Database Develop

Why this GREAT forum just can not help those GREAT freeware makers a better life?

Today, when I went to Sakajati's website to check the release of his new WM6.5 ROM, I was totally depressed and completely lost the mood to flash this brand new ROM, after I read this brief intro:
sakajati
May 4th, 2009 at 5:59 am
Sorry guys for being away, I’ve been under stress due to financial problem. The business is getting worse and worse, I’m afraid I won’t be able to support this website anymore and may also have to sell my device (God I hope this won’t happend). To all hyperdragon users, please consider to support/donate, it may help me so I don’t have to sell this crapy device. Thanks in advance! Enjoy this new rom and let me know for any bugs you found!
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It was exactly the same feeling when yesterday I passed by Mirko Schenk's website and read this:
I aten't ded (12/05/2008, 10:00 PM)
Yeah, I know, I'm a bit slow with updates recently. Somehow, when I wasn't missing free time, all too often I was missing motivation (no, that's not begging for donations) to struggly with the pitfalls of programming after I struggled with them in my job before. And this even though there's currently no girl friend that threadens me when I'd spend more time on my PC than with her. (But admitted, she'd probably wouldn't need to threaden me... )
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Sakajati, a famouse ROM cooker for Kaiser, his Hyperdragon ROM thread in this forum has received 11,178 repplies and 1,574,596 views up to now. Yes, not mistaken, it's more than 1.5 milllion views. Is he brilliant? The numbers speak for themselves.
Mirko Schenk, the name may not much known to public. But if I talk about Mort, every chefs here knows who he is. One of his small programs named 'Mortscript' is now cooked in many of the custom ROMs on this site. Is he brilliant? You can ask every chef here, I guess you'll get the same answer:'Yes, he is VERY brillant.'
These two guys are only examples of many of the brilliant stars here. They all have these two same characters as I know: First, their softwares are all FREE. I.e, they supply free service to pubic without asking any material support from users. Second, I am regret to say, they are all VERY POOR now.
Well, I believe, that the initial puppose of their developing these wares are not for money. I also believe that they would like to continue this cause even if they can not receive one single coin from it, even if they maintain a poor living condition for his own life, they just enjoy it.
On the other hand, have to say this: It is ULTIMATE FORTUNE for a man, that in his life he can find something he likes, he is good at, he did it, and finally he fighted to clime to top of the line. BUT, it is an ULTIMATE UNFORTUNE for him that after he did this, he only found his life is 'worsen and worsen'.
Yes a man's value is not only reallize his own joy, he also has to be responsible for his beloves, his family, his girlfiend, or even his pet. This is the reason they may decide to drop this loved cause and find something else to do. And finally they may be driven out from this society.
Now the question comes: Can we do something to rescue them out of this situation?
Yes, we can donate to their PayPal account.
BUT, to donate to a paypal account is not always convienient for everybody that want to help them.
Actually, there are other much better ways, but the forum rules here does not support it. Like this: Why not allow them to put a simple advertisement on their signature?
Like this one (I found in this thread):
iPhone ... its a maxipad without wings!
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So that viewers can support them by a simple click of their mouse, which will bring a small money for them? Say in Sakajati's case, he has 1.5 million viewers, onlyif 10% of viewers would make a click on the ad, and only if each click can just bring $0.1 for them. That will collect to an amount of $15,000. Which will greatly enhance their life, at lest let them keep the 'crapy device'.
Don't tell me this is impossible for this forum. We have so many super-smart brains here. Actually can set some rules or systems to avoid any 'side effects' of it, like rules on the size, layout, postion, etc of the ad. Who can use it, who can not etc.
Yes, this great forum place should become a worm home for all telents in this line.
MODs: Can you discuss on this issue?

First let me say this is all very sad. Though I never use MortScript, I do sometimes run Sakajati's ROM.
There are unfortunately some issues with what you propose.
While I love XDA-Developers.com (primarily for its people and community), the board owners are not exactly known for 'making things happen'.
Second, clicking ads to "support someone" is a surefire way to get booted from the ad network. This is a definite no in the ad-world and against all regulations. Besides, all this does is move money from businesses who pay for those advertisements to freeware developers, while the users skimp on the cash again, and those who pay for advert gain nothing - you just click to support, not because you are interested in the ad product. So you rise prices for businesses trying to sell something. In turn this will make their products more expensive, you hurt the business and their consumers, and you have gained nothing. Its frowned upon for good reason.
Right now the best and quickest solution is probably still a PayPal rally. Frequent users should simply just donate a few bucks (remember when PayPal'ing, donate at least $2.50 or so or so much will be lost by the money they take, it's hardly worth donating at all). I have been thinking of a solution for this for years, even before I joined the WM community. I may have thought of something but unfortunately right now do not have the time to set up - however it will remain on my to-do list.

Chainfire said:
First let me say this is all very sad. Though I never use MortScript, I do sometimes run Sakajati's ROM.
There are unfortunately some issues with what you propose.
While I love XDA-Developers.com (primarily for its people and community), the board owners are not exactly known for 'making things happen'.
Second, clicking ads to "support someone" is a surefire way to get booted from the ad network. This is a definite no in the ad-world and against all regulations. Besides, all this does is move money from businesses who pay for those advertisements to freeware developers, while the users skimp on the cash again, and those who pay for advert gain nothing - you just click to support, not because you are interested in the ad product. So you rise prices for businesses trying to sell something. In turn this will make their products more expensive, you hurt the business and their consumers, and you have gained nothing. Its frowned upon for good reason.
Right now the best and quickest solution is probably still a PayPal rally. Frequent users should simply just donate a few bucks (remember when PayPal'ing, donate at least $2.50 or so or so much will be lost by the money they take, it's hardly worth donating at all). I have been thinking of a solution for this for years, even before I joined the WM community. I may have thought of something but unfortunately right now do not have the time to set up - however it will remain on my to-do list.
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Thank for your attention on tjis issue. There must be a solution for that, at least not 'completely impossible.
But the circut of money in 'ads' industry. Is just like 'everybody follow the rules here'.

Since the activities concerning 'advertising' may become a key factor in judgement of this issue. Here I add some more info. There are books about 'advertisement', or lots of internet materials available, but probably not everyone has time to read it. Let me just tell what is advertisement in this simple way:
The major target of ads is not to reach people who want the product, because people wants it already knows it. It is targeted to those people who doesn't want it, or even doesn't know it. Advertisement will let them know the product, and MAKE (sorry I use this word) them reallize that they want it.
This is why ads sponsors would be glad to pay even for a mouse click and a slight glance at what they are advertising. At least this make the clicker have a short memery about their brand name, or their product idea.
After read this, you may feel somehow uncomfortble about 'ads'. But sorry, this is just the prevailing commercial activity.

Please Post Your Comments on This Issue!
Anybody pass by here and reading this, if you have some opinion, comments, or different idea about this issue, please post here.
Maybe you are freeware developer, or commercial software developer, or common user, or moderator, it doesn't matter. What I'm thinking about is not trying to persuade the forum board to issue a new advertising policy, really need to be concerned is how to help those GREAT freeware developers OUT. Avertisement is just the best way that I can figure out by myself. But maybe you guys have better idea about this issue.
Here appeal to everybody:
If you are using a freeware, and find it's really helpful, or may bring additional conveineince and joy to your life. Please think about the life of the developer of the freeware. And first please consider a DONATION to them, if you can not, please think about what else you can do.​
Everybody please leave your voice here, maybe we can work out a way together!

Also put a post about up on myblog (spam, not finished yet). Who knows maybe it will even help.
I'll be making a serious donation myself. I hope others will do the same.

Chainfire said:
Also put a post about up on myblog (spam, not finished yet). Who knows maybe it will even help.
I'll be making a serious donation myself. I hope others will do the same.
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Certainly yours will be a nice place with lots of chef want to take a look. I went there and found some projects not known to me in the past. Before I only know WMWifiRouter's from you, later WMLongLife, but that's already enough to call you a Master. Now you're master++.
Also noted that you already sent donation confirmation code on Sakajati's site.
You built a nice blog.

PROJECT - Talented devs please Read

I want to create a theme, as no one here seems to have the same design sense as me; most are obsessed with trends from 2004 or something, and are fascinated by bright colors and the need for everything to be big and/or cluttered. as a minimalist, i'm basically exactly the opposite. i like clean, concise, small and unobtrusive.
Anyway, if a dalented dev and I could hook up, I could design a very nice looking exterior for Android so long as he could code it all into place. I'd be wanting to skin basically every skinnable object within Android; I want a full UI overhaul. I also want it to be the best looking thing released for the OS.
To give myself a little bit of credibility, here's a mock-up I was messing around with to provide an idea of what I'd be talking about.
http://img811.imageshack.us/slideshow/webplayer.php?id=homel.png

is no one replying because it doesn't look good enough, or because no one is interested?

The design is very bland, more work on it would make it look pretty nice. I see you're aiming for a simple look yet, somewhat elegant.

looks very nice and clean but...
notification bar is half the size,dont know if it is possible to edit the size of it.
and it wouldnt be easy to acess the drop down menu.
Same goes to lockscreen,a lot to change...
Perhaps this are the reasons no dev is interested in this,but it is a nice concept...hope you can manage to get it done.

ZED_pt said:
looks very nice and clean but...
notification bar is half the size,dont know if it is possible to edit the size of it.
and it wouldnt be easy to acess the drop down menu.
Same goes to lockscreen,a lot to change...
Perhaps this are the reasons no dev is interested in this,but it is a nice concept...hope you can manage to get it done.
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You can change the status bar size from source: frameworks/base/core/res/res/values/dimens.xml and change the status bar dpi from 25 to "x"

that was just a mock-up. everything can/will be changed to meet the dimensions of the elements to the sizes needed for the phone. and yes, it'll looks a lot better after some more time is put into it. i posted just a barebones preview of what i hope to accomplish.

You came in here bashing many talented designers and then post that? Instead of 2004, you're going prior?
Good luck, and I hope your "new" idea (given that there are quite a few minimalist themes) turns out well.

how did i bash anyone? i mean sure my comment was a little snarky, but it wasn't meant to put anyone down.
i don't see how that's prior-2004 either way, though.

Instead of asking for "talented devs" to help you, it might work out better if you spend a little bit of time to get to know the roots of android theming, and hopefully get more going than a few minimalistic mockups. Read a few how-to guides to get things rolling and when you get to troublesome .9's and xml tweaks, that might be a better time to ask for help.
As much as all of us will be really excited to see what you come up with (I mean that seriously), I really think it would be better that you get some experience going on your own first. 'Employing' people to do the dirty work usually means the end result is nothing like what the concepts suggested (I think a lot of us remember a similar situation late last year).
Good luck, have fun. I'm looking forward to the results.

turn said:
I want to create a theme, as no one here seems to have the same design sense as me; most are obsessed with trends from 2004 or something, and are fascinated by bright colors and the need for everything to be big and/or cluttered.
http://img811.imageshack.us/slideshow/webplayer.php?id=homel.png
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This is absolutely true, most of the themes would make my phone look like a cheap knockoff. However, I don't find yours the most appealing either. Minimalistic is good, very good, but add some more life to it (again, in a minimalistic and clean way)

It kinda reminds me of this here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=662721&highlight=xperia

turn said:
I want to create a theme, as no one here seems to have the same design sense as me; most are obsessed with trends from 2004 or something, and are fascinated by bright colors and the need for everything to be big and/or cluttered. as a minimalist, i'm basically exactly the opposite. i like clean, concise, small and unobtrusive.
Anyway, if a dalented dev and I could hook up, I could design a very nice looking exterior for Android so long as he could code it all into place. I'd be wanting to skin basically every skinnable object within Android; I want a full UI overhaul. I also want it to be the best looking thing released for the OS.
To give myself a little bit of credibility, here's a mock-up I was messing around with to provide an idea of what I'd be talking about.
http://img811.imageshack.us/slideshow/webplayer.php?id=homel.png
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Click to collapse
I do get where you're coming from and a lot of the themes posted aren't to my taste, but your design is weak. If you're going to make something so minimal that it's just a gradient fill and a font, the font needs to be something so special it can carry the whole design, and that really isn't... italics.. seriously..? It looks very dated. I think you've shown a lot of arrogance to come in here disrespecting the work put in by some very talented people, and then put forward your own amateurish design as an example of what they should be doing. You're not going to recruit anyone to help you that way.
Personally, I don't have the time or the motivation to work on full system themes without any kind of reward or pay. This is difficult, time consuming work, as you will soon find out if you make the effort to learn for yourself. I will however be leaning much more towards the minimal style in my future GDE themes, as it's my own personal preference.
Minimal is a very difficult look to pull off in an interface without looking bland, but there are some fine examples around here. Take a look at Elegance for a start. I respect that theme a lot.

Forget changing codes and such, just go to Sweeter Home and build it yourself. There are tons of themes there that look like your example.
http://www.sweeterhome.com/

Hey man, I just felt like I needed to give you some words of advice from an artistic standpoint.
I don't know your design capabilities, I don't claim this is your best, and I don't claim you are a world renown designer.
But every designer I do know deals with battling what other people say about their work.
We can choose to be offended, or we can choose to take it as a way of improving.
There are two words for this. One is greatly different from the other.
One is Criticism, and the other is constructive criticism.
Some of these posts I have seen are just pure criticism. (Perhaps this is why I see a whole page of posts gone but others I see here are constructively trying to criticize the work so that you may gain humility towards others works, and improve in your own.
This is a true barebone theme my friend, but I see potential in it. It doesn't matter what other's think, it matters what you think. If you ever need some help with this man, feel free to e-mail me. I am no dev, but I am a designer, and I would love to help you in the artistic aspects of this project, so that you can have something to be strongly proud of in the end of this. Let me know what's up. Shoot me a PM.
A loving word from one designer to another,
-VolcomDesigns

volcomdesigns said:
Hey man, I just felt like I needed to give you some words of advice from an artistic standpoint.
I don't know your design capabilities, I don't claim this is your best, and I don't claim you are a world renown designer.
But every designer I do know deals with battling what other people say about their work.
We can choose to be offended, or we can choose to take it as a way of improving.
There are two words for this. One is greatly different from the other.
One is Criticism, and the other is constructive criticism.
Some of these posts I have seen are just pure criticism. (Perhaps this is why I see a whole page of posts gone but others I see here are constructively trying to criticize the work so that you may gain humility towards others works, and improve in your own.
This is a true barebone theme my friend, but I see potential in it. It doesn't matter what other's think, it matters what you think. If you ever need some help with this man, feel free to e-mail me. I am no dev, but I am a designer, and I would love to help you in the artistic aspects of this project, so that you can have something to be strongly proud of in the end of this. Let me know what's up. Shoot me a PM.
A loving word from one designer to another,
-VolcomDesigns
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*applause* well said!

App developed

I have what I think is a great idea for an app but no clue what to do with it. I'm by no means a programmer or even that great with computers. I've done some searching and there doesn't seem to be an app like this. Any help is greatly appreciated. From what someone told me on another forum it could be complicated. If your up for a challenge hit me up and I'll tell you the idea.

programmers don't program for free - so you'll need to offer some $$$ if you want to retain the copyright - in an ideal world. and if it's commercially viable, your idea will be taken and sold. simple as.

If a talented programmer wants to message me, we can talk numebers.

I need a developer to tell me what it would run to build this app.

Depending on what it does I might be able to help. PM me with the details and we can talk from there. The main reason I'm asking you to PM me is because, as I said, I might be able to help, I'm not a super-programmer but I do what I can.

you may want to also give a hint about what type of app it is - messaging, phone, map related etc. that way a programmer with those skills would be able to contact you. though really, most of the good ideas will have been done by now! maybe your idea hasn't for a reason

What platform is this app?

Also, are you sure there's not already an app that does what you're thinking?

Ok so what the hell. Here's the idea.
Everyone dreams of winning the lottery so how about an app where you've won the lottery. However you win doesn't matter because the fun starts after your "numbers" come up. Let's say you win 100 million. Now you get to start spending it. You could also invest. It either grows or dwindles. You could also have all kinds of marketing involved from Ferrari to Neiman Marcus anywhere people spend money. There should be options to buy houses in all kinds of locations. Maybe the background that shows your money status could be animated while the items you shop for are real. Like got to Realtor.com and buy a dream house. You can buy cars or give money to relatives. Anything you might do with your winnings.
I think it'd cool to see what people would do if they won the lottery. Maybe there is an option to take friends on vacation and buy them cars. It'd be interesting to see how fast the money goes. Say you bought a house and cars. Then a certain percentage of the purchase price would determine the upkeep of said houses or cars. So every month a percentage gets deducted from the winnings. Of courses taxes too since we all enjoy that. What do you think?
So there it is. Please don't steal my idea! Honor system people.

Its quite simple to program, really. Like most videogames, content is where it gets complicated. You have absolutely no game yet. You need to really pin down the design, how the game is ACTUALLY going to work; beyond your basic idea there. Then you'll have to design the interface, gather/generate the audiovisual content, adapt it, figure out licensing issues, etc. It goes on and on.

CptAJ said:
Its quite simple to program, really. Like most videogames, content is where it gets complicated. You have absolutely no game yet. You need to really pin down the design, how the game is ACTUALLY going to work; beyond your basic idea there. Then you'll have to design the interface, gather/generate the audiovisual content, adapt it, figure out licensing issues, etc. It goes on and on.
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I'd actually like to learn

You can try freelancing portals like freelancer.com, elance or odesk...

CptAJ said:
Its quite simple to program, really. Like most videogames, content is where it gets complicated. You have absolutely no game yet. You need to really pin down the design, how the game is ACTUALLY going to work; beyond your basic idea there. Then you'll have to design the interface, gather/generate the audiovisual content, adapt it, figure out licensing issues, etc. It goes on and on.
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I tend to agree the idea is only a fraction of the battle... there are numerous ways you could put that idea into practice. Problem with a game is that if you want to mix it with the big boys and make mega bucks it is going to take forever to code and even more money to produce.
If you want to make it simple then you face the problem of people not being interested because of its simplicity. Games generally work best on a PC platform due to the extra screen space / processing power to deliver the graphics and deliver the rich content experience.
If you want to deliver it on a mobile device you will need to scale your expectations accordingly. Can you still get a decent game with limited screen space and HDD space? Hard to say, but it will take a talented programmer...

If you wanted to port a copy of that old classic “Street Rod” across to a mobile device I would be interested in a copy

The tutorial within android sdk page would be a good start point.

I figured it was way beyond my skill level. And you're right, the idea was the simple part it seems.

[APP] Space Weight

Space Weight, well as I am sure you're hurrying to rush to your favorite distant destination in the solar system, which is why this little auto-instant converter from LBS to Planet weight is of the utmost important thing to you.
With the help of Sir Issac Newton, your long-awaited dream is for WP7 Mango (work good on NoDo too).

You can now download Space Weight in the Marketplace, visit at: http://windowsphone.com/s?appid=8e386384-f33e-4b79-9749-2c4719e0ce0a.

*Sigh, some apps really need the touch of a graphics guy.

Lumic said:
*Sigh, some apps really need the touch of a graphics guy.
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Absolutely do but unfortunately Artists don't do free work. They don't realize if we don't get paid, hard for us to pay upfront for something a profit will never be rendered or even on soon to be paid apps, can't always pay upfront, which is why my kickstarter has a few big apps but need funding to hire artists/org for characters for games.
So, Photoshop tutorials and not following them and mixing is unfortunately how a lot of my Gfx are made. We have gfx artists that do our clients websites but to have side work, gets pricy. ;/

I'm probably going to look into doing something during the holidays break, I've never had Photoshop lessons but I can do basic graphics. If I get the motivation, I probably wouldn't mind thinking up a redesign for this app.

Lumic said:
I'm probably going to look into doing something during the holidays break, I've never had Photoshop lessons but I can do basic graphics. If I get the motivation, I probably wouldn't mind thinking up a redesign for this app.
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Anything you can come up with, would be greatly appreciated. Always nice to see what others would like things to be . You will of course be credited on anything provided and happy to share AD commission which is like pennies but they supposedly eventually add up, which I have yet to see but happy to share .

Who wants to be in podcast/video show?

Attention Mods/XDA staff. We have permission from svetius to post this here. I wasn't sure about doing this either, so I made sure to ask first. We will not directly link to our site so that we do not leech traffic from XDA. We aren't trying to compete with XDA either. We are looking for interns/unpaid staff interested in tech and mobile news, so the job board doesn't fit us.
Alright guys, here's the deal. I'm looking for video/podcast personalities for a website I'm involved in. The site is Install or Not dot com. I'm not linking to it directly so we don't get in trouble with XDA by leeching their traffic.
If you are interested in becoming a personality and can commit to several hours a week in recording audio and/or video, please post a reply here, and we'll talk about it.
There are three unpaid positions available at the moment. We're looking for video personalities, podcast personalities, and media editors. Requirements for the positions are listed below. You may be able to do more than one thing if you want to and are good enough.
All positions must adhere to the following rules:
- You MUST be able to commit at least five hours per week to recording and researching the shows.
- Media editors may need to commit ten or so hours, depending on skill if they are doing shows as well. You need to be available during the week and on weekends.
- You must be able to work within the site guidelines that we set.
- You must be able to be fair and unbias in your discussions. I don't care if you hate Windows Phone, iOS, or Android. You have to be a fair reporter.
To apply for a spot, please prepare a sample of your ability for me to preview.
Podcast sample should feature you talking about two different articles of your choosing for a minimum of ten minutes. Podcasts are meant for spinning out the news and discussing it with others. Try to put your own spin on the news. Make it entertaining. It doesn't need to be funny, it just needs to hold my attention. Feel free to work on submissions as a team if you know other people who want to be involved.
Video samples should follow the same guidelines as the podcast. I'd prefer to see a ten minute video of you talking about a few articles or topics that interest you. Videos are more generally targeted than podcasts. Again, this needs to be interesting and entertaining. it does not need to be funny, it just needs to hold the viewer's attention. Videos are solo pieces.
Editors should either team up with others who are submitting clips, or make a work on their own from the podcast and video guidelines. If you have prior experience in editing, you may submit any prior work as well, so long as it is appropriate. (no porn )

FYI: The positions are unpaid internships.
Site guidelines are set by myself and the owner. They may change from time to time, but you will always know in advance. Generally, just use common sense. It's not MTV or Cinemax; it's a tech news blog.
We don't want excessive profanity in any media on the site. A few bad words throughout the media is fine, but nothing excessive, and nothing horrible. If you can't say it on cable TV, you can't say it on our site either.
Be open to new ideas and other operating systems or OEMs. I don't care how much iOS pisses you off, or how bad Samsung screwed you over on a phone. You will report on the news in a fair and balanced manner. This includes reporting on iOS, Apple, Motorola, RIM, webOS, Symbian, and anything else you can think of that might make you cringe. If you can't wrap your head around being fair to everyone, do not apply.

I too being involved in the site can say, this may look like not such an appealing postition for now, as it's unpaid - but we will surely value your contribution, which can in future but you on our regular team.
Some of the incentives of doing the job are:
Attend tech events
Gadgets to review
Meet big shots of the tech arena
Make a name and get fame for yourself
Adds value to your CV, which employer would not like a person who is popular on the internet ? This might become your full time job, who knows ?
A business card with a fancy position
An identity which can never be erased, yes that's the beauty of the internet - you might be gone and forgotten in the world, but on the internet your name and work will always stay !
And some other perks too, which I'd rather not mention on a public domain.
Besides, I would also like to tell you, you don't need to be a pro at anything to do this job, just be enthusiastic, dedicated and responsible - though you should know tech and shall be able to speak english !
Age, Nationality, Location, Occupation or Gener all of those do not matter as far as you can do the job !
So hit us up if you think you are in for it !
PS: If you think, audio or video is a bit too steep you can even write for us

Bump to the top.

Okay guys. I would like to participate in it. As you previously said that we can even write articles for you, I might be interested
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using xda premium

Back to the top.
If you guys know anyone who might be interested in doing this, please send them here as well.

Bump to the top, for the interested lot ! Send those PMs right away

Bumpity bump bump

boborone said:
Bumpity bump bump
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Interested, or just sending to the top?
We're looking for news writers as well.

cajunflavoredbob said:
Interested, or just sending to the top?
We're looking for news writers as well.
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Too ugly for on air but yes I am interested in a writer position. Unpaid is completely fine with me. Plus a bump for old xda'er buds.