General Alterntaives forum - has it been a success or failure IYO?

[ChazUK]

Now it's been established and seems to have a flow of threads all things Android, Windows Phone, Web OS and BlackBerry, what do you think of this forum?

I'm pleased we now have somewhere where we can debate these things without all the cries of "Why i this here?" or "Go to winrumors.com buddy!".

We've seen some big launches with some really good discussion over the past few months. Surface, Windows 8 RT, Windows Phone 8, Open WebOS, Android 2.4, new flagships from HTC, Nokia, LG, Samsung, Asus and some RIM development.

I've really enjoyed the discussions here so far, this vs that, why I prefer platform X or Y.

Some threads have strayed into the wrong forums but the moderators are all on the ball and moving these stray threads to the correct boards and the wasteland worthy posts have been dealt with in no time.

What are your thoughts on the "alternatives" section? Has it reduced or increased trolling? Decent cross platform discussion?

I've enjoyed it myself. Been some good debates already and it's always interesting to read polar opposite opinions and the reasons others think the way they do. It's what makes discussion worthwhile IMO.

 

[Macman45]

I think it's been a success, the amount of threads would seem to confirm that..I think it's a good idea to have a section on alternative devices...I don't personally own any, but I do find it interesting to visit the section and see what's up and coming in the Android world. There are some very well made offerings now, it's just a shame that the DEV's do not seem able to consolidate the various versions of Android operating systems into one, well thought out interface that would run on all these devices...If they ever manage that, they might find that the uptake is far higher than is currently the case.

I've seen some very sharp, well made tablets that buddies have, but the major rant is always the particular flavour of the OS they are running ( no pun intended)

 

[F123D]

It's definitely been helpful. A lot of members who post in this section were previously iPhone users so you get a different perspective since most have used iOS. Don't see any of those crapple or isheep comments around here which is nice. Just good discussions and comparisons between different devices.

 

[daveathall]

I think it has been a real success. I have really enjoyed reading the posts and following links that have been generously sought and provided by members here, I have had my eyes open to different solutions/hardware and have even explored some of them at no small cost.

 

[lucifiel]

I honestly think that this has been one of the best forums to read, especially because it presents a view that really isn't featured much anywhere else on the forums, namely shifting focus away from Apple products and discussing Apple products in the broader context of "other products".

I have no doubt that this is because of moderation, but also because there are a lot of mature members who are willing to give everything a try and express some honest opinions.

 

[maflynn]

I've enjoyed the forum and its helped other members who wish not to deal with these alternative discussions in their respective iPhone, iPad, iOS forums

 

[Diiiiips]

Massive success IMO. It's the part of the board I visit the most.

 

[spinedoc77]

Excellent subforum IMO. Nice respectful debates for the most part and some extremely interesting conversations.

 

[ravenvii]

A success. Since my interest in Android grew, I started coming here a lot. Great discussions, minimal trolling, and great help.

A subforum created to contain trolls turns out to be one of the board's best. Go figure.

 

[michaeljohn]

Although I voted it a success because I am a gadget geek and like all types of products, most threads turn into a pissing match between iOS and Android. It's become a place for Fandroids to hang out and bash Apple, the iPhone and iOS really.

 

[jsw]

I don't see a lot of bashing - at least compared to other places. The majority of us in here are Apple device/computer owners, and so we have a perspective that pure Android fans don't have, and that's appreciated.

For the most part, we're familiar with iOS and have or are gaining familiarity with Android, and it's nice to be able to compare the two with others who are in the same boat.

I never plan on abandoning OS X, nor do I plan on abandoning iOS. I just want to branch out into Android so that I'll have more access to more apps and will be more able to find the app and device that suits my needs, regardless of the OS underneath.

I very much appreciate these forums for the opportunity they provide to learn more.

 

[spinedoc77]

Yeah I haven't seen much bashing or trolling. I think people use the word troll way too much these days, anyone who disagrees slightly with you is a troll.

It will always be a pissing match. At the end of the day why do we discuss and argue so hard about companies who could care less about our opinion other than if we spend money on them, it's almost comical if it wasn't so sad at times. What works for one may not work for another, and that shouldn't be a point in an argument, but a lively debate is great so everyone can appreciate different viewpoints and open up their world.

 

[tbayrgs]

I don't see a lot of bashing - at least compared to other places. The majority of us in here are Apple device/computer owners, and so we have a perspective that pure Android fans don't have, and that's appreciated.

For the most part, we're familiar with iOS and have or are gaining familiarity with Android, and it's nice to be able to compare the two with others who are in the same boat.

I never plan on abandoning OS X, nor do I plan on abandoning iOS. I just want to branch out into Android so that I'll have more access to more apps and will be more able to find the app and device that suits my needs, regardless of the OS underneath.

I very much appreciate these forums for the opportunity they provide to learn more.

My sentiments exactly. Take a look at many of the comments in these threads that initially start in a different forum and then at the posts after it has been moved--much different tone. I find the discussions here much more constructive, for the most part . I have much more limited experience with other OS and their respective hardware and like being able to hear other's opinions/experiences, especially when considering a non-Apple device and how it compares to its Apple counterpart. Try that in another forum and you mind as well be a leper.

 

[flopticalcube]

Highly enjoyable forum and a great idea to separate out from the iOS forums. I look forward to working out issues running in a mixed environment as it gives people more freedom. It has also become one of my more visited forums.

 

[scott craft]

I enjoy this forum because of the different backgrounds most bring to a discussion about a particular device. It's always nice to see different viewpoints about things.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

good for the most part. I do see the mods move to many things here that feel do not belong in this forum.

 

[Zwhaler]

Since I gained interest in Android and picked up a Note 2 I've been spending way more time on this sub forum than all the others.

 

[doomfront]

Since there is basically no OS X news as of now, this is the only forum I really visit on here.

 

[3bs]

Since I gained interest in Android and picked up a Note 2 I've been spending way more time on this sub forum than all the others.

I'm almost exclusively spending my time here ever since I got my S3

I think it's great having this sub forum. There are other forums out there specifically for Android etc but I enjoy discussing and reading things here more than the other forums I gave a try.

 

[ChazUK]

I'm almost exclusively spending my time here ever since I got my S3

I think it's great having this sub forum. There are other forums out there specifically for Android etc but I enjoy discussing and reading things here more than the other forums I gave a try.

The thing is with Android specific forums, you're likely to have almost everyone blowing smoke up Google's arse and bashing all the competition. At least here we're all in the mix together. Windows phone, Android, iOS, BlackBerry and more (the same probably applies for WP, BB forums as well). The chatter is far more diverse here, which I really enjoy.

 

[3bs]

The thing is with Android specific forums, you're likely to have almost everyone blowing smoke up Google's arse and bashing all the competition. At least here we're all in the mix together. Windows phone, Android, iOS, BlackBerry and more (the same probably applies for WP, BB forums as well). The chatter is far more diverse here, which I really enjoy.

That and I think people are generally more friendly here

 

[jeremiah256]

Great Place

For those using both Apple and other companies devices. This forum helped convince me to get a Nexus 7 to join my all Apple household.

 

[ChazUK]

Shame the no voters don't want to share why they don't think it's been a success.

 

[Zwhaler]

Shame the no voters don't want to share why they don't think it's been a success.

Probably because they are iPhone fanboys? Just guessing.

 

[bobr1952]

Probably because they are iPhone fanboys? Just guessing.

Well I have no intention of trading in my iPhone for anything but I vote yes just because it keeps the non-iPhone discussions in their own place. So it should be win-win for everyone.