Open letter to the moderators

[betawind]

I've noticed a lot of "moderation" in the last few weeks as more and more information is coming out on Android. I've seen quite a few links removed because they were for other forums, blogs, etc. I can only guess this is to eliminate the visibility of the "competition" on this forum. This can only hurt this community in the long run.

I've tracked Android here since the beginning of October and have learned quite a bit from the information here. I've also found several other sources of information (with topics that just haven't been covered here) in the posts here I've been able to see before the links got removed. Because of other sites (which I won't name) I now have a greater understanding of the G1 architexture, understand more about the boot up process than I ever thought I wanted to know, and am able to add alot of customization to my device. This type of information just doesn't exist here. Maybe it shouldn't either (I don't really see this forum as a development heavy forum), but you shouldn't prevent people from seeing it just because you don't host it.

I can understand the need to filter out certain information. People shouldn't be allowed to advertise their blog, forum, etc here. That's not what this place is for. But linking a post to another blog because it has information (most recent example being the easy howto on installing debian a G1) only opens up new information to the readers of this forum. People who may not have known about these other resources can now see them, and could inevitably help progress them further. Preventing people from seeing these other resources (at least via this forum) does nothing but hurt the community you're trying to protect.

If I ever got to the point where I only had time to check one forum in the morning and this forum is not the one that has the bulk of the type of information I'm looking for, I'd likely go somewhere else that did. Please don't take that as a threat (as it was not meant that way), but rather understand where I'm coming from. People want to go where they can get the most bang for their buck so to speak. If you allow these links to other sites/blogs/forums etc when it pertains to relevant information, people are more likely to stay.

Please mods, reconsider your policy of blindly axing other forum/blog/etc URLs simply because someone might find something there that doesn't exist here.

[rynosaur]

Do you think the mods make up the rules? It's like blaming a cop for enforcing a seat belt or cell phone law.

This type of information just doesn't exist here.

Thanks for the . . . . the good thoughts.

[*susan*]

Thank you for your input. As Rynosaur noted, those of us that are moderators do not make the rules. We are here to simply enforce them as directed to by the owners and operators of this site.

Your best bet would be to send a pm to Shawn and/or Vincent about your concerns.

[betawind]

Edit: I didn't see Susan's response before writing this. I will direct my thoughts there. Thank you Susan.

I want to also add that this wasn't meant to be a lash out at the moderators, I genuinely believed you were the folks that made the rules. My apologies if this was taken any other way.

[scrannel]

I'm a new G1/Android user, computer sophisticated, but trying to get up to speed with Android on a more than amateur level. So, those links to other forums, with very useful information, are extremely helpful. On the other hand, because of the broad nature of this forum, which seems to cover (and over-cover) everything, it's my primary source of info on the G1. In other words, a great forum. Links to other forums only elevate this one.

[juice]

it's my primary source of info on the G1. In other words, a great forum. Links to other forums only elevate this one.

This. Right here.

Especially the last bit.

[tokyomonster]

Unless someone is blatantly advertising, I think removing links is detrimental to the community.

[theycallmeVosko]

you would only be putting our community above the others that dont allow linking to other sites. have faith in us we wont leave u just because you linked us to another forum.

[Smalls]

it's my primary source of info on the G1. In other words, a great forum. Links to other forums only elevate this one.

totally agree

[liamw]

I agree with this, I do look at other forums but AC is the only one I check religiously several times a day. I don't understand the need to remove links from posts especially where the link provides useful information.