A topic for Wetstock..............hb

heatboy

How do you feel about discussing this issue? More to the point, how do we handle questions from them here in this forum. So far, I don't think it's been handled very well. They call us various names and we attack them with corny "Call a professional" answers. How many professionals do you know in your area? The last thing we should do is drive them from the Wall. If they call us names, so what? I sleep very well at night. And so do my clients, for that matter. I make no secret that I am one of the highest priced guys around and am proud of that fact. My work backs up my prices.

So, we need them and they need us. How should it be handled? They want answers. As easy as it is and as much fun we can have poking fun at some of the web based companies, they answer their questions. Granted, the answers they get are ridiculous, but if they get no other info, how are they to know?

hb

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What this site needs

along those lines, is a consumer report type of section. Without bashing or name calling contractor installers could rate various products. Ease of installation, cost, performance, etc.

Say for instance someone wanted opinions on various transfer plate pros and cons. Any and all that have installed them could rate the product.

Got the idea after speaking with Dale today, regarding the recent Radiantec saga.

Both DIY and pros could have acess to the data??

hot rod

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Pat Clark

I think this is a great idea. I always feel it is best to give help to those in need, but again there are times when the prudent thing is to have someone actually look at the problem or the advice can be wrong. Sometimes we come across as having an "attitude" because we can't or won't give someone the advice that they want. I think maybe we should discuss this at W IV and come to a consensus on how to treat DIY's etc professionally and courteously (sp?) on the Wall. This site is for information and learning between professionals and non-professionals. We should make them feel welcome just as if we were invited into their home to do actual work for them, because hopefully we will be.

My 2 cents worth. Gotta go feed the dogs so we can make it all the way to Baltimore next month.

Pat Clark

Climate Creator

I'm not going to wetstock but,

I wish I could be there for this discussion. Why not have also a private area for contractors to give and receive advice. This would be in addition to the public board, I wouldnt want to take away from that, its special, but seems like the site was origanlly designed as place for those of us in the industry to kind of have a virtual wetstock, and it transformed from there. So we can answer questions on the public board, and have the private board for those discussions that might lead a DIYer to his end (wits or otherwise). Its just an idea, that way when a contractor wants to ask other contactors a question, it can be done without stirring a controversey? I don't know but its just like anything else, it starts with an idea.

CC

ScottMP

I agree

Would be a good discussion.

The thing that strikes me is alot of the DYI,ers make reference to not being nickel and dimers. I have not heard ONE pro from this site accuse anyone of trying to be cheep or not allowing a pro to make money. It is NOT about money it IS about safety. There seem to be perception that some of us push for "find a pro" because we don't want to loose money and thats not correct. Its about not giving info that could harm someones family or worse.

A responce of " find a pro " is not a cop out !!

We have not even discussed the liabilty and culpabilty queston.

Scott

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