Fix this forum - PLEASE

[DownunderGrumpy]

For a long time now this forum seems stuffed up.
Let me give you some examples:

Whatever you do here is interrupted by this useless popup asking for feedback.
Here is a hint: If a regular users wants to leave feedback the user will do so.
Getting this popup all the time is most annoying and unwanted...

Logging in....
I come here, log in and might want to create a new topic or reply to one.
Easy thing, right ?
Why then do I have to log in AGAIN every time I press a button here?
Why do I land most of the time back on the main page with the topic gone as well as the login?
Seems all I ever get is a half log in state - showing that I am logged in, giving me all access but still requiring another login for every step.
Unless this is another security feature gone mad I call it an annoying bug.

Based on the layouts, features and bugs I assume Meta uses the same crap forum software that Autodesk uses over at Instructables.
The entire purpose of providing a forum is to get the user involved while providing help.
The later however seems too be impossible here.

Why are topics marked by the support as solved if there neither is a solution nor anything helping any user?
Stating that the solution isn't one but instead was marked as such so users would PM the support is rather insulting.
It deprives, intentionally I might add, all users from finding a fix or at least meaningful help.
You read one topic after the other to only find bogus solutions - a total waste of time!

The level of support here seems rather selective and directed, to not say entirely bot based.
Only human support responses I seem to find are those in regards to dirt simple problems or for some apps and games.
Whenever it comes to device or firmware related issues the human support seems to fully vanish.
Sent a PM is all there is to find....
Apart from that it is the usual factory reset suggested followed by the user stating it did not help - all the time....

Don't get me wrong, a forum is appreciated but like it currently is the forum is more of a hassle than a help.
There is no structure, no working search options, no consistency.
Just one big mess and this mess is made hard to use.
Just check the Labels> No chance to give a new topic a meaningful label, the user can only try adding tags to make it easier for others.
But the forum does not offer anything to actually utilise the tags OR labels....

[DownunderGrumpy]

Oculus entered the VR market with a goal - to provide stand-alone VR that works.
Meta however is all about control and limitations for no reason - a mix that does not work.

Companies big and small can stand out in many ways.
But those standing out through a working support are in favour.
People these days check more than just features and warranty times 😉
Getting regular firmware updates, finding help pages with useful and easy to find content....
But for things that might require more you just can't beat having a support team that knows what is required and that IS ABLE to deal with the customer volumes.
Many companies these days include social media as a way to contact them for a DIRECT and fast support if required - like a video call with a support agent for example or just a real human in a real chat.

Yes, Meta did some thing right....
There is report and contact options within the app and headset....
And yes again, these options seem to work and the responses are more or less acceptable.
But also rather useless if you have real issues with your headset or apps.

Take the apps and games - it the developer you need to contact with problems, not Meta....
Meta only provides the platform LOL
And isn't the claim that VR is all about the fun and interaction, the COMMUNITY?

A thriving community requires a thriving forum - preferably one that works.
Sadly it seems Meta provides about 1 support staff member for every thousand headsets they sell - and these workers deal with ALL support questions equally 😞

[bishbop3000]

I'm still waiting for someone to get back to me regarding issues with Quest 3...

Is there a direct phone number to get support?

[DownunderGrumpy]

A direct phone number ? You just made my day! 🙂
Everyone here only complains and has problems but you at least still have some good humor left.
A phone number a user could call - hilarious LOOOOOL
Sorry, couldn't help it....

Yes, there IS a phone number - only for US user users and not reachable from outside the US.
Let's say you are a US user....
If you won't a get busy signal when calling you get a nice story to listen to - about numbers, options to choose and such.
Try those for support or complaints and start to prepare dinner or start polishing your car....
A few hours of being on hold then gets you a mice computer voice saying how sorry they are that there is no one available right now to take your call.

What Meta calls direct these days is sending them a PM through your account, either here in the forum or preferably through the app.
Especially when it comes to serious issues or things that affect many people as this way the forum stays free from working solutions and fixes.
On a scale from 1 to 10 where 1 stands for really bad support and 10 for top level support Meta resides between -5 and -7 ....