Ken is my new hero...

JohnNY8

I don't post nearly as much here as I used to because of Constantin.
I just can't put any more effort into having a professional conversation around a guy who is not in the trade and starts most of his many, many, many posts with "I'm just a homeowner but..."
I can't believe a lot more people don't feel this way. Or do they?

I know: He's obviously very intelligent and there's a place for everyone on this forum. But he never stops and his speculation, as it often is, is taken by many of you as fact.
He does NOT have a higher understanding of the trade. He may have a higher understanding than those who are employees of those in business, but it ends there.

Dan , I assume that you know me by my IP, and I truly apologize, but I know I'm not the only person who feels this way.
I also understand there's nothing you can, or may care to, do about it.

It just has taken me, personally, off the wall.

Rick of N&S Supply of Catskill

Questions for Constantin

1. How many boilers have you personally installed?

2. How many boilers have you repaired?

3. Where do you get all the free time to post 20 times a day?

4. Is Ken your hero?

5. Do you get a weekly check from Viessmann?

6. Does your family own Viessman?

7. www.vonwentzel.com

8. Would you post your Viessmann boiler & indirect?

9. Where do you get all the free time to post 20 times a day?

10. Ken is my hero!

Unknown

And ........

you point in this post is ?

With this line of questions I guess you don't care for the opinions of someone with a higher understanding of the trade than most , but isn't directly associated with it ?

Unknown

Personal attacks

Not good.

I don't recall anything that would be concidered a personal attack in any of his posts.

Why do you feel the need to hide your name?

Wallace Radiant Design

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DanHolohan

I don't know

anyone's IP. Miss you, though. I guess.

JohnNY8

No one said anything about "personal attacks".

I'm hiding my name because it's irrelevant.

thfurnitureguy_4

So the guy is just "egg head smart" take what you can from it. I does not matter how many split nuckles or how many pipe dents he has in his head. If he is right he is right. If he is wrong set him straight or marvle at his ignorance. Facts are Facts. The beauty of science is that the results can be reproduced over and over again. The beauty of experiance is you don't have to keep making the same mistakes. And the beauty of this site is all who take the time to read and add questions. Are better at what they do. Pop used to say you can learn from the village idiot. Its up to you to decide what is right or wrong.

Robert O'Connor_12

Posting anonymously...

How many boilers have YOU personally installed?

Robert O'Connor/NJ

Robert O'Connor_12

Supply House Rick

Same questions..............?
How many have YOU installed?

Robert O'Connor/NJ

ed wallace

Ken is my new hero

I have personally meet Constantine yes he is an egghead but hes also a decent human being even tho he now lives in the peoples republic of cambridge ma. when he was redoing his house he did alot of research into what he wanted and actully listen to me when i mentioned possible problems with direct nenting a boiler close to a nieghbors driveway he at least doesnt post anoymosly please excuse the misspelling

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Rodney Summers

Bob,

I'm pretty sure I know who "anonymous" is.

He's installed more boilers than you and I combined.

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Unknown

Well, it isn't me.

Though I have pretty strong feelings about this.

I've seen him represent himself as an insider at Slant/Fin, explaining why the management decisions are made. That irritated me.

I added a comment to a good friends post, sort of an inside thing, and found myself in a head-to head debate with our friend, to the point that I left for a month.

Look around? Who's left? Who's still here? Where are the postings of MH, ME, DC, MK, MD(20/20), DY, CS, SM, CA, etc...

I'll go back into the woodwork now, since old "Happy to be Wrong" has every single poster under control here.

I agree with anonymous, but it isn't me.

Noel

BongoBurnerBoy

Smells like Teen Spirit

Just because you install a bunch of boilers, doesn't mean your not an idiot, even a monkey can put a puzzle together given the proper training.
Put me in the Constantin corner, you bashers wouldn't have the intellet combined to compete with a person of his stature.
Shame on you.Oh the Shame, let's really Find A Professional

Zorro

The wall used to be...

Pro's talking to Pro's, Not homeowner millionaires who pull info off the net and answering everybody. There are people who are sizing systems for homeowners on this site instead of telling them to CALL A FREAKING CONTRACTOR! I think some of you just love to spew knowledge, if that makes you feel important so be it, YOU are a discredit to the industry. The wall used to matter. You have chased all the good ones away. Enjoy what you have created, the day will come when the homeowners will not need you because Connie has made it oh so simple for them to do it themselves.
Zorro

Unknown

Do you depend on your clients to be uninformed?

Welcome to the age of the internet, zorro. beat your fists against it, or adapt, I guess it's your choice, but it's not going away any time soon.

Gordy

Threatened !

You People sound as if you are threatened by a mans knowledge, that he took upon himself to gain. A man who maybe has free time, and has spent it wisely learning about a subject he finds interesting. I don't believe any of you were shot out of the womb with a pipe wrench, and blow torch in hand. (Although I believe certain people have a calling pre programed genetically). He states he is a homeowner not a Pro so any advice can be taken at face value. He is always open to debate. If more homeowners could only be as well informned about their castle, and its components as Connie.


"Constance Corner"

Unknown

He may have but,,,

> I'm pretty sure I know who "anonymous"

> is.

>

> He's installed more boilers than you and I

> combined.

>

> _A

> HREF="http://www.heatinghelp.com/getListed.cfm?id=

> 68&Step=30"_To Learn More About This

> Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in

> "Find A Professional"_/A_



Are those the ones we run into on a daily basis because he has not a clue about the simplist of things in a heating system? Did he oversize his circulators for ten years or more and continues to do so because he has never learned how to?

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Jeff Lawrence_24

I've had problems

With Connie as well. I took it to email and still got the same atitude there as we get here.

When I read a thread that he's responded to, I usually bypass his comments.

I share some of the same opinions as "Posting Anonymously," but it's not me either.

Zorro is right that the site used to be pro-to-pro, but things change. We are in the comfort business and homeowners want to know more about their systems.

TO ALL: keep this thread nice or Dan will pull it.

Jeff


ON EDIT: Connie's a mere homeowner? Do a Wall search on the term 'mere homeowner.' How many homeowners get to go to Viessmann's classes? Viessmann's a great boiler, don't get me wrong....


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Jason_15

Constantin

I have to stand with Constantin as well. I enjoy reading his posts, as I'm sure many others do. If you don't happen to agree with him that's fine, but why in the world would you quit coming here because of one person? That almost sounds childish. (and I do not mean any disrespect to anybody by that comment)

Paul Pollets

I agree

I've always enjoyed reading his posts, and could care less if he's a homeowner or technician. His posts are qualified and observant. In some cases, he's shown more knowledge in understanding modern hydronics than a healthy percentage of service tech's I know in this business.

Good advice is always welcomed. We're here to share our experiences in a positive manner...shall we???

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DanHolohan

It's never been just for contractors.

It's HeatingHelp.com.

You should have a Find a Pro ad. Get lots of new business from it.

DanHolohan

I love you all.

All your quirks. All your egos. All your humanity. All your passion. You all make me smile, warts and all.

You complete me. ;-)

Robert O'Connor_11

The Wall

is a great street corner to hang out at!! Take the charaaa...cters for what they are!!!

I have learned lots from Ken.

Dan congratulations on your anniversary!!!

All the best

Robert

Maine

leo g_13

Hey Noel

nice to see you post again. I haven't been saying much myself lately, but my reason is a happy one. never been so busy AND making a decent profit before! Trying to get this company to the next level, and with a bit of help from some of the guys here, and a mentor that I shall not mention (last time I did, the thread was pulled in a day! LOL!!!), I think that I just might make it this time!

Hope you and yours are doing well.

Leo G

PS - Ken has always been one of my hero's. But I do miss the poetry that he use to share with us!

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leo g_13

You make me laugh

Mr Holohan! I love the way you just keep selling! Keep it up!

Leo G

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DanHolohan

It's all about the attitude, Leo.

How can we help you? ;-)

Leo

I agree

I agree with the street corner analogy. I have always thought of these sites as a coffee shop or a bar. If there is someone you don't like don't sit with them. In this case don't read or respond to someone who you may not care for. there's room for everyone.

Leo

Robert O'Connor_11

Thanks Paul

for articulating a good point.

Constantin brings information to the table.

If it doesn't work in your system , don't eat..

All the best

Robert

ME

J.C.A._3

Hey Dan....

Just to repeat your questions from the last time we saw each other.....Why do we say these things?....Because we love you.

Why do we come here to learn?....Also...because we love you.

I'm enjoying reading these posts. I take all of them in stride...as I know both Ken and Constantin, and wish that they would have come together at Alan's Brookhaven meeting last spring. Perhaps they could have spoken and seen eye to eye, or ..agreed to agree or disagree...face to face.

Ken IS one of MY heros. I have spoken with him as often as I have had the pleasure to be in the same place, at the same time. Sometimes with lots of adult beverages being served, but that just made it all the more uninhibited.

I've also met and spoken with Mr. Vonwentzel(SP), and think that he is an above average "homeowner". He has worked with various testing agencies at different but similar efficiency rating facilities in different capacities. His points aren't as off the mark as some folks here will think , as he knows the system also.

Ken, I don't want you to take this any other way than as a personal opinion. I have to think on a longterm basis, as it's going to be a few more years before I build my retirement palace.... in the islands of the great northwest. I respect and admire your opinions and work ethic more so than most of the folks I've met in this industry. You've run and made a great business for yourself and your family. I hope your heir apparent, will run it as well as you have, and if he has any questions or onerus decisions to make, will contact you to ask for your advice and guidance. I both respect AND admire you. In that context, might you find it in your heart to "peacefully co-exist" with Constantin, and keep the venomn to a minimum?

Differences of opinion are a learning tool. Personal attacks are but a fart in the air we all breath....they'll pass in time, they stink, but we'll get over it....Eventually. Chris

TGO_54

I can't help

> All your quirks. All your egos. All your

> humanity. All your passion. You all make me

> smile, warts and all.

>

> You complete me. ;-)





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TGO_54

I can't help

but wonder what the expression on your face was as you wrote that ;-)

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DanHolohan

Tom,

you know what it was. ;-)

DanHolohan

Yep,

we've all walked down this road together before. Getting to be a habit. All good people just the same. I learn from them all. Learn what to do, and what not to do, and get older every day. Life's good.

Robert O'Connor_11

Chris

You always articulate much better than I do.


All the best

Robert

ME

D107

As for this site reducing homeowners' reliance on contractors

in my case it's the opposite. Because of the amount of knowledge I've been directed to either by on-line advice or web site links, I'll probably need to hire MORE contractors --and probably better ones than I would have found without the Wall-- since I now know I need to do some research and house testing before I just run and hire, e.g. an insulation outfit.

While some very specific advice is sometimes given on the site, any homeowner would be a fool to simply apply that advice exclusively without an actual qualified on-premises professional.

Better informed homeowners helped raise the bar of the professionals out there. This site is about the exchange and development of knowledge and information, always an empirical, uphill and exciting journey. Thanks to Dan and all of you contributors.

David

DanHolohan

Ahh, maturity.

Gotta love it!

Eugene Silberstein 3

9:39pm?

Only working half a day today, Tom?

RoosterBoy

Hold on there a minute....

The Constantin can speak for himself, and he can interpet what i say *~/:)How many engineers are even remotely interested in the meanderings of a Rasputin bunch of Hydronist...think about it. you got time.

Anybody who likes sailing ..cant be all bad

The ken shares plenty of his Self also maybe not everyone would care to agree with him ,so What? it is good that we arent all cut out of the same mold .

i am an idealist in a way,i still belive in the right of an individual to say or speak thier mind ...thats what our country is about isnt it? i could care less about the general consensous if the lemmings wish to run to the sea... Let Em What i love about the people who work in insane asylums is after speaking with a group of them i wonder if indeed they arent the ones who should be interned )

or like a friend of mine used to say "For Christ sake ! I am Just a Human Being!" as a matter of fact ,That is the only thing he Ever says, and Hey! it makes about as much sence as anything else i have ever heard especially at 2 a.m. when he is shouting it at the top of his lungs Over and over and Over again...

Constantin

Whew!

Did the temperature just rise in here or is my skin on fire?

SHR, it appears that you and some other Wall participants have an issue with my presence here. If I have offended anyone, I apologize. I don't mean any harm in my comments and am here to learn and help others where I can. I have been corrected many times before and I take it for what it is, a learning experience.

Furthermore, I simply add the "mere homeowner" bit to disclose fairly what my level of experience is to those that are new to the wall. You and others may get sick of it, but I'm not a professional installer of heating appliances and I think it's important to say so. Most industries call this "fair disclosure" and I would welcome if more employees posting here would disclose their professional affiliation in their posts (see the options button).

It may come as a surprise to you, but I have no ties to Viessmann other than being a happy customer, a participant in their training seminars, and an occasional visitor to their trade booth stands at ISH.

Perhaps I was the first homeowner to attend a Viessmann training session (I never asked), but I doubt that I will be the last. AFAIK, their current training policies do not discriminate against homeowners who show an interest, though I would certainly understand if they gave preference to professionals as far as filling the classes goes. Since the Viessmann HQ is only an hour from my home and I can book the classes months in advance, pursuing this hobby of mine is easy indeed. Frankly, I am surprised to see that there aren't more professionals clamoring for the kind of training that a OEM is willing to provide.

I currently work in an unrelated industry, though I used to do a lot of work setting minimum energy efficiency standards across a broad range of industries for the DoE and developed appliances also. Should my work status change, I will disclose that also. Being connected to the internet all day allows me to take short breaks to fire off posts, recharge, and get back to work.

If you sort through my posts, I think you will see my unending refrain of referring homeowners to professionals in their local area to get the kind of local support that an internet chat room cannot provide. We can all speculate, but I doubt that we'll have all the facts ever, without being there. That also goes for equipment choices and/or preferences.

I wish you continued success with your business and hope that Buderus continues to delight you. Further thanks go to Dan and all the particpants on the Wall that make it what it is, a wonderful fireside chat with interesting problems, inspiring "before" and "after" install pictures, and other things.

Your burning effigy,

Constantin

PS: If you really want to see a picture of Ms. Vitola and the Vitocell, I suggest a search. I've posted them before.

Dan_15

I have to stick up for Constantin. I too am a mere homeowner and I have been reading this site for about a year. Before this site, I knew nothing about hydronic heating. Zero. However, reading these posts has singlehandedly introduced me to so many issues from flue gas condensation to CO detection. I am 100x more knowledgable about my heating system now than I was a year ago, and that makes me a safer, happier, more comfortable and more fuel-efficient homeowner. What is wrong with that? Reading these posts also led me to replace my 85 year old boiler with a top of the line system of German descent (the other one), for which I paid a professional (yes, one of YOU) thousands of dollars. What is wrong with that? I agree that science speaks for itself, and if you think Constantin is wrong about something then speak up and stop hiding in the corner. We can all benefit from that, including Constantin. You should be ashamed of yourself for starting this post.

Bob W._3

Well spoken. I am "just a homeowner" as well. I get on this site every autumn before firing up the steam system. FWIW, the information gained has kept me from converting to forced air, and if and when I get to build a home it will be with hydronic heat. This is a great site and hopefully will remain so.