, and there's more than one moderator on the site. Regardless, this is probably one of the most active forums I've seen, considering for the fact that this is only like, a 1/50th subportion of the entire site, too.
Frisco
=Luceat Lux Vestra=
That's because they are posted in the wrong area for what the thread is about.
The generic Captivate forum is for everything regarding the Captivate except:
- Questions concerning issues with the device and/or its apps and hardware, those go to the Support and Troubleshooting sub-forum above the main area, unless the issue involves a rooted device, then they go in All Things Root.
- Tips to share with other Captivate users, they go in Tips and Tricks.
- Accessories, cases, ear pods, screen protectors, mounts, etc go in the Accessories sub-forum.
Some threads are moved out of the Captivate forum altogether for various reasons, something for sale, a joke thread not involving the Captivate, something more carrier oriented than device oriented, etc.
The reason for the "over moderated" feeling about it is that the staff was recently increased and things are finally being moved around to where they belong. That's one reason at least.
There is a forum area called Suggestion Box and Feedback where there is a special thread and this whole thing is being discussed and even voted on.. go there
:http://androidforums.com/suggestion...ctions-sub-forums-vs-prefixes-vs-nothing.html
Say your piece.. the site admin started that thread/poll.
You have to remember not everyone who posts in the captivate forum necessarily wants their thread to be moved EVEN if its off topic. A lot of times Ill start threads which I want my captivate FRIENDS to see and I dont want it opened up for the rest of the forum by it being moved to the general discussion forum or wherever. I too agree it is way over moderated. I am a member of several forum sites an never have I seen moderators with this much time on their hands so to speak. Just my $.02.
Frisco
=Luceat Lux Vestra=
That's a good reason to head to the link I posted and say your feelings. We can't make up our own rules, but the rules at AF are subject to change based on member input sometimes. That's worth the price of admission.
I've been airing the idea of a device "lounge" forum, away from the sub-forums, placed in the big Lounge area. It would be all this device friends stuff, minus the questions for support, etc. There are now already a few of those, "Droid Incredible Lounge (http://androidforums.com/lounge/69619-droid-incredible-lounge.html)," etc, with hundreds of posts.
Those opposed that that idea say it's fine the way it is. That makes sense, too, but it all needs to be hashed out, as invited by the site admin in that special thread.
Frisco
=Luceat Lux Vestra=
A lot more posts remain than are moved.
Also, they're not my or any staff member's sub-forums, they're yours; they belong to the device owners who use these forums.
Lastly, some like them and some don't, those who don't have a chance to make them go away by heading to that Suggestion Box thread I linked up there in an earlier post and voting in that poll. Phases, the site admin, posted that for a reason. He's willing to make changes which the majority of the members want. Can't ask for better than that.
lol you definitely have not seen many forums...
sremick
Android Expert
Yeah, I'm not so keep on the over-merging either. Seems to stem mostly from only those who are not interested in the topics making a stink. Those who are interested are then faced with an unorganized mashed-up discussions without any way to track the sub-topics.
Not all "Froyo" topics are equal, nor are all "GPS" topics. Having them all swept under the same rug makes them virtually impossible to follow/use.
I'd feel more-optimistic voicing my concerns to Phases if we weren't still wrestling with "database errors" 3 months after first reporting them.
Not all "Froyo" topics are equal, nor are all "GPS" topics. Having them all swept under the same rug makes them virtually impossible to follow/use.
I'd feel more-optimistic voicing my concerns to Phases if we weren't still wrestling with "database errors" 3 months after first reporting them.
Frisco
=Luceat Lux Vestra=
That's a darned good point.
Merged threads are a sore subject with me, and with the admin I gather, as there are so few of them around the forums (most of them are stickies in the device areas). I do see merged, big threads as preferable to chaos, though.
And that brings us to the whole idea of the sub-forums (and some merged stickies): structure. Some forums, such as the Blackberry forum I used to frequent, have different forums for the devices, but few or no sub-forums at all. I found it to be hell attempting to search out an issue, and found posts drifting into oblivion quite easily and repeated many many times by the same users, bumping away sometimes, and sometimes just reposting that same issue trying to get it answered.
So it's a mixed deal.. and can never satisfy every user in the forum cluster.
I think a lot of people post in the main forum because like all forums that is where the lionshare of the traffic is going to be.
Where are you going to have a better chance of your question getting answered- in the main forum where everyone goes, or in a support sub-forum that many people don't even know exists?
Where are you going to have a better chance of your question getting answered- in the main forum where everyone goes, or in a support sub-forum that many people don't even know exists?
BookLover
Android Expert
I actually have the opposite problem. How many "favorite apps" threads are there? Why can't they be combined? What's the difference between the thread about your favorite ONE app versus your favorite FIVE apps? THOSE topics SHOULD be combined, but they don't seem to be.
Then there are the threads about the same MY EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS AREN'T GOING off topics...Shouldn't they be combined? How about all the ones about why is/isn't ATK a good thing?
I think some topics SHOULD be combined, especially when it's apparent that the OP didn't do any searching prior to posting.
By combining topics that are the same regardless of device helpfull redirects the OP of the new (but repeated post) that their topic has been discussed before.
Things like GPS, I think it depends on the topic...For example the GPS Restore topic should have been its OWN thread as opposed to tucked into one 1,000 post thread. Who the heck is going to weed through THAT?
I'm sure moderating this forum is NOT an easy job, but there's got to be a happier medium than the all-or-nothing approach.
Then there are the threads about the same MY EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS AREN'T GOING off topics...Shouldn't they be combined? How about all the ones about why is/isn't ATK a good thing?
I think some topics SHOULD be combined, especially when it's apparent that the OP didn't do any searching prior to posting.
By combining topics that are the same regardless of device helpfull redirects the OP of the new (but repeated post) that their topic has been discussed before.
Things like GPS, I think it depends on the topic...For example the GPS Restore topic should have been its OWN thread as opposed to tucked into one 1,000 post thread. Who the heck is going to weed through THAT?
I'm sure moderating this forum is NOT an easy job, but there's got to be a happier medium than the all-or-nothing approach.
KonaZXIII
Well-Known Member
Why not make creating and replying to posts an automatic subscription? Make people opt out of subscriptions (rather than making us opt in as it is currently), that way they can follow/track their posts and replies no matter where they may end up.
If you want to see your post's/thread's latest activity all you'll have to do is click the "User CP" link.
If you want to see your post's/thread's latest activity all you'll have to do is click the "User CP" link.
sremick
Android Expert
Sub-forums are preferable. The people who don't want to see them, don't... but the people who care about the topic get their organization.
Yes, it sucks not being at the top-most level and getting the most eyes... but off-topic is off-topic. Important to post in the proper place, even if it means less eyeballs.
Yes, it sucks not being at the top-most level and getting the most eyes... but off-topic is off-topic. Important to post in the proper place, even if it means less eyeballs.
BookLover
Android Expert
I agree.
tylerdurdin
Android Enthusiast
I think we should have a mod decide if threads are boring and un-helpful and just delete them 
most off topic threads are by new users who are panicked about some problem. I wouldnt waste my time in looking for correct area...So i would put it in the general
I agree some people dont search before posting and create unwanted threads...but if moderators have so much time they should provide the link to thread where thier problem was discussed and solved....
I agree some people dont search before posting and create unwanted threads...but if moderators have so much time they should provide the link to thread where thier problem was discussed and solved....
Frisco
=Luceat Lux Vestra=
I think we should have a mod decide if threads are boring and un-helpful and just delete them
No thread in Android Forums is boring.
lol, etc...
there is.
i'm a mod on a very active regional motorcycle forum and as a personal preference, when people that make threads on topics that have been beat to death, we just lock them rather than merging and reference the larger thread about the same topic or tell 'em to use the search function (zomg!!). merging is something i only do if there are two similar threads about the same topic (typically a news event). throwing all gps threads into the big gps thread makes a big mess and the conversation easily gets messed up because while people were responding in thread b, its now been merged with conversations in c, d, e, f, g, and the original thread a and it makes absolutely no sense.
dunno. that's my two cents i felt the need to butt in with.
Kelmar
Done by choice
I'll chime in here....
Let me first start off by saying that I have NOT gone and looked at how many threads are being moved or why or anything else. What I will comment on are how things are done and why. If I misquote someone above or misunderstood what they were saying, I apologize.
Moved threads typically occur because a user posted a thread in the wrong section. Sometimes, us staff members accidentally move a thread and move it to the wrong section. Things happen (from user and staff perspective). As Frisco mentioned above, the forum layout is pretty simple. That is, general PHONE discussion goes in General. If you have a question or need help it goes in Support/Troubleshooting. If you have an awesome trick you found, it goes in Tips/Tricks. Finally, if it is rooting related, it goes in All Things Root.
Like I said, sometimes things accidentally get moved. We are all human and mistakes happen. No harm, no foul. Report the thread and we'll look into it and move it back.
If you hate the subforums or love the subforums, it really WOULD be worthwhile to check out the link HERE. Offer your two cents! Personally, I don't care for the subforums, I think it makes the forums harder to navigate.
As far as the GPS/Froyo thread(s) that I assume are just generic "catch-alls" for threads. They were created because MULTIPLE (and I mean more than 10) members vocally called out and said "We want a thread for this stuff!" when nearly EVERY thread was titled "My GPS doesn't work." Does that mean everything goes there, I hope not. Does that mean a lot ends up there, I'm sure it does. Everyone wants the forum their specific way but unfortunately, it's just not going to happen.
If you, as users, feel that these threads have fulfilled their purpose, let me know and I'll close them up. Keep in mind that if I start seeing a hundred "My GPS doesn't work" threads start popping up....
If threads like this DO start popping up, do your fellow users a favor and help the guy out! There is no need to post things such as "Search you stupid noob" or "Geez... this topic again." The new users searched and found this forum. They have done half the work, throw them a bone!
It was also mentioned that people create threads that they just want the Captivate people to respond in.
Well.... your loss. There are some AWESOME members of the ANDROID forums that have insight into things non-Captivate related. Plain and simple, if it doesn't discuss the phone, it doesn't belong in the Captivate SUBFORUM and it WILL be moved once we see it.
Now, that being said, you can create a group that will allow you to discuss whatever you want with your Captivate buddies. The forums, however, are not that place.
Simply put, I don't pay the bill to keep the forums open. Most of you don't pay for the forums. We all use this site for free! If you really do have a suggestion, post it in the appropriate forum (i.e. Site Suggestion/Feedback).
The owner makes the rules. We as staff enforce his rules and his policies. Ultimately, it is up to each of us to either abide by those rules and guidelines and posting procedures -OR- we can make/go to a different forum that allows us to do whatever it is we want. When you are here at AF (OUR HOUSE) you play by OUR RULES.
Now, seeing as this is not the first time that an over moderation thread has occured and that the same things get repeated time and time and time again....
/THREAD
Feel free to create a thread in the appropriate forum if you truly have suggestions or advise. If you want to complain, great! Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions or concerns or want me to look into any specific thread.
Let me first start off by saying that I have NOT gone and looked at how many threads are being moved or why or anything else. What I will comment on are how things are done and why. If I misquote someone above or misunderstood what they were saying, I apologize.
Moved threads typically occur because a user posted a thread in the wrong section. Sometimes, us staff members accidentally move a thread and move it to the wrong section. Things happen (from user and staff perspective). As Frisco mentioned above, the forum layout is pretty simple. That is, general PHONE discussion goes in General. If you have a question or need help it goes in Support/Troubleshooting. If you have an awesome trick you found, it goes in Tips/Tricks. Finally, if it is rooting related, it goes in All Things Root.
Like I said, sometimes things accidentally get moved. We are all human and mistakes happen. No harm, no foul. Report the thread and we'll look into it and move it back.
If you hate the subforums or love the subforums, it really WOULD be worthwhile to check out the link HERE. Offer your two cents! Personally, I don't care for the subforums, I think it makes the forums harder to navigate.
As far as the GPS/Froyo thread(s) that I assume are just generic "catch-alls" for threads. They were created because MULTIPLE (and I mean more than 10) members vocally called out and said "We want a thread for this stuff!" when nearly EVERY thread was titled "My GPS doesn't work." Does that mean everything goes there, I hope not. Does that mean a lot ends up there, I'm sure it does. Everyone wants the forum their specific way but unfortunately, it's just not going to happen.
If you, as users, feel that these threads have fulfilled their purpose, let me know and I'll close them up. Keep in mind that if I start seeing a hundred "My GPS doesn't work" threads start popping up....
If threads like this DO start popping up, do your fellow users a favor and help the guy out! There is no need to post things such as "Search you stupid noob" or "Geez... this topic again." The new users searched and found this forum. They have done half the work, throw them a bone!
It was also mentioned that people create threads that they just want the Captivate people to respond in.
Well.... your loss. There are some AWESOME members of the ANDROID forums that have insight into things non-Captivate related. Plain and simple, if it doesn't discuss the phone, it doesn't belong in the Captivate SUBFORUM and it WILL be moved once we see it.
Now, that being said, you can create a group that will allow you to discuss whatever you want with your Captivate buddies. The forums, however, are not that place.
Simply put, I don't pay the bill to keep the forums open. Most of you don't pay for the forums. We all use this site for free! If you really do have a suggestion, post it in the appropriate forum (i.e. Site Suggestion/Feedback).
The owner makes the rules. We as staff enforce his rules and his policies. Ultimately, it is up to each of us to either abide by those rules and guidelines and posting procedures -OR- we can make/go to a different forum that allows us to do whatever it is we want. When you are here at AF (OUR HOUSE) you play by OUR RULES.
Now, seeing as this is not the first time that an over moderation thread has occured and that the same things get repeated time and time and time again....
/THREAD
Feel free to create a thread in the appropriate forum if you truly have suggestions or advise. If you want to complain, great! Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions or concerns or want me to look into any specific thread.
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