Anyone not like the new forum layout??? Too many forums

[Technickal]

I dont know, seems like theres too many divisions, its more complicated now
before it was just more comfortable and simple

Edited by Vincent to add the following:

I have a simple rule - if I cannot explain or justify for the existence of something in one to three sentences or within 30 seconds, then it's not worth having. Here's the breakdown:

Just Talkin' about Android: Anything and everything (general) Android platform specific discussions
Talkback - section is tied into the blog taking the place of wordpress' commenting system that's integrated with vBulletin. Single sign on system so you don't need a login for the front and forums just to comment/reply. No member created threads.
Android News and Rumors - Allow members to post news / rumors they find from various sources.General Android-powered Hardware discussions: General discussions about Android devices
T-Mobile G1 - many members have asked for a dedicated section just for the T-Mobile G1. Here it is.Off-topics: his is a general catch-all section to discuss anything on your mind that doesn't fit into the site-specific topics. Please keep it clean, and remember that discussing politics and religion has a way of causing community strife that is best avoided. No commercial posts allowed.
aBay (Buy, sell, trade & bargain) - Members asked for a dedicated section for this -- here it is.
Other phones - same here, members asked and we created it.
Android Social - a fun place for everyone to setup meetups and hange outGeneral Mod My Android Discussions: General modding discussion section
Skinning / Themes Discussion - No explanation needed
Ringtones - No explanation neededOHA Members Discussions: There are over 30-plus members, you're going to have questions and we'll have the answers.
Google - Google specific discussions and it does not have to be Android related. They run OHA and founder of Android --- it's important we talk about them
HTC - HTC is founding member of OHA and dominates the world with kick ass phones - it's important we keep tabs and talk about them and it doesn't have to be Android related.
T-Mobile - First carrier to offer an Android phone and expected to offer more. The purpose of this section allows members to provide feedbacks about T-Mobile's service, ask questions and get answers. It doesn't have to be Android related.
Sprint - see answer from T-Mobile.Android Google phone accessories: Anything accessories related to current and future Android phones / devices.
Staff: Accessories Reviews - reviews of all accessories written by AC staff
Users: Accessories Reviews - Accessories reviews done by you - members of AC.Android Community Site Updates: our communication to members
Contests / Giveaways - We love nothing more on AC than to giveaway tons and tons of prizes so why not have a dedicated section?
Feedbacks - your feedbacks are very important to us...this is your place to share your thoughts about the state of the community or make suggestions.Android Market: The purpose of AC's Android Market is currently for information only until further notice. Since Google isn't providing a desktop version / sync, we anticipate that members will want to read about apps in the comfort of their laptop/pc. This is also a place for developers to share and upload their apps should they choose to. The Android Market will also serve as the distro for themes, templates, wallpapers etc in the future. Again, AC's Android Market is not intended to replace or act as the official Android Market on your G1 / Android phones.
New Application Ideas - members asked for this second so they can share new Android app ideas.
Android Apps Review / Android Market Discussions - AC App Guru team will be reviewing new Android apps as they become available.
Android Apps Updates and Support - this section allows members and developers to interact with each other for support, tips or app feedbacks.General Dev Discussions, How to, Guides and FAQ - this section is pretty self-explanatory
Porting Android - Call me crazy but every one of us will try to figure out how to port Android to everything and anything with a CPU
Android Tools and SDK for developers and "hackers" - If you wanna talk shop / development, take it here. At the end of the day, the key reason for having slightly more detailed sections is for member's own good because they will help your posts/threads stay more visible and not buried under hundreds or thousands of posts. We're pushing numerous new posts and hundreds of new replies per day and the first Android phone hasn't even dropped yet. Imagine when there are dozens of new Android phones are available from all the major phone manufacturers in addition to non-phone Android devices...good luck keeping your posts / threads from being buried (rapidly). If you still have problems understanding the existence of each Primary Sections and Subforums after reading through the explanation - I encourage you to ping Shawn (http://androidcommunity.com/forums/members/refused9150/) and have a chat with him. If the layout still troubles you and can't get pass the setup, contact me directly and I'd be more than happy to direct you to other fine Android communities on the Internet.

[remister]

we're getting ready for the huge hit of newcomers. I would think ;)

[Cricketman]

I think its far more organized with the subforums, rather than just one big stretched out list.

[dkvitus]

I like it better too... I think the forum is now running on ANDROID

[Jorsher]

we're getting ready for the huge hit of newcomers. I would think ;)

Hit the nail on the head ;)

How it was would be fine for a small community, but as it grows it's much more efficient to have it divided into subsections.

Just give it a little time and it'll be like second nature :)

[rawskilz]

organization is a key . looks good 2 m3

[ddee8]

I think its far more organized with the subforums, rather than just one big stretched out list.

I agree :)

[secrecyguy]

I dont know, seems like theres too many divisions, its more complicated now
before it was just more comfortable and simple

You want to see more complicated? Go here...

http://www.howardforums.com/

[remister]

You want to see more complicated? Go here...

http://www.howardforums.com/

Personally I think the forums are pretty organized if you asked me :)

[RussianSolja]

im registered to howardforums its really not as bad as u think.

[RussianSolja]

Personally I think the forums are pretty organized if you asked me :)
yes i agree

[GreenLeaf]

You want to see more complicated? Go here...

http://www.howardforums.com/

http://i37.tinypic.com/nb7jfr.gif

[jgoldy15]

I like the new structure of the forums, best to get the proper changes in place before this place really explodes once new carriers and phones start using Android.

*still on that distinguished road....

[tread]

i find the new features a little overwhelming at first glance, but incredibly functional and it does what it needs to, keep you on the site

[refused9150]

We are doing a lot of preparing for the future. Tons of devices tons of different subjects. We were having tons of duplicate threads and people no being able to find things the other way. Threads would get buried really fast. Would you guys rather have it setup like hofo?

[insight spinner]

Change is tough and in my experience ---- 99% of the population aren't comfortable with changes. I can assure that moving forward there will be very little changes to the layout / structure of AC. Minor changes will be more addition of subforums to accommodate new carriers, phone manufacturers and specific Android-powered phone models. We're doing our best to keep the community as organized and cluttered free as possible.

Also, unlike traditional forums / community, here at AC, we're providing you Androids opportunities to connect with other Androids by way of adding and requesting friends. A dedicated section for you to speak your mind with your very one blog. There is also a dedicated gallery for you to share your images / photos with the rest of the community. If you want to connect with local androids, you can do that too - in the Social Group. The knowledge base will most likely be the most important section of AC because we have an entire team of Android Scholars (lead by New World (http://androidcommunity.com/forums/members/new-world/)) working around the clock to keep it up to date as much as possible. Finally, we've got our pulse on the latest and great news and rumors as they pertain to Android or new Android-powered phones and mobile devices. You can rest assure that these info are for the most part correct.

And it's all very much appreciated. I love that we are getting so many options, even if I might not use them. I noticed several people (like me) chose to post pics although some stated they usually preffered anonymity. I know I am the same way but this is like a neighborhood where you want to "hang over the fence" a bit.

At the same time the membership has grown tremendously since I came across this site (just in August). You have to be ready for the throngs of enthusiasts to come.

The team here is awesome.

[remister]

yep i agree, I've been coming here for news since android was announced, but didn't sign up for the forums recently.

[GreenLeaf]

All those sub forums & divisions help only if threads are posted in their proper sections. Regulars of this community know what to post where. But this will be difficult to decide for newbies. So the moderators have a daunting task at hand to see to it that threads move to their relevant forums/sub forums.

[JUSTINB]

Personally, I thought before (and after) the change there are just too many forums. It's kinda difficult to figure out where you should post something because often times it will crossover into another forum. It might just be the actual forum software/theme that is making it look too messy. But, we'll see how the new sections go ;)

[sheetpants]

I liked it before. Its so bloated and jubled up now that it doesnt look good. Id rather have it in basic list form than this. It would deter users.

[NetCom]

Someone has posted howardforums.com as an example of being confusing, etc - just want to add that howardforums.com for instance had over 1 milion and 80 thousands and some more people when it comes to Verizon ONLY.
Not to mention ATT with over 900 000 or Tmobile with close to 700 000 visits. I am trying not to advertise them but - existence of more forums and more sub-forums and topics is required when very big population is being served by a certain service. AndroidCommunity will serve lots of visitors/guests and its members where the key issues need to be resolved.
For example: I have a problem with my alarm settings on my Android OS based device that just got updated with new firmware and its malfunctioning.
Here is the order of thinking how should I apporach to the solving the issue if forum is my end goal (whats better than other people giving their feedbacks about the same/similar problem):
1. Find Android OS based forum...
2. Take a look if there is section that deals with Software/OS/Apps then go there
3. Check "Sticky threads" for common issue with the particular problem; if not found use search option and see what comes up. Thread found...
4. Thread: "Alarm issue" - access it and read posts one by one.

Not to make short story longer, it is very important to manage our needs before we go somewhere, do something, decide something.
In the whole process there are mods who will help out person to identify the need, find solution, help out as much as possible in resolving it.
Another example would be (this is the last one I promise :)): When we go to local store to purchase something, let's say we need 5 different items from 3 different store. That's where our own managing comes along and you are thinking - ok what is the route to take in the order to get everything done in timely manner. Pretty easy - forums are the same way.
No one is perfect, but we are moving forward towards that goal as moderators together with all of the members and guests/visitors.

PS. I found forum much more efficient and helpful with its layout now than before. I spent some time going everywhere he he he to find everything out and now its a breeze when I need something.

I hope this clarifies little bit more question of self-management needs :) ... If there is anything you can add, please do so and let's discuss it as needed :)