split forums 9505 and 9500

[sntaylor]

Personal opinion would be to keep the main(non root) forum as is, then under sub root forums have two options. I9505 and I9500.....within each if required have a sub folder again, I feel it'd be nice to have a kind of general root forum for the quad core version as the majority of Roms seem to work regardless if the it's a Sprint model or the international version! Like I say, the xda site only has those two options with the general and theme folders being joint!

 

[ironass]

I try never to underestimate the human capacity for screwing up. With that in mind and from my experiences over the last two years of compiling Dummies Guides over on the SGSII forum, I would like to propose that the General S4 forum be split between the quad, i9505, and octa, i9500, core phones at least.

My reasoning for this is that the General forum is the first point of contact for most newcomers to the forum. If they can be separated at that stage with perhaps just a simple Galaxy S4 OCTA i9500 and Galaxy S4 QUAD i9505 forums headings then they will at least be in the correct ball park for sub headings for rooting before any damage can be done. Also, as I have already seen in the General Forum, there is confusion as to which models are experiencing which problems, i.e. my post, here. My gut feeling is that we will see more differences between the two models in future.

Having shepherded the newcomers into those two camps, it should then be possible to compile global guides for each model and for experienced posters, giudes and mod's to, hopefully, spot any lost sheep at this very early stage and direct them to the correct forum.

Once in the correct forum they could then see the relevant ATR root forum for their model. This would possibly mean a single ATR forum for the i9505, quad core, and, "possibly", a single ATR for the i9500, octa core, phone although this may need to be split further if there were something other than the kernels that separated the i9500's.

In a nutshell, my plan would be to try and channel posters, noobs, advice into the correct channel from the outset by using the word, "quad", and, "octa", along with, "Galaxy S4", and even the model, "i9500", and, "i9505". Then it allows for general information to be given out and for guides to be written, safe in the knowledge that we are in the right area without the constant need to ask which model they have.

So, it should be possible to have two General forums for the Galaxy S4 and, possibly, just two ATR forums. This would replace the present, IMHO, confusing, single General forum and five ATR forums which appear to be a recipe for future disasters.

 

[XplosiV]

Fwiw I believe the prefix route is the best one, default to both but make either an option

 

[sntaylor]

It seems that there may be some differences between Roms, at least between international 9505 and T-Mobile USA....so that makes me think the ironass method probably would suit best!

 

[EarlyMon]

Accessories and Tips and General usage advice - not model dependent. The form factor is the same, as is the overall software.

Neither is all of the Support and Troubleshooting, a lot of that is common, a lot of it is unique.

And another member's feedback was to not split the root sections into two models only.

So the obvious solution still isn't obvious to me anyway.

We got here from the complaints and confusion of separating the Samsung sub-model forums the way we used to do - it wasn't an arbitrary move.

Full separation for a lot of people will mean that one forum may have an answer and the identical question going unanswered in the other.

 

[Frisco]

I'm wondering if having them "side by side" (figuratively) would serve users of both models. That is, a searcher clicking the link for either in the "Android Phones" area (or a link presented to them by a Staffer in Intros or AL, etc) would lead them to a page with a brief, cleverly worded, explanatory "which model please?" so that they could feel like they're in the right place.

The explanation could also be there in both areas as a red fonted spiel right at the top, or where ever. Staff can keep an eye on the area for kind reminders and thread moving.

 

[EarlyMon]

Still doesn't address our original complaints about all of the common things - cases, wifi issues, whatnot - that got us here, unless I'm misunderstanding your idea.

Which, you know me...

 

[Frisco]

Still doesn't address our original complaints about all of the common things - cases, wifi issues, whatnot - that got us here, unless I'm misunderstanding your idea.

Which, you know me...

Those commonalities would be discussed in both areas but the individual users would be fine with where they are posting, having read the clever spiel upon arrival (Staff is about making members feel right, right? ).

I think the most operative dealio about it is a Staffer or three assigning themselves to those two device areas with an eye toward dupes (same user "making sure" about which one to post in by posting in both, etc).

 

[EarlyMon]

And when the same "I have problem xyz" is posted by two people half a world apart and only one gets an answer, what then?

Last time that happened we were asked why they had to look in multiple forums for what amounted to the same model, esoterica aside.

ts didn't like this for the Note 2, put up a survey thread for us to consider splitting that into separate forums.

Overwhelming response was to leave as one, citing their experiences that I've presented as the hypothetical above.

The support issues are why I suggested a new structure for that part alone but it didn't gain traction.

And I don't see unanimous consent on the root forums.

 

[EarlyMon]

IOW - we could leave things exactly as they are and add 9500/9505 specific support subforums.

Common support problems could remain prefixed in the main forum.

Root forums fixes would still be on the table.

Does anyone find that idea worth discussing?

We want to serve the whole community without having to write new forum software. Dual prefixes aren't available.

 

[jhawkkw]

Another idea that came to me is to have two ATR stickies for the international root forum for organization of root methods, roms, and kernels. It would be important for staff to stay on top of it though to keep them both updated.

 

[Atma]

IOW - we could leave things exactly as they are and add 9500/9505 specific support subforums.

Maybe just add a subforum for the i9500 since its the one with the different hardware? Or a whole separate forum for the i9500. I think its the only one who's roms will brick the other phones. The i9505 and U.S. S4's all seem to be able to interchange roms.

 

[EarlyMon]

Maybe just add a subforum for the i9500 since its the one with the different hardware? Or a whole separate forum for the i9500. I think its the only one who's roms will brick the other phones. The i9505 and U.S. S4's all seem to be able to interchange roms.

I'm confused.

I was referring to stock general support.

Are you referring to root?

 

[Atma]

I'm confused.

I was referring to stock general support.

Are you referring to root?

What I was trying to say was a whole new forum, or subforum, for the i9500 general and root.

 

[EarlyMon]

I see.

I'll take that as a no on my suggestion.

 

[Atma]

I see.

I'll take that as a no on my suggestion.

lol .. well no, I just altered you suggestion slightly, like this,

IOW - we could leave things exactly as they are and add 9500/9505 specific support subforums.

 

[EarlyMon]

Let's review.

• We have and value all feedback.
• Many good ideas have been offered.
• We have vocal proponents for - and against - completely separate forums for this situation.
  • This thread is not our only feedback.
• Both sides have merit.
• Neither solution - existing or make separate forums - will satisfy both sides.
  • The case for separate forums has been made and understood.
  • That case does not address the other side of the coin.
  • Doing nothing does not address the problems and concerns of those wanting separate forums.

• A compromise solution may work to help with the concerns.
  • Address the real issues.
  • Make the most people possible happy.
    

Compromise Suggestion 1:

• One compromise suggested was to implement dual prefixes.
• Good idea.
• Our forum software doesn't support that at this time.

Compromise Suggestion 2:

• Leave main forum as is.
  • Accessories and general advice and tips don't appear to be 9500/9505 specific.
• Add separate 9500 and 9505-only support subforums.
• The support prefix will remain in place in the main forum and would be used for support problems applying to both the 9500 and 9505.

Compromise Suggestion 3:

• Like Suggestion 2.
• Except just adding one support subforum for the 9500 only.

Other compromise suggestions are most welcome.


~~~~~~


And then discuss root forums after deciding what main forum idea is workable to solve problems making the most people most happy.

• Unless there's a compelling reason to do this in some other order.

 

[EarlyMon]

lol .. well no, I just altered you suggestion slightly, like this,

Added to summary above.

 

[EarlyMon]

Need to add Frisco's idea above, in my mind I totally did but in reality not so much. Sorry buddy!

 

[Frisco]

IOW - we could leave things exactly as they are and add 9500/9505 specific support subforums.

Common support problems could remain prefixed in the main forum.

Root forums fixes would still be on the table.

Does anyone find that idea worth discussing?

We want to serve the whole community without having to write new forum software. Dual prefixes aren't available.

I know it's hashed many times now.. thinking and re-thinking (changing my mind :smokingsomb.. but the whole thing of having gone through it previously with another device adds great weight to your summary there, EM, imo.

Let's do it as you say and see if complaints (from non-Staffers ) ensue.

Bet they won't.

 

[Kelmar]

I've let this simmer for a few days before replying but my reply will, essentially, be the same.

Please remember that some of us WERE staff and are FULLY aware of the PITA that is is going through and changing prefixes, etc. Us "regular" users are simply making a suggestion that we feel will make the forum a bit easier to 1) navigate and 2) assist users in troubleshooting. It has NOTHING to do with complaining.

No changes made; that's fine, we brought our opinions up. It's not our site, it's not our paycheck... we are simply trying suggest items that we feel would improve the overall user interface with this section of the site.

 

[EarlyMon]

I've let this simmer for a few days before replying but my reply will, essentially, be the same.

Please remember that some of us WERE staff and are FULLY aware of the PITA that is is going through and changing prefixes, etc. Us "regular" users are simply making a suggestion that we feel will make the forum a bit easier to 1) navigate and 2) assist users in troubleshooting. It has NOTHING to do with complaining.

No changes made; that's fine, we brought our opinions up. It's not our site, it's not our paycheck... we are simply trying suggest items that we feel would improve the overall user interface with this section of the site.

And I'm aware of that.

My understanding of your suggestion requires two parallel prefix sets and we don't have that at the present.

Would my suggestion work in your opinion or do you have another way we can attack this?

 

[Kelmar]

Which option are you referring to?

 

[EarlyMon]

Suggestion 2, above.

 

[Frisco]

Looking around competing Android device forums I'm seeing quite a mix as to how the two S4 versions are being handled: everything from basically two entirely different devices altogether, to one forum named for both (with discussion most often pointing out which version is being referred to wrt the posted issue(s)).

Android Forums is the leader. My "side note" is that those outfits which have the i9500 and the i9505 separated out as two different S4 devices seem to have it best.. it's just so easy to go to your device's area and kick off your thread.

I was analysing the specs again (this isn't just about the Razr and Maxx batteries ). And the prices. There are small but sometimes significant differences in many categories (Samsung I9505 Galaxy S4 vs Samsung I9500 Galaxy S4 - Phone Comparison).

I know it's late in the discussion, but I am really convinced users of those two phones need their own forums here; general areas as well as root.