A request to forum admin (Android related posts)

[kolax]

This is the only tech forum I'm a member of and check regularly. I often find out about other platform's finer details from posts here.

I don't check the iPhone forum that often, so haven't noticed a flood of non-iPhone related topics, but can see where you're coming from.

 

[S.B.G]

Speaking personally I believe this is a Mac forum. Thus the name MacRumors.

I don't think discussing any other phone other than the iPhone even belongs here. If someone wants to discuss Droids or google phones let them go to a different forum designed for that product.

I agree. There are plenty of other forums available for the Droid and other non-Apple stuff.

It doesn't bother me that non-Apple stuff gets discussed here, but I think the line should be drawn on making sub-forums for these things.

 

[Tilpots]

I think Apple's competition should be discussed on this site, but I think MR is lacking a proper place for it. Comparing phones to phones and computers to computers is only natural in a consumer centric society. The problem comes when people wishing to focus on Apple are confronted with threads containing non-Apple items that they do not desire to see but can't avoid. You can ignore forums in Forum Spy but you can't ignore a thread in a topic you care about.

So now rivals are bumping elbows and there's nothing they can do about it. Fights will occur. It's only natural. Wouldn't less posts be reported, fewer fights occur, and moderation decrease as a result? Seems it would save time and headaches for the staff rather than create them. Thoughts??? That can be shared with the group and not behind closed doors so our repetitive threads cease?

 

[adildacoolset]

If you see this kind of thread, you can report it. Threads with titles like that are trolling.

It's fine to post about competitors' products in the forum that's most closely related to the product. It's often interesting to get feedback and impressions from other Apple users, and sometimes threads compare Apple's product to that of a competitor.

Just don't click on threads that have to do with Android if you're not interested. If you click on one because the title was misleading, report the first post, explain, and we'll change the title to something more specific so that it's clear what the thread is about.

Look, the number of android threads are continually increasing. So then that means that they are beginning to overwhelm the amount in the normal iPhone/ios threads. Now, some people are definitely trying to answer questions ONLY about the iPhones and that, and don't want to post in the android ones. So that means that they have to look around. This might be minor, but there is also an issue for people who are asking. If they have problems with their device and seek help, the front page will quickly nudge it out with these android threads and it will be more difficult for the person to get help.

So in an honest opinion, I'd think that a competitors– not necessarily android– section can actually make sense so if people want comparisons and opinions, they can look no further. I feel that it'd be fair for the people that are asking questions so they can at least get some publicity in their front page.

In addition, the forums will have more posts that are relevant to the section. iPhone help in iPhone sections, product comparisons and help in the other product section(doesn't matter what you name it, as long as you get the idea). So then macrumors will be more organized at the end of the day.

And hey, ever think to yourself why you wouldn't? Wouldn't you then see the end of threads like this? Wouldn't you see at least people moving their android posts to a separate, dedicated section? Just pause and think of what would happy if you actually did it.

EDIT: In case you were wondering, maybe the new section should only be for comparisons sake. No-one would really ask for android help, would they?

 

[Consultant]

In the short run there might be more page views to stay the same. This is why the admins don't care about changing despite of popular opinion.

But in the long run there might be less discussion, as core Apple folks give up. I know that I rarely go into the iPhone subforum or join any discussion about the iPhone now.

 

[maflynn]

Would creating a competition sub-forum muddy the water further?

For instance where would this thread go? iPhone 4s VS Samsung SIII - Hands on.

In the iPhone forum, in the "android" forum?

----------

This is why the admins don't care about changing despite of popular opinion.

I think you're making a conclusion without too much facts. Do we really know that the majority of members actually support this? We've had some threads here in S&FF this but I've yet to see this topic reach the point where everyone here at MR really wants this.

I also disagree with the sentiments that the admins don't care. They are active in discussions on this topic and others, they work through these requests and determine what is best. In fact I see the admins online quite often putting many many hours of service here at MR and yet they do this as a volunteer. I don't think you can go and say they don't care

 

[Sir Ruben]

Would creating a competition sub-forum muddy the water further?

For instance where would this thread go? iPhone 4s VS Samsung SIII - Hands on.

In the iPhone forum, in the "android" forum?

That's easy, it would go in the Android forum. Why? Because this is primarily an iPhone/Apple forum. So with that in mind anything that discusses android comparisons should go in a sub forum. many new iPhone users come here for iPhone info, not android.

Furthermore, and I'm sure the admin's wont appreciate this, but I suspect that a few of them may be Android lovers themselves, its the only reason I can think of why such a blind eye is turned when these posts appear day after day, many clearly trolling posts designed to wind up iPhone users.

At the end of the day if the admin's don't want to action these requests that is fine. All I know is it is really starting to put me off coming here. Maybe you don't care if Apple fans leave whilst Android owners hijack the place all the time.

EDIT: One last thing, if we had an Android sub forum, I'm sure it wouldnt be difficult for admin's to swiftly move Android topics into it if they are posted in the iPhone forum. Take this topic for example, I was lynched for initially posing it in the iPhone forum and it was moved here incredibly quickly. All the while childish Android vs iPhone banter continues in the iPhone forum.

First 2 pages alone...........

* iPhone 4s VS Samsung SIII - Hands on.
* Should I switch to from Android to iPhone?
* So do you think the Galaxy S3 looks like an iPhone.
* Where are all these android phones made ?
* VZW Galaxy S3 will have Global LTE! Will the iphone 5 have Global LTE also?
* TechCrunch's article on Android and Eric Schmidt
* With the Galaxy SIII Samsung copies Apple's iPhone model
* Who here is tempted to try the Galaxy S3 while waiting for the new iphone?

......all worthy of an Android sub forum

 

[maflynn]

That's easy, it would go in the Android forum. Why? Because this is primarily an iPhone/Apple forum. So with that in mind anything that discusses android comparisons should go in a sub forum. many new iPhone users come here for iPhone info, not android..

But what happens if the member is an android user who wants to know more about the iPhone, would he post in the android forum when comparing the iPhone to an android phone?

 

[Sir Ruben]

But what happens if the member is an android user who wants to know more about the iPhone, would he post in the android forum when comparing the iPhone to an android phone?

That's where an admin would use their judgement based on the content of the topic. However most people who come to an iPhone forum wont be looking to read phone comparisons, they will be coming to an iPhone forum to read specifically about iPhone and would probably not want to hear about anything remotely Android related.

If they did, they could easily click on the Android sub forum to delve deeper in to rival handset comparisons right?

EDIT: Actually reading your question again, it would go in the iPhone forum, because if he was a prospective iPhone customer he would be talking mainly about the iPhone wouldnt he?

 

[annk]

But what happens if the member is an android user who wants to know more about the iPhone, would he post in the android forum when comparing the iPhone to an android phone?

IMO this is a good example of why we've chosen to do it the way we have. If a members wants opinions about a competitor's device from iPhone users, he's going to post in the iPhone forum - because that's where those users are. A subforum for competing devices isn't where they membership they want to engage will hang out.

It seems to me that the dissatisfaction about non-Apple-device threads is out of proportion to the actual situation. Those who say they want to avoid those threads can simply not click on them, not read them, and not post in them.

Trolling and misleading thread titles is a problem everywhere, not just in one forum, and we deal with it when it's brought to our attention. The issue that does however cause extra work for us is when members who don't like non-Apple-device threads post in them with off-topic comments such as "why are you posting here? Go to an Android forum".

To sum up: If you're not interested in a thread, don't click on it (or leave it when you realise you're not interested). If you see a real problem, let us know.

 

[Sir Ruben]

IMO this is a good example of why we've chosen to do it the way we have. If a members wants opinions about a competitor's device from iPhone users, he's going to post in the iPhone forum - because that's where those users are. A subforum for competing devices isn't where they membership they want to engage will hang out.

It seems to me that the dissatisfaction about non-Apple-device threads is out of proportion to the actual situation. Those who say they want to avoid those threads can simply not click on them, not read them, and not post in them.

Trolling and misleading thread titles is a problem everywhere, not just in one forum, and we deal with it when it's brought to our attention. The issue that does however cause extra work for us is when members who don't like non-Apple-device threads post in them with off-topic comments such as "why are you posting here? Go to an Android forum".

To sum up: If you're not interested in a thread, don't click on it (or leave it when you realise you're not interested). If you see a real problem, let us know.

Again, another example of really not wanting to entertain this idea, when creating a sub forum is such a simple task.

You speak of iPhone users having to alert you of trolling yet you seem super efficient when moving all other kinds of posts.

With such elite 'moving' skills you would really enjoy the amount of Android topics you could move into a sub forum every day

 

[DroidConvert]

But what happens if the member is an android user who wants to know more about the iPhone, would he post in the android forum when comparing the iPhone to an android phone?

How could he compare the two when he is just learning more about the iPhone? If a member has questions about the iPhone or it's capabilities, then he can ask them in the iPhone or iOS section. But to try to compare a phone that he has to one that he doesn't have just isn't possible.

My point is this, reviews for the GSIII, or any other Android device, don't belong in the iPhone or iOS section.

Here is perfect example of less-than-stealth trolling at it's best. Yet the mods continue to let it go on.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1130606/

 

[annk]

Again, another example of really not wanting to entertain this idea, when creating a sub forum is such a simple task.

It's not a fair assessment to say we're not entertaining an idea simply because we disagree with you. We're here in the thread discussing it with you. We hear that some members would like us to create a subforum so they don't have to see threads that discuss Android phones, I've explained why this hasn't been done and pointed out how easy it is to avoid threads you're not interested in.

The point is not whether or not it's easy to create a subforum, the point is whether or not we think it's a good enough idea to justify the bloat.

It's fine to disagree with us, and as we've shown here we're always willing to explain and discuss. I've also pointed out that it's never a waste to voice an opinion, because even if something isn't done then and there, things can change over time and we sometimes bring up ideas that were initially down-voted.

But to be honest, at this point I don't see anything coming up that hasn't already been discussed.

 

[rdowns]

annk, I'd like a sub-forum where no stupid posts are allowed. Can you make that happen?

 

[annk]

annk, I'd like a sub-forum where no stupid posts are allowed. Can you make that happen?

What do you want to call it?

 

[-aggie-]

What do you want to call it?

Private Forums.

Wait? What?

 

[Hellhammer]

That's easy, it would go in the Android forum. Why? Because this is primarily an iPhone/Apple forum. So with that in mind anything that discusses android comparisons should go in a sub forum. many new iPhone users come here for iPhone info, not android.

Using your logic, why would anyone post about iPhone in an Android forum? That doesn't solve the problem, it just creates it elsewhere.

While this is an Apple related site, it does not mean that we live in a world where Apple is the only company that exists. Neither does it mean that Apple is the best company. Comparing products from different manufactures is completely fine and it's actually quite childish if you can't stand comparison.

* iPhone 4s VS Samsung SIII - Hands on.

Nothing wrong with that. There are iPhone 4S users who are interested in the new Galaxy S3.

* Should I switch to from Android to iPhone?

Nothing wrong with this one either. It may not be an easy choice and hearing opinions from people who have used both can definitely be helpful.

* So do you think the Galaxy S3 looks like an iPhone.

While not the most important question, it's still strictly related to iPhone.

* Where are all these android phones made ?

This would be more relevant in the Apple, Industry and Internet Discussion forum.

* VZW Galaxy S3 will have Global LTE! Will the iphone 5 have Global LTE also?

Discussion of iPhone 5 and its possible features. We would have to ban all iPhone 5 threads if we banned this. Galaxy S3 is just used as an example here.

* TechCrunch's article on Android and Eric Schmidt

Again, would fit better in the Apple, Industry and Internet Discussion forum.

* With the Galaxy SIII Samsung copies Apple's iPhone model

Would also be fine in the Apple, Industry and Internet Discussion forum, but OTOH it's also discussing iPhone.

* Who here is tempted to try the Galaxy S3 while waiting for the new iphone?

Discussing a future iPhone. Nothing wrong with that.

We already have 5 sub-forums for iPhone, plus the iOS 5 forum for all software related questions. If you need help with an iPhone, there is the Tips, Help and Troubleshooting forum. Accessories are quite obvious and so are Hacks. Launch Meetups is fairly quiet until a new release. The general iPhone forum is very general as the name suggests, including comparisons with other phones.

 

[Peace]

Oh goodie !! Lets create a sub-forum for PC's while we're at it.

We could have one for the HP or Lenovo or Dell........

 

[VulchR]

So... the admins do not see see a case for creating an iOS/iPhone versus others forum, but they did see the light and create an iPhone Launch Meetups subforum that, when last I checked, had all of 4 people viewing it, while the other iPhone forums had hundreds. <shrugs>

I do have a question: Would MR admins or mods object if we started a thread in the iPhone forum that listed Apple-related sites that had less discussion about non-Apple devices in their forums?

 

[MacDawg]

So... the admins do not see see a case for creating an iOS/iPhone versus others forum, but they did see the light and create an iPhone Launch Meetups subforum that, when last I checked, had all of 4 people viewing it, while the other iPhone forums had hundreds. <shrugs>

I do have a question: Would MR admins or mods object if we started a thread in the iPhone forum that listed Apple-related sites that had less discussion about non-Apple devices in their forums?

That probably would not be the best way to handle things
If you have the motivation to visit such sites, that is purely your personal choice, but advertising other sites would be counterproductive here

You have certainly voiced your opinion on this, and as evidenced by the responses, the Moderators and Admins are aware of the suggestion
It isn't the first time it has been made, discussed and considered

Many, myself included, don't see the need to further fragment the Forum with such a reorganization. The overlaps are too great IMO to make it more useful than the current arrangement. Where a thread would be located would be highly subjective and require even more moderation, and it would likely result in even more duplicate thread postings.

While I have no interest in Android devices or other such things, I do not find it overly burdensome to skip those threads/posts and move on

Troll threads and posts should be deleted (report if you feel one qualifies)
Comparison threads, while not benefiting you directly, often are interesting to others

 

[rdowns]

the need to further fragment the Forum with such a reorganization.

Hmm, isn't fragmentation the best argument for Android to have its own sub-forum.

 

[chrono1081]

I've wanted a separate forum for a long time too.

The whole "well is relevant because people want to know how iPhones and Android devices stack up" is just an excuse to keep the threads. It allows trolling.

If comparisons were so important they should be put in the thread dedicated to industry (or whatever that thread is) where its normal to talk about other OS's, not in the iPhone forum.

The release of Android brought tons of trolls to Macrumors sadly.

 

[rdowns]

The release of Android brought tons of trolls to Macrumors sadly.

Only after the release of the iPhone let the riff raff in. ;D

 

[annk]

The whole "well is relevant because people want to know how iPhones and Android devices stack up" is just an excuse to keep the threads. It allows trolling.

There's no excuse for anything here. There are several ways to organise any forum, and this is what we've landed on after weighing the pros and cons.

Trolling isn't allowed under any circumstances. To say that a particular forum organisation "allows trolling" just doesn't make sense.

Why not just ignore threads that don't interest you? No one has offered any good arguments for why they HAVE to read threads they don't want to see.

 

[Jb07]

I'm sick of seeing Android threads too (and I'm an Android owner) but for different reasons. Any thread that compares the iPhone against an Android phone just brings on a flame war between Fanboys and Fandroids. I don't understand why we can't have a simple comparison thread without all the bickering over which OS is better. There are a few people who try to keep the peace on these threads but it seems to do nothing. Reducing the number of Android threads keeps flame wars from starting.