Return to Question

We recently asked how you feel about questions regarding Windows 8 on ARM. After looking through the answers and comments there, and some lengthy discussion amongst the moderators, we've come up with the following possible changes to our policies on tablets.

As the nature of computing changes, so should we. Increasingly, super users like ourselves have more than just a desktop and a laptop. Furthermore, the line between "computer" and "device" is blurring. Nevertheless, with any of the options below, we will naturally continue our policy of requiring high-quality, practical, answerable questions. None of the suggested changes would allow for open-ended app recommendations, purchasing suggestions, etc.

Here are the options we have come up with:

• Continue the status quo. No tablet questions allowed, unless it's running a desktop operating system. Windows on ARM questions would not be permitted, but Windows 8 on x86-64 hardware would be allowed.

• Allow appropriate tablet questions, but not actively encourage iOS and Android. Basically they will be treated like Ubuntu and OS X are treated right now.

• Allow any tablet questions. Treat tablets like any other computer.

• Make an exception specifically for Windows 8 on ARM, to avoid confusion for users. Questions about other tablets would still be off-topic, but we would allow WOA questions since the operating system is similar enough to regular Windows 8.

If any of the options for broadening the scope is chosen, we will put the new policy into effect shortly, and give it a discrete "trial run" in advance of the Windows 8 launch. At the time of the Windows 8 launch, we expect an influx of tablet questions, so we should have determined by then whether we're OK with the changes or not.

Initially, this will be quiet. We may start allowing tablet questions of some form, but will not advertise that. Once we determine if it seems to be working, we can make an official decision and make that information available via the blog and other sources.

Please vote on the options below. If you have commentary, please leave it under the original question or one of the polling options. The purpose of this question is to serve as a poll, so we'd like to avoid adding additional answers beyond the choices given here.

_{Please note that this post is meant to be a means for the Super User moderators to gauge the general feelings of the community on this issue. Votes on the options here do not necessarily reflect the final decision that will be made. The moderation team reserves the right to make a decision which may not directly correspond with the options laid out or voted upon here.}

We recently asked how you feel about questions regarding Windows 8 on ARM. After looking through the answers and comments there, and some lengthy discussion amongst the moderators, we've come up with the following possible changes to our policies on tablets.

As the nature of computing changes, so should we. Increasingly, super users like ourselves have more than just a desktop and a laptop. Furthermore, the line between "computer" and "device" is blurring. Nevertheless, with any of the options below, we will naturally continue our policy of requiring high-quality, practical, answerable questions. None of the suggested changes would allow for open-ended app recommendations, purchasing suggestions, etc.

Here are the options we have come up with:

• Continue the status quo. No tablet questions allowed, unless it's running a desktop operating system. Windows on ARM questions would not be permitted, but Windows 8 on x86-64 hardware would be allowed.

• Allow appropriate tablet questions, but not actively encourage iOS and Android. Basically they will be treated like Ubuntu and OS X are treated right now.

• Allow any tablet questions. Treat tablets like any other computer.

• Make an exception specifically for Windows 8 on ARM, to avoid confusion for users. Questions about other tablets would still be off-topic, but we would allow WOA questions since the operating system is similar enough to regular Windows 8.

If any of the options for broadening the scope is chosen, we will put the new policy into effect shortly, and give it a discrete "trial run" in advance of the Windows 8 launch. At the time of the Windows 8 launch, we expect an influx of tablet questions, so we should have determined by then whether we're OK with the changes or not.

Initially, this will be quiet. We may start allowing tablet questions of some form, but will not advertise that. Once we determine if it seems to be working, we can make an official decision and make that information available via the blog and other sources.

Please vote on the options below. If you have commentary, please leave it under the original question or one of the polling options. The purpose of this question is to serve as a poll, so we'd like to avoid adding additional answers beyond the choices given here.

_{Please note that this post is meant to be a means for the Super User moderators to gauge the general feelings of the community on this issue. Votes on the options here do not necessarily reflect the final decision that will be made. The moderation team reserves the right to make a decision which may not directly correspond with the options laid out or voted upon here.}