Comments Wetheads!

Anna Conda

I mainly lurk and don't come out into the daylight very often, but I read every day. I work primarily with industrial steam and hydronic equipment, not so much with residential -- but as soon as someone with resi steam or radient learns what I do for a living, boy I'd better have some answers! *chuckle* I come here to learn those answers, so I can be ready when it's pop-quiz time :)

J Prisby_2

Looking for some comments Wetheads!

Hey Wetheads,

I writing a paper for a communications class about this site, mainly the culture created around it, and I wanted to get some of your comments. I would love to get a comment from Dan, the regulars that post, and even from some of you lurking from the distance.

So my question is, what keeps you coming back and being apart of “The Wall”?

Dan specifically, when did you create this site and realize you created something amazing?

I want to thank you all in advance for your comments.
If you want to email me directly, you can send it to jim.prisby@uponor-usa.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

J Prisby

hvacfreak

only Gus touch

Speaking for myself , I am a pre - internet Dan Holohan fan. He wrote articles for a trade magazine that we had at work ( small residential company )..and I would pay to see him speak ( my money and calling in sick to work ) and buy his books. Dan explained the systems that nobody seemed to know anything about in residential heating systems ( and commercial for that matter ). Here's what he taught me..

1)fluid dynamics ..not the math , but the reality. Life is like a wheel , and so too is fluid in a pipe.

2) how the heck any steam system works..after seeing good guys like Steamhead in action perhaps I still don't really know. But man ...I am a hero at a construction meeting on the subject for sure , lol.

3) understanding sequence of operation ...a means to an end for sure. What is this thing supposed to do , what will happen if we hit it with a BFH and smash that mfer ( email me for clarification on this please , lol )!!!

I could go on and on. All I can say is that I am a hell of alot better off for those missed days at the residential slave camp from years ago. I got my money back..and then some. -Mike

and happy Thanks too

JK_3

my thoughts

Idon't think the "culture" of the site was created here,I think that we "wetheads" just never had a place to hang out together and i for one am thankful that dan created this place for us. Dan is an amazing speaker and because of his passion for the art of heating he brings so much to the table. Reasons that i keep coming back mostly in the people here,that i can come here and share some of what i learned in my 27 years in this trade with people that may benefit from it,but more important is that after all these years there is still so much that i can learn from the other professionals here.the knowledge ant the passion with which it is shared here have made me feel like i did when i was a newbee, so full of questions and craving answers.
thanks to all the wallies for sharing .
I wish you all a happy thanhsgiving.

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Scott Kneeland

Why I come here

Because I love it. I have met many many of the wallies and many of us have been in the trade for many years and I still can learn something everytime I visit the site. We all share knowledge with each other and pick each others brain as if we were sitting in their living room with them. Dan has created a awsome place for us to congrigate and make friends.

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Keith_8

what's the attraction?

Initially the attraction was Dan and his site were a place to learn based upon real life experiences. The fact that the information was available in a format I could understand made me continue to come back. Meaning formulas and theories never outweighed concepts and the big picture.

I feel we all were and continue to grow together. This place has always been a site where everyone can bring their perspective to the table and learn from the other guy's perspective.

Thanks Dan,

Keith

Steve Gates_3

maybe it's the love

love of what we do, why we do and who we do it for.

The love of one man with an idea. It shows. It's real.

The people here are real. It shows.

Mark Eatherton

Education (learning + teaching), comeraderie and article fodder.

I think I was one of the original posters here. I remember Dan telling people to say whatever they wanted, and then almost immediately having to erase a post from a fellow writer (who shall remain unnamed) bashing his former employer.

Learning is not only about hydronics. It's about people as well. I've learned about humility, honor, grace and life long friendships.

I was put on the face of this green Earth to teach. I am convinced of it. I've done so since I was able, and I love helping others. That is the glue that binds.

For the most part (99.9%) people here are different, and their attitudes towards each other is what makes this place tick. We have none other than MR Holohan himself to thank for that. Some people call it a "touchy feely, be kind to others" web site. I call it common courtesy to your fellow human being. And it works, unlike other web sites where people commonly flame each other. It works so well, that other organizations tried to duplicate what happens here, and they came close, but no banana.

I am convinced that this place is a successful experiment in social engineering crossed with hard based science, or as Dan used to say, a cross between a college class room and a biker bar... That's what keeps people coming back, even AFTER they have left this industry (Duncan Wilson for one)

I have seen more good come from this site than any other site in the universe, and am proud to be able to participate. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Holohan.

Happy Thanksgivng to all my friends here on the Wall.


ME

Mitch_4

I come here

I found this as I was expanding into hydronics. FA is 95% of the business in my area, but very few know hydronics.

I keep coming back because:

1- Since being here, I have gained immeasurable wealth of knowledge.

2- It is always civilized, (spirited at times, but civil)

3- I can ask a question, and get answers, find a laugh, debate anything, share tales of horrors, woes, inspiration, and happiness. and ALWAYS be reminded that family comes FIRST! (hug your kids! :-))


4- Nothing seems to be unanswerable here, someone, somewhere pipes in (Brad as an example)


5- There is ALWAYS something new to learn by reading the threads.


6- I have met so few people from here, but at amazed at the comeraderie shown to any poster. In short everyone is made to feel welcome, unless you come in acting like a jerk, and even then you are given the chance to behave like a human being and not a spoiled child. If you do, odds are you can get help.


7- Charity. Not only knowledge is given freely here, but support, prayers, care packages, fund raising, letters from Santa are written, condolences and congratulations...etc


8- For all the above, you cannot get it from one site as easily as you get it here, and I am only covering "the wall" add in jobs, library, resources, links, books etc etc etc...you simply have the best website I have ever seen.


Dan is much respected, and his knowledge is only part of the respect...knowledge is acquiable, integrity is earned

(Thanks Dan for this creation, I meant everyword)

Mitch

Weezbo

whatever the formula is , it starts with consideration.

continues in the blessings, results in wyde open communication and a habby comfortable human being or two.

*~/:)

so i'd sum it all up with "It Depends".

I Love this place.

Nron_13

just another fan

I have been coming to the site for a few years now and it helps keep me inspired and passonate about the work we do,plus we get be with other like minded guys.
sappy I know but you asked

Unknown

I keep coming back to the wall

I keep coming back to the wall because I'm ADDICTED to it !! Needs my daily fix of contuing in learning just about anything that come into the wall. Also addicted to Brad 's comments. Thanks to Mr Holonan and his wife for making people wonderfully addicted to this site...

PeterGriffin

Learning



I ask all kinds of questions and get great answers, every time. Among the other helpful people mentioned, Brad White has been of tremendous help in educating me.

Glen

its a community -

of like minded trades people/engineers/designers/homeowners/individuals on a quest: dedicated to life long learning, discussion, debate and differing opinions, who for the most part act like a large family. Only better. A place where one can ask: "How come?" without derision; where the foolish questions I ask are tolerated with grace and responded to with sensible answers. I am addicted - Dan may be our sponsor but it is the wallies that make it successful. Thank you Dan - thank you fellow wallies.

R Mannino

I'm Ron and I'm a \"Lurker\"

Initially I stumbled across this website while putting an addition on my home. Being the consummate diy'er I needed to know how to put an additional zone in my home. Well that was about six years ago and I'm still coming back here on a daily basis check out the posts. I'm not sure why but I find this heating "stuff" fascinating, it probably has something to do with FIRE and desire to learn. If you'd like to learn about heating then this is the place. I did manage to pull off adding that extra zone and I also learned a number of things about the heating system in my home just by "hanging out" here. So now what do you do,well you buy some of Mr. Holohan's books and learn some more.
Now I was inspired, I wanted to install my own heating system. My next move was to enroll in a local BOCES course, formal training is always good you know. Now I was ready to install my system, which I did last weekend and low and behold it works. Thanks Wallies Ron

P.S. My instructor at BOCES said Mr. Holohan was an Amazing speaker.

Larry Weingarten

Some years ago...

... Dan wrote an article about old books, even mentioning that old musty book odor. I'm bitten by that same bug, so wrote Dan and we've been in communication since. Dan has found a place to stand and he has built the lever and he has moved the world of hydronics and continues to. Dan always works for the greater good. I feel quite fortunate to be befriended by the Holohans! Then add to that the community that's evolved... Heating Help turns out to be greater than the sum of its parts.

Yours, Larry

ScottMP

Its the brotherhood

It’s the camaraderie, the friends. It’s finding a bunch of guys and gals who are doing the same thing and taking as much pride in it as I do.

Its the fact that it really is a small world and a guy in up-state N.Y. is doing the same thing that I am and I would have never meet him.

I think it started with Dan realizing this and standing on a soapbox and waving a flag and saying “Hey, over here ". I think from his seminars Dan found that there where so many of us who have SOOOO much in common.

Its Dan's understanding of society.

I've been told that my crew has a great attitude because of the way I run the company. It’s the same here with Dan. He sets the standard for the congeniality that is here. HE'S the one who says " This is how we speak to each other in my home, this is how far those heated passionate conversations go and this is when we say " Sorry, I was out of line ".

I can't ask my competitor how he fix's a problem but I can ask a guy in Colorado. A large majority of us work for are selves and when you work for yourself you are out there swinging ... Alone. I can come here and be welcomed and have brothers tell me “Its O.K. Pal, we've done the same thing and here how we fixed it ".

It’s a bunch of Gentlemen. It’s brothers-in-arms.

It’s all that!

Scott


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Steve Garson_2

Sharing and learning

I'm a homeowner who started coming here three years ago as I wanted to carefully plan a 60 year old steamer replacement. I bought all Dan's steam books, asked questions and received wonderful answers and support. I've learned so much here that I find myself teaching others. My wife and family don't understand how I have to come to this site every night, even though the boiler was replaced two seasons ago. I like the spirit and sharing which is very unique anywhere.

Very cool place indeed. Dan has created an amazing place.

Steve

Dave Stroman

Dan brought back the knowledge that was lost with the dead men. You can find it in his books, mags, and right here on this site. It's like a record of what was, what is, and what could be. It's character building, for me anyway. I have learn so much, and improved my skills far beyond what I could ever have done on my own. Most of the time I can sell a job or impress a homeowner or general contractor by showing just a glimmer of competence. I got much of that competence here. Humility and compassion seems to be an underlying here also. Makes me proud to be called a "Wet Head".

Dave Stroman, Denver

J.C.A._3

AMEN to Scott's post.

If it wasn't for this fine board, and the knowledge that Dan had spread during my "formative years"..in articles in various publications...I would never be in the position I am today !

The reason I stay here is the LEARNING!!!!

Where else can you go and get treated like royalty, while asking questions that would be considered "mundane"(incorrectly I may add....For the person who knows it all...I want to meet you dude!)

The best reason is Dan's quest. The stupidest question is the one that goes UNASKED!

We're a "community" here. Help IS available unless it's dangerous or beyond the normal scope of any home owner.

I love my Wallie friends...and have met quite a few..Thanks to our esteemed host.

He's done more for the industry by providing this wonderful service than 100 years of publications.Ain't progress a wonderous acheivement? Kudos Dan! Chris

dana_3

wetheads

it is as follows:" FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO GAZE UPON MY WORK, BUT NEVER KNOW MY NAME ". i am now a wethead; but someday will become a "DEADMAN".

John Cockerill

why

The pursuit of excellence requires a permenant sense of inquiry. Wisdom is knowing what you do not know and having the courage to ask a question. The world needs to have the expetise of this group to deal with the overwhelming task at hand. We lurk here waiting for the world to ask. They have not as yet. When they do this will be the place where news is made, and the world will come for the answers. With Global warming mounting and becoming more of a knowledge than a political whipping boy and the price of fuel going through the 100/b roof, folks will be looking for answers. These fellows are ready for them. These fellows are willing.

DanHolohan

Just got back from a trip.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words.

J., I believe we started in 1997, and I remember that the Wall was a hit from the start. It was quite different then, though. I've learned much along the way. Thanks.

Paul Rohrs_7

Give Pea's a chance\"


The diversity of this group in their experiences, work ethic, regional adaptivity, and passion for what they do, adds to a commonality where "The Wall" is our common thread.

I have learned so much here from all of you, and it is not always about hydronics. It's about helping your fellow man.

When Dan "pipes" in (pun intended) it is sage advice, from which I know I have been a beneficiary.

The other thing about Heatinghelp.com and "The Wall", tremendously talented writers, speakers, and humorists abound.

Thanks for the ride Dan,

Paul

J.C.A._3

Welcome back Dan...

What a SHORT , strange trip it's been!

Hi, my name is Chris...and I've been a Wallie for 10 years now...It all began with...ETC...

(Damn...where does the time go? It's been almost 10 years ALREADY????) Chris

J Prisby_2

Great comments

What a response! Thank you all, I should have plenty for my paper.

J Prisby