Poll of pro. membership required

[gear junkie]

Hopefully everyone by now has seen my thread on needing a professional site. Here's the poll for your thoughts. I'm going to add Rick's thought on mandatory posting of occupations for everyone.

[gear junkie]

Alright, 1st time doing a poll. I know I messed up. How do I swich the options of the poll to allow multiple choices?

[HVAC HAWK]

and it should be that you need to show the state you live and work in

still trying to decide witch way to vote

[PLUMBER RICK]

ben i think you need to put the option of multiple choices prior to submitting. it's probably too late to fix. maybe repost before this gets too big to start over.

you have up to 10 poll questions and you can check all that apply. do you need more info?

rick.

[westcoastplumber]

Sorry Gear, can't fix what isn't broken. I think Ridgid has the right idea on this one.

[westcoastplumber]

I cannot vote twice, I want it known the ridgid should stay the same, except for the requirement of location and occupation:D

[gear junkie]

Allright guys, see my second post. I'm still learning.

[DuckButter]

Well, looks like "keep as" is winning..I voted for "pro's"...but I think there may be a miscomm., I don't think we're looking to eliminate whats here...just add something thats only accessible for us.
Am I correct in that presumption?

[wbrooks]

I wouldn't mind if there was a pro only section but I think it would be a bit difficult to administer. I think anyone that wanted to could still join just by supplying fake info. I am sure Josh does not have the cycles to verify the validity of the info provided or verify tickets with license boards.

[plumbdog10]

I don't think it should be pro only. But, I think people should be honest in their profiles and user names. I also think that there are those who are not plumbers who could be great additions to the forum, such as engineers, business people, etc. What I have a problem with is posters who want instant answers, but don't want to contribute knowledge to the forum. That to me is an abuse of the members. In other words I don't think the forum should be a free info site for people who don't want to pay plumbers.

As always, just my opinion.

[Crappy days]

I'm with Dog on this one.:D

[Josh]

I have seen a few threads with this topic discussed. Right now Occupation and Location are required. Getting people to answer honestly is a bit tougher. Overall people are up front and honest with who they are and what they do. Yes some people do come in here for a quick answers so they are esentially "using" us... The majority of discussion here is between the pros as far as the plumbing side and the power tool users seem to stick a bit better because of the broader appeal. Its the nature of open forums. If there is another fields You guys would like me to add to the registration let me know and I will add it. Remeber that this forum has all kinds of different professions represented so any additional questions we ask have to be really broad.

I am open to improvements... this is forum is as much yours as it is RIDGID's... so I want to make it as good as possible.

Josh

[DuckButter]

I don't think it should be pro only. But, I think people should be honest in their profiles and user names. I also think that there are those who are not plumbers who could be great additions to the forum, such as engineers, business people, etc. What I have a problem with is posters who want instant answers, but don't want to contribute knowledge to the forum. That to me is an abuse of the members. In other words I don't think the forum should be a free info site for people who don't want to pay plumbers.

As always, just my opinion.

I'm right with that, now that I think of it..a list of carpenters would be nice to sort through regarding framing issues/hole drilling...etc.

[gear junkie]

I don't think it should be pro only. But, I think people should be honest in their profiles and user names. I also think that there are those who are not plumbers who could be great additions to the forum, such as engineers, business people, etc. What I have a problem with is posters who want instant answers, but don't want to contribute knowledge to the forum. That to me is an abuse of the members. In other words I don't think the forum should be a free info site for people who don't want to pay plumbers.

As always, just my opinion.

Dog, you really are a mystery to me. In past threads, your replies are less to be desired; at times like this, you seem on the level of Mark. I keep trying to figure you out but you keep throwing curveballs at me. I'm starting to think I got the wrong impression about you. Now say something stupid to throw me off again.:D Maybe one of these days, I'll get to meet you.

[DuckButter]

I know the type...actually like 'em..."shoot from the hip", "No holding back" types...they don't lie, cheat or backstab, simple straight up pain in da keyster, but you don't walk away wondering what they meant.

[westcoastplumber]

I don't think it should be pro only. But, I think people should be honest in their profiles and user names. I also think that there are those who are not plumbers who could be great additions to the forum, such as engineers, business people, etc. What I have a problem with is posters who want instant answers, but don't want to contribute knowledge to the forum. That to me is an abuse of the members. In other words I don't think the forum should be a free info site for people who don't want to pay plumbers.

As always, just my opinion.


I agree dog, one hand washes the other:D

[PLUMBER RICK]

Dog, you really are a mystery to me. In past threads, your replies are less to be desired; at times like this, you seem on the level of Mark. I keep trying to figure you out but you keep throwing curveballs at me. I'm starting to think I got the wrong impression about you. Now say something stupid to throw me off again.:D Maybe one of these days, I'll get to meet you.

ben, i've been trying to take the dog for a walk for the past few years:D not to mention he is local:rolleyes:

the closes i got is a p.m. message. although joey and dog have recently been p.m each other. i hope they are planning my next birthday gift;)

i think we have a better chance bumping into each other first;)

dog, we can meet on neutral turf, so there are no alpha tensions:D

rick.

[plumbdog10]

Dog, you really are a mystery to me. In past threads, your replies are less to be desired; at times like this, you seem on the level of Mark. I keep trying to figure you out but you keep throwing curveballs at me. I'm starting to think I got the wrong impression about you. Now say something stupid to throw me off again.:D Maybe one of these days, I'll get to meet you.

I give my opinion, you give your's. No one needs to be allies. Just give your opinions and arguments for it.

[gear junkie]

I can respect that.

[Clato]

Just a note from a "Non Plumber". There are those of us (well just me) that read to learn. The purpose is not to get away with not hiring a plumber (I've done my share of plumbing, but thats another story for another day) but to be educated enough, current, to make sure when I do hire one that I'm not getting ripped off.

IMO, making a "pro" only site tells the rest of us "you can't play with us cause you might learn our game". Thats fine, we'll leave BUT, after a while you'll miss us! Who will you pick on? Besides, plumbing is not as easy as some think. If someone that doesn't have a clue tries to effect a repair just from this forum without any background might have a more expensive repair later. Would you rather do a service call for a simple job or spend all day and really get to charge the customer for a well done job. I personally get satisfaction from a challenge rather than the simple things.

So throw us out if you must but I admit I will miss the banter and information so abundant here. And I bet most of you guys are not as mean as you portray!;)

Clato

BTW, Background... degree in I-Tech, electronics tech, access control specialist, built aro a dozen houses since the late '60s (my dad was a journeyman carpenter, electrician and plumber from the air force and we did everything), designed aro 200 homes, real estate developer, landlord AND a sailor.

Any thing else? Fire away:D

[garager]

I'm already in a Professional forum, its great. Hardly any arguing at all, I think this is because were pretty much at the same level. There are Excavators, Plumbers, Electrician, Carpenters, etc, majority of us are business owners.

We learn off of each others from the business perspective, we share our experiences, we get along. There was only 1 home owner that popped in since I have been a member.

Oh ya, and asking questions on how to remodel his home, how much should he be paying, etc. They don't last long there I guess.

You can cuss and vent, pretty much just say what you feel about how a certain job is going or went and virtually no editing from the mods.

This is a great forum, sometimes its not always about helping people. I think as a business owner, I need to keep informed on the new products, new forms, tax right offs, etc.

Now if I'm stumped on an electrical situation, theres someone in there to get me started, we're Pros., so we won't be blowing anything up, unless intensionally.

So, having your own Pro. Forum is a great thing, you can always come into this area and answer questions whenever you feel like it. So its not like your abandoning everyone in this forum, your just going somewhere else to talk shop w/people at your level.

But you have to have all trades involved in this type of forum, which makes it great. Yes there are a bunch of miss spellers there too. Do your forum, because you won't be taking anything away from here, because I'm pretty damn sure most of you will be coming back and helping anyway. Good luck.

[oldslowchevy]

i don't like it, i feel that i helped as many people on here that has helped me.

josh i have been on this forum for 3 or 4 years now, but if you go to all pro than please remove me off of this fourm.

i feel that even though we have something like 14000+ members it should be done like this,

you have 30 days from when you join to make your frist post.

after 180 days you get sent an e-mail saying something like we miss you at the fourms please join us again after 1 year with no posts you are removed.

after 1 year remove the members that have made no posts.

out of the 14000+ members i bet there are only 5-800 that post though out the year and about 250 that post atleast once a month.

another thing is if you can make it like this is :

welcome visitor,
you can only read the frist 5 posts of any current thread untill you become a member. you can not search for topics or older threads

[garager]

This isn't about changing the whole forum to Pro, this is about having a room for Pro's. to talk shop amongst other Pro's, am I correct on this?

If this doesn't work out, I can help who ever would like to be part of the other forum that I'm in, just for Pro's.

I still come back in here, OSC. I give advice, I receive advice and I enjoy reading everybody posts. You won't be changing anything here, just adding something special for the Tradesmen.

[ToUtahNow]

I like the idea of listing where you are from and your occupation but beyond that I am happy with the forums the way they are. If we had a seperate form for Pros who would decide who is a Pro and who is a poser? I don't think it would hurt to add a business fourm to help those of us who are in the business to network but it would be tough to keep it Pros only.

Mark

[westcoastplumber]

I like the idea of listing where you are from and your occupation but beyond that I am happy with the forums the way they are. If we had a seperate form for Pros who would decide who is a Pro and who is a poser? I don't think it would hurt to add a business fourm to help those of us who are in the business to network but it would be tough to keep it Pros only.

Mark


I agree with Mark, I wasn't able to vote twice, but I think the forum is great as is, we just need to identify others as best as possible:) What really makes a PRO? just because someone thinks he is?? mixture is a good thing, keeps it fun:D

[Josh]

I think it is very quickly evident who is a professional and who isnt by reading their posts.

dont worry OSC we arent going to exclude non pros. The forum will remain as it is. everyone just wants to figure out some ways to know about other members better.

Josh

[stxrus]

Josh, just a suggestion from a small rock in a big body of water :)

if there was a DIY section that might eleviate some of the problems/concerns that seem to be a burr for some folks. it would require that moderators are more aware of posts/subjects and be ready to move them to the correct area.

just my $.02 before taxes

steve

[Crappy days]

I am with Dog , Utah , West , and Rick on this one. The only thing that would be nice is Location and career listed. Then again we usually sift through the posers anyhow. To some degree its fun watching Dog chase them off.:D:eek::D

[woodenstickers]

May be useful to have a tag that states your occupation/experience by your avatar. I don't know, personally I have found all answers to my questions to be worthy of appreciation just for the effort put in. I have answered a couple myself and hope to have given a steer in the right direction at least as often as I've been completely wrong. I guess what I am wondering is this, aside from making the members feel exclusive, what would the benefits of the pro forum be? If it is just to keep out the info-mining cheapskates, I agree dog keeps em at bay for the most part, and if someone DOES feel like giving out free advice it really is up to them.

What else would there be to gain from keeping the common folk out? The ability to talk about pricing and suppliers?

I feel like I'm missing the point...


BTW, residential remodel for 8 yrs starting as a laborer, commercial fisherman, prawns, 2 yrs, window and door installation for Andersen, 3 yrs, professional pai gow player for a corporation, 2 years, cabinet refacing for big orange box company, present.

Even if I qualify for the forum I wouldn't suggest letting me in cuz I'll probably blab all the juicy secrets to the civilians after a few beers in the bar or in my sleep to my girl. :D

[Aaron91]

I used to be on a forum that used stars as 'rankings' and they were next to your screen name, so maybe you could have 7 stars, like the first 4 stars are blue, and mean what year apprentice you are, then a green star if your a journeymen and gold if your a master, and if you own your company, you get another star.... etc?

[plumbdog10]

I used to be on a forum that used stars as 'rankings' and they were next to your screen name, so maybe you could have 7 stars, like the first 4 stars are blue, and mean what year apprentice you are, then a green star if your a journeymen and gold if your a master, and if you own your company, you get another star.... etc?

We used to have a rating system, but the only one who used it was Rick. If you disagreed with him he rated you one star.

[Aaron91]

HAHAHA are you being serious or sarcastic?

[plumbdog10]

HAHAHA are you being serious or sarcastic?


Of course I'm serious, have you ever known me to be sarcastic?

I know he rated me one star the first week I was on the forum.

[freddy]

Wow just 27 vote on the poll. I thought there were more people on this board than that? :)

[PLUMBER RICK]

Of course I'm serious, have you ever known me to be sarcastic?

I know he rated me one star the first week I was on the forum.

dog you know that is not right. i too had a 3 of 5 rating. i actually only voted a few times back then. can't even remember the few they were for, but joey seems to remember "plumber, bob d., bluespacesomia?

don,t think you made the cut:D

and the few listed 2 were tops, and 1 was low. you should be able to figure it out;)

star ratings were a popularity contest, back then dog, members couldn't figure you out:confused: today we all have you figured out:eek:

rick.

[tbplumbloco]

Keep it an open forum,as has already been stated the posers are found out.I personally am a better reader and plumber than a poster,but i am getting better with my 2 index fingers.Anyways I enjoy the forum very much and want to contribute before I get XXED out for not posting enough.Tools of choice Ridgid:300,535,r-12,oo-r,cutters,alum.wrenches,k-1500 and of course the k-50 worth its weight in gold,have not got into video yet.Power tools would have to be milwaukee,I have had the 28volt combo for over a year and am very pleased with the results,thats enough for now.

[Josh]

Just for you guys if you look in the upper right corner near the poster profile on every post we have the users occupation displayed. (requested by rick)

For anyone who is worrying that the forum is going to change... dont worry its not going to change. Lurkers are always still welcome and I am not gonna delete you if you only post once a month.

Have a great weekend,

Josh

[DuckButter]

Wow just 27 vote on the poll. I thought there were more people on this board than that? :)

And I voted at least 5 times!

[PLUMBER RICK]

Just for you guys if you look in the upper right corner near the poster profile on every post we have the users occupation displayed. (requested by rick)

For anyone who is worrying that the forum is going to change... dont worry its not going to change. Lurkers are always still welcome and I am not gonna delete you if you only post once a month.

Have a great weekend,

Josh

josh, don't give me all the credit:D i think that most actually voted for this and i just made a bigger stink:eek: since i am the drain cleaner to the ridgid calendar girls:D:confused:

rick.

thanks josh, we can all rest knowing that you actually read the forum and act on our suggestions;)