Phone Sections: Sub-forums vs Prefixes vs Nothing

[Frisco]

Hm, no posting in the general/main forum, only in subforums?

I'm thinking that what will happen, and what could be implemented, would be something like those device "lounge" threads, perhaps stickied, in the Android Lounge.

The ones we have are coming close to being mega-used, and I'm wondering (just throwing all of this out there) if sub-forums only in the true device areas would cause the "fun" and off-topic chatter to gravitate quickly to those device "lounge" sticky threads in Android Lounge (or the Lounge), leaving the questions and tips, talk about updates, etc, in the device sub-forums.

 

[EarlyMon]

As long as site nav doesn't become unbearable.

As it is to go to Root from Support, it's not direct, for example.

 

[Frisco]

I sure agree with that, EarlyMon.

The other day I was clicking around, looking in the "Droid Incredible Lounge" thread, which is in the Lounge, and I saw that very little true support stuff needed to be moved to support, etc sub-forums, unlike the generic area in Incredible.

It then occurred to me that if there is a recognized fun-zone for each device, in the Lounge or Android Lounge, we'd probably see more users posting their device queries where they belong, in the sub-forums.

It would take a bit of time, but as I look at the popularity of the device "lounge" threads which were moved out of the generic device areas, I began to think that we could be on to something good.

 

[woop]

I agree with NA on this completely. If you take away posting in the main forum there will need to be another 3 or 4 subforums to make up for that. It would also make things increasingly confusing for new forum members.

Throw me on that bandwagon as well. There are alot of random things that don't belong in any subforum but are still generally related to the device. It'd get to the point where things would be TOO structured, and users would be completely confused as to where something may go - especially if it falls 2 subforums. Assuming this discussion of a possible new structure is stemming from the complaints of thread movement, and the confusion it entitles, I think we should be avoiding creating more subforums and go the opposite way.

I still think merging the Support/Troubleshoot forum is the best way to go, and dumping the Tips forum, so that those helpful tip threads are in the main forum right infront of the users (first thing they'll see). On the most busiest forums (i.e. Incredible), there is about a page of new threads a day (consistently), and about half of that gets moved into the Support subforum. And on average I'd say a thread gets created in the Tips forum every 2-3 weeks. So with that, there would still be a organized structure since the amount of threads being added on would be another half a page at most (and this would only be for the more active forums), and we'd still have separate discussions for accessories and root (which users seem to willingly create related threads in those particular subforums (just not the support one, for whatever reason). Efficient and simple are key here.

 

[Frisco]

I remember back when Caddyman collected and amalgamated a bunch of tips threads in the Eris forum months ago.

Those threads came from one area, obviously, the generic Eris forum, because there were no sub-forums.

His work was stickied. Later sub-forums were developed. Meanwhile, I noticed that the threads used to put the sticky together were from as far back as the last page in the generic forum; good ideas tend to drift away once the few using them are done. Then those ideas/tips get light traffic but traffic from newbies directed there by helpers responding to their queries. The Tips sub-forums are resources, organized and right there for each device in a special place.

Sub-forums only have to be created once for each device; once they are there, it is up to us to populate them with their proper threads. Tossing them puts those threads in a big mess, but leaves the Guides and Mods with a lot less to do (which is a poor reason to remove the sub-forums, in my opinion). I see this portion of the debate as a no-brainer: we need to keep the place organized, as best we can, just like any resource site out there is organized.

 

[NightAngel79]

Because of this, I think Tips and How Tos is a valuable sub-forum idea, along with Support, Root and perhaps "Accessories and Apps," or whatever..

So what your saying is that you prefer nothing to change?
(just so i'm sure)

 

[Roze]

And on average I'd say a thread gets created in the Tips forum every 2-3 weeks. So with that, there would still be a organized structure since the amount of threads being added on would be another half a page at most (and this would only be for the more active forums)

I disagree with this one. If you put the tips threads in the main forums, they will most likely see close to zero traffic. These threads are old with few replies but higher views. So they are not always 'refresh to the top of the forum' with new posts. Move it to the main forums, and all the good tips will most likely die. With the subforums, at least there's a chance that a new user might see it. If they don't know a tips exist, how can you expect them to search for it?

 

[Frisco]

So what your saying is that you prefer nothing to change?
(just so i'm sure)

Thanks for asking.

My first choice is what I outlined in post #122 and a bit in #126 (the removal of the device generic forums).

That ain't gonna happen.

My second choice is if keeping the generic areas, the addition of "Updates" sub-forums to each device forum, and the removal of "Updates and Cupcakes," keeping Support, etc, and a name change of the "Tips and Tricks" sub-forums to something like, "I have a Tip to Share," something that will help users to understand that it is not for queries, but for discovered tips.

Third choice is no change at all, as I voted in the poll.

 

[NightAngel79]

I disagree with this one. If you put the tips threads in the main forums, they will most likely see close to zero traffic. These threads are old with few replies but higher views. So they are not always 'refresh to the top of the forum' with new posts. Move it to the main forums, and all the good tips will most likely die. With the subforums, at least there's a chance that a new user might see it. If they don't know a tips exist, how can you expect them to search for it?

True but I am warming to the idea of tags. A user can search by tag and only see threads labeled as tips, support, etc.
I still support the no change option but if tags are implemented the sort option would help those threads from getting 'lost'

Thanks for asking.

Anytime,

 

[woop]

This is what the Sticky Guide thread that has (for the most part) been created in all device forums is for - if there is a valuable tip or trick, you can add it in there, so that that thread stays fresh. Or, you could still have the Tips and Tricks subforum but make it restricted so that users cannot post in there and that once a thread is deemed trick worthy, be moved into there. Or, it can stay (haha).. either way, this really isn't the big issue users are having. The issue users are having are they want their support questions answered ASAP - and aren't happy when they are moved as they have the notion it will just get buried or will not receive the views they want versus if it were in the main forum. I think all older guides can agree on this reviewing all the threads complaining about thread movement.

 

[Frisco]

Huh?

This, from the Eris sticky guide, is about tips and tricks? ...

General

• Eris Instructional Video Library
• The Factory Data Reset Option
• Must Have Apps
• EVERYTHING you need to know about your HTC Eris
• Lets see your UI layout!
• Eris User Manual

Tips and Tricks

• Eris - Tips and Tricks - Android Forums

Root

• Universal 1 Click Eris App Apk - No PCs, No Scripts Needed, EASY
• Universal Eris Root for Dummies!
• Visual Example: The PB00IMG.ZIP update method
• Eris All things ROOT THREAD: Apps and ROMS Updated 05/06/2010
• DETAILED Leak Root Tutorial
• Rooting Q&A
• GUIDE: From stock 1.5 to the latest root 2.1
• How To: Remove SenseUI and Enable JIT
• [Application] Eris Master Application [R00T]
• Verizon's RUU for the Official 2.1 for Droid Eris

 

[Frisco]

Some of the other device sticky guides are more elaborate and far reaching, and some have not evolved much, but they're all beyond "tips" for the device.

That stuff is instructional and also has an inherent quality of causing members to navigate the sub-forums over time.

Complaints about thread movement are sporadic and should sometimes keep us tuned to where and when to do that, not keep us from doing it when needed because there is a structure and that structure is only functional when maintained.

 

[woop]

The sticky thread can be used to place a list of tips and tricks (your example isn't the best as placing a link to the subforum when its already there does not help users and essentially does nothing for anyone) if we do away with the subforum, however it's not a requirement as I said earlier. No where did I say it was only for tips and tricks, rather just another addition to that thread to keep it fresh as placing helpful links in there is its purpose. We could also look into the other two suggestions I made for that subforum, if the first doesn't seem feasible. As I mentioned, we could do whatever with the Tips and Tricks - I have no issue. My main suggestion is to merge the Support forum for the main reason that (as I have stated again and again before) it is just plain efficient and keeps things simple/clean.

 

[Frisco]

Thanks for explaining, woop.

I feel like there has been enough input from me here in this thread. I feel like I've wrung my points dry.

Parting Shot :

- If we want to cut down on thread movement, we need to include some member education in the Tips and How Tos sub-forums and the big generic device areas (red bold sticky reminders, kind reminders in posts to those who's threads we've moved, etc).

It appears the poll percentages have remained the same for several days now.

 

[SUroot]

I disagree with this one. If you put the tips threads in the main forums, they will most likely see close to zero traffic. These threads are old with few replies but higher views. So they are not always 'refresh to the top of the forum' with new posts. Move it to the main forums, and all the good tips will most likely die. With the subforums, at least there's a chance that a new user might see it. If they don't know a tips exist, how can you expect them to search for it?

Agreed,

However, tips and tricks forums seem (well Desire anyway) to get mixed up with support questions.

Would it be possible to restrict the tips & tricks so that we members cannot post new threads there, and threads that are "tipped" can be moved by officials?

 

[Frisco]

Would it be possible to restrict the tips & tricks so that we members cannot post new threads there, and threads that are "tipped" can be moved by officials?

That would make it easier for members wanting a tip to just post a query in the Support area, while those with a tip could PM a staffer or simply indicate in their "tip" post that they'd like it to be considered for the Tips and Tricks sub-forum.

 

[twospirits]

Guys, chill, we all have ideas so lets be diplomatic about it. besides my ideas are the best anyway so why bother arguing. lol

Hm, no posting in the general/main forum, only in subforums?

Ok, with all due respect, i think Phases has had a few too many pistachios.

Seriously, boss, if you close out the general/main forum then where are these general posts going to be placed at. not all posts can be classified into one of the subforums. Unless i am mis-interpreting your post (am if i am forgive me) but doing that will lead to utter chaos and really piss off alot of members.

Once again, I the Banlandia master will provide you all with the ideal setup.

1. Add subforums to all phones (be consistant)
2. Add mandatory prefixes to new thread creation. (Option 2)
3. No merge of the Tip and Tricks sections. While it is debatable that the Tips and Tricks section may be useless after a while to some, in my opinion it is not. it serves a purpose especially when the phone is new. When it is as old as Moses (or in our case Steven58) and there are little to no more tips and tricks to be found, it is still useful (at least to me) in finding tips on other peoples' phone.
4. As for the Support subsection. Okay, I'll bite. In hindsight all questions in the General section are in one way or another a support question. So if that section is merged with the General section then I see no problem. (Wondering now if thats what Phases meant).

Either way, if the prefixes are implemented (I think they should be), then we should be also hashing out the types of prefixes. I propose the following IDs (4 letter length)...

ID		Type of Thread
GENL	=	General
TIPS	=	Tips & Tricks
SUPP	=	Support
ROOT	=	Root
ROMS	=	ROMs & Hacks
WALL	=	Wallpapers
APPS	=	Programs and Utilities
GAME	=	Games
THEM	=	Themes

TS out (getting more popcorn for the Frisky and Woopie show)

 

[Roze]

Ok, with all due respect, i think Phases has had a few too many pistachios.

Wait...I work for peanuts and Phases get pistachios? You better be sharing that bag of pistachios with us, mister!!!

 

[Phases]

(FYI: Wouldn't get rid of the main section, entertained that thought for barely a minute.)

 

[Frisco]

T.S., when Phases posted "Hm, no posting in the general/main forum, only in subforums?" he was asking me about my proposal to remove the generic device area, leaving only sub-forums for the devices.

I was throwing the notion out there because I had been looking at the device "lounge" threads showing up and now in the Lounge, "Incredible Lounge" thread, etc.

It's secondary to my vote for leaving things as they are, but renaming "Tips and Tricks" to perhaps "I have a Tip for (device) Users," or whatever. Plus member education as to where to post, etc (at sign up, in bold red stickies, in friendly posts by Guides and Mods to them when moving threads, etc).

Most members comply and just do their business here, those who complain (one Mod says he gets PMs from members complaining about moved threads) are just not used to seeing the place getting organized.

 

[SUroot]

That would make it easier for members wanting a tip to just post a query in the Support area, while those with a tip could PM a staffer or simply indicate in their "tip" post that they'd like it to be considered for the Tips and Tricks sub-forum.

Yeah

 

[woop]

T.S., when Phases posted "Hm, no posting in the general/main forum, only in subforums?" he was asking me about my proposal to remove the generic device area, leaving only sub-forums for the devices.

I was throwing the notion out there because I had been looking at the device "lounge" threads showing up and now in the Lounge, "Incredible Lounge" thread, etc.

It's secondary to my vote for leaving things as they are, but renaming "Tips and Tricks" to perhaps "I have a Tip for (device) Users," or whatever. Plus member education as to where to post, etc (at sign up, in bold red stickies, in friendly posts by Guides and Mods to them when moving threads, etc).

Most members comply and just do their business here, those who complain (one Mod says he gets PMs from members complaining about moved threads) are just not used to seeing the place getting organized.

Those lounges are for off-topic discussions (as in, nothing related to the phone - essentially just a chat room) amongst those with the same phone and have nothing to do with the random topics that are being referred to as needed to stay in the main device forums, so I don't think theres a connection. The main forum is for things like "Info about 2.x/3.x for _____", which doesn't belong in any of the subforums yet would not consider enough post-activity to garner its own Updates type of subforum. Or a "Is it possible to _______ with my _______" or "Looks like theres an update to our _______ app(UI specific; i.e. HTC sense apps, TouchWiz apps, etc.)" or "Should I get _______ or _______" or "Was thinking about getting a _______, can it do what I need it to do?" None of these would fit in the existing subforums nor would have enough traffic for their own.

Hence, the need for a main device forum is absolutely necessary in all circumstances.

 

[SUroot]

Hence, the need for a main device forum is absolutely necessary in all circumstances.

Completely agree.

I had mentioned previously that it would make a good subforum (General) and there only be subforums, no main forum below the subforums list, as it still does confuse some members.

I always thought it would engage members and encourage into categorising their post as they post it.

Unfortunately this suggestion made me a laughing stock

 

[Frisco]

(FYI: Wouldn't get rid of the main section, entertained that thought for barely a minute.)

Yay.

..er,

I had fun throwing that out there.. I still like it, but it's not on my mind nearly as much as keeping the subs and "fine tuning" them a bit, especially renaming all "Tips" subs to something that makes it less likely question/support threads will be started there.

How does the addition of "Updates" as a sub sound? We've had to start a few stickies here and there, "All Things Froyo," etc, because of the multitude of new "where's my 2.2?" new threads (we did it with "All Things GPS" a while back Captivate as well, but that has died down and I'm sure ongoing updates won't ).

That, along with the removal of "Updates and Cupcakes" seems like a viable way to deal with the ongoing questions about MR and major updates to the devices.

If "Updates and Cupcakes" were to remain, I'm thinking that we'd still see a lot of movement of threads/questions to the specific device Updates sub, but having the specific device Updates sub would keep the conversation among that device's "family."

 

[Musky]

Is there a way to change your vote in the poll?