I thought it was time for us to have an open discussion on the guest vs premium members. There are valid points from both sides but mainly, we have to find a way to not send someone new packing before they make the second post. As long as EVERYTHING is there, search-able, then there is nothing to hide. As long as there are other sites, the information will be out there. As long as people come here and solicit members for a new forum, there will always be competition. Personally, I have no clue where the fine line is but we have some very smart people here who might be able to add some insight to this. I hope we can have a discussion w/o snide remarks. Take those to a PM instead.
I just feel that a premium member should not answer a non premium members question that is not the " everyday run of the mill " question. Look at this new guy that was just having a problem, somthings up there, a little fishy. I think he is intentionally on here to cause a problem. He crys foul when he " got heat " but dishes it out to Chris T who was trying to help him. Bottom line I feel he has the " entitled " attitude that everyone else has. I got a phone call last week from a guy by me, get this....he says he saw me on here and wants my S/H supplier. Oh OK hold on a minute I'll give it to you! Can you believe these guys? I asked him if he was a premium member he replied " why no " I told him to become a premium member first. I get calls from florida, Ark, Vermont you name it all asking question on what to use and how to do it.... I just hang up. Bottom line, we premium members have to protect each other from these guys, look another roof cleaner in Jersey means nothing to me... but it would to Ed and the other Jersey guys. We gotta look out for each other in that area esp. I mean you join,search,read become a premium member it's all good, but we gotta stop telling things to any Tom,Dick or Harry!
we premium members have to protect each other from these guys, look another roof cleaner in Jersey means nothing to me... but it would to Ed and the other Jersey guys. We gotta look out for each other in that area esp. I mean you join,search,read become a premium member it's all good, but we gotta stop telling things to any Tom,Dick or Harry!
I’m still in the beginning stage here. But from my perspective there seems to be a lot of uncertainty or perhaps differing opinion on what should and should not be shared with non-premium members. In my background written policies/guidelines help to minimized confusion and maximize consistency of practices and behavior. For what it’s worth, I recommend the “executive” team of RCIA develop a policy or, at minimum, a guideline pertaining to information sharing and make it a requirement for premium membership.
-- Edited by oteyde on Friday 13th of May 2011 10:38:17 PM
Good Point and would be nice in a perfect world, but I think there are some on here that are spiteful and vindictive. It has nothing to do with sharing info, it is just once that info leaves the mouth, it is where it ends up. The guy you help in Chicago, will underbid one of our Chicago guys in the premium group. If we don't protect each other, then there is no point in having a premium section. It is a network of guys looking to make a living for their families and you just cannot do it when someone has ulterior motives visiting here a few times and someone else spills to them. Remember that juicy bit of advice given could very well cost your online bud his living. Plain & simple. Advice is good if the info seeker is wanting to raise the bar and join as a professional, that would be the difference.
Belonging to the network, the members should have a degree of loyalty to each other and the profession that brings us together. It should be mutually beneficial, each one striving to bring something to the table to share with our bros and sisters.
I’m still in the beginning stage here. But from my perspective there seems to be a lot of uncertainty or perhaps differing opinion on what should and should not be shared with non-premium members. In my background written policies/guidelines help to minimized confusion and maximize consistency of practices and behavior. For what it’s worth, I recommend the “executive” team of RCIA develop a policy or, at minimum, a guideline pertaining to information sharing and make it a requirement for premium membership.
-- Edited by oteyde on Friday 13th of May 2011 10:38:17 PM
Dave... first off, with your background you are officially volunteered to write policy and turn it in to the "executive" team! Even with the policies/guidelines... there are those on the guest side ready to jump in and give everything they know away. As to what Patric states, we should really be looking out for each other and not have the attitude... "it's not in my back yard". Somehow we need to make most of the information more difficult to get.
Kim... "but I think there are some on here that are spiteful and vindictive." How very true!
Don't get me wrong guys, I'm def not giving an open invite to competition. I just felt like the past few new members got slammed before both feet hit the ground. It was embarrassing. I cant possibly see anyone wanting to be a part of this after getting the treatment at the door. Guys who are determined to learn will find a way. For God sakes its bleach, water, & soap. But if we can at least keep them here they'll want to be professional about and not go out there low-balling. As i said to Brett it might be a good idea to have each new membership approved by a moderator. Have each new member click an "I agree" button to the rules as far as using the search button, posting promo pics, premium membership, etc. At least this way if they're here and logged in we know that they know what we expect from them. THEN if they get stupid they DESERVE to get kicked in the ass.
-- Edited by Roof Cleaning Virginia 540-949-6277 on Saturday 14th of May 2011 07:34:59 AM
IMO..this should be a premium member site only. You don't pay, you don't play. Roof Cleaning is a very specialized trade. RCIA is THE leader in not only roof cleaning forums but in the experience and knowledge of the members. I would call it a "WEATLH" of knowledge and experience. I know many will disagree w me on RCIA being a paid site only but just understand that is just how much rescpect I have for this board and it's membership.
-- Edited by Doug R on Saturday 14th of May 2011 07:38:00 AM
IMO..this should be a premium member site only. You don't pay, you don't play. Roof Cleaning is a very specialized trade. RCIA is THE leader in not only roof cleaning forums but in the experience and knowledge of the members. I would call it a "WEATLH" of knowledge and experience. I know many will disagree w me on RCIA being a paid site only but just understand that is just how much rescpect I have for this board and it's membership.
-- Edited by Doug R on Saturday 14th of May 2011 07:38:00 AM
That's nice to hear Doug but what happens to the SEO once it's all shut down? Somewhere there is a happy medium... the fine line is there and I'm sure, collectively we will find it!
-- Edited by Roof Cleaning Virginia 540-949-6277 on Saturday 14th of May 2011 07:48:48 AM
if we close the whole board then kiss your SEO goodbye. The information is out there it would be too difficult to "keep it a secret" the only thing you can hope for is that your competition realizes low balling will put you out of business quick.
Don't get me wrong guys, I'm def not giving an open invite to competition. I just felt like the past few new members got slammed before both feet hit the ground. It was embarrassing. I cant possibly see anyone wanting to be a part of this after getting the treatment at the door. Guys who are determined to learn will find a way. For God sakes its bleach, water, & soap. But if we can at least keep them here they'll want to be professional about and not go out there low-balling. As i said to Brett it might be a good idea to have each new membership approved by a moderator. Have each new member click an "I agree" button to the rules as far as using the search button, posting promo pics, premium membership, etc. At least this way if they're here and logged in we know that they know what we expect from them. THEN if they get stupid they DESERVE to get kicked in the ass.
-- Edited by Roof Cleaning Virginia 540-949-6277 on Saturday 14th of May 2011 07:34:59 AM
In a round about way, that is exactly what happened to the Indiana guy. I sent him a nice PM with the link to the rules "in the shade" post. I explained why I removed his pics due to these rules. He then got nasty, as his posts on the forum clearly show. Then members, from ALL levels, started in on me. Thats BS. If no one except me believes in and/or wants to have rules and enforce them and wants to let new comers have privileges, then this place is NOT for me either. Its time we stop the welfare program and come together as one, or disband as many. Why do we have to tolerate the abuse and disrespect from some of the asshole guests that are always running their mouths? Why are some premium members not in agreement with RCIA policies? All questions that need to be addressed quickly. The boat is taking on water.
So what are you saying Gary, since one guy didnt like the rules you sent then we should just throw our hands up in the air? Lets give the newcomers something to agree to to, in stone, so when they start fussing they wont have a leg to stand on. Neither will anyone else who gives you a hard time about it. Im not very knowledgable as far a programming or software but maybe like I said, click the "I Agree" box before you can actually be a viable member. I dont see it as a major hurdle or hoops. If they choose not to read it and just click the box, thats there problem. Instead of arguing with them, or anyone for that matter, you can always refer them to the rules that they agreed to.
NO, not throw our hands up in the air, join them together and support the organization and the policies that are in place. What good are rules if just some support them and others voice their opinion for all to see that they don't agree with them. Sure sends a mixed message.
Somebody besides me will have to work on the software thing.
Here you go again, shooting off your mouth about something you know little about. As you referred to ME, OR I making rules that is driving old and new members away, these are not MY rules. They were made by CHRIS T, and I as a member and treasurer am suppossed to enforce them. It becomes a very hard hard job when there is NO support, even from the people who made them.
And yes, you are NOT supposed to post here, or even read here. Chris posted that you PROMISED HIM to not post in this section. That in itself re-enforces my feelings and beliefs about you. Why are you still here?? There seems to be nothing that you agree with here, so why hang around?
I know I'm not supposed to post here, so please delete if you wish.
Gary an organization thrives with rules that attract members and that the majority agree with. If your rules and attitude drives new and old members away (which you said new members and cert applications were next to nothing), you change them to attract members or you die. You don't just silence dissent, what is this China? You have to change the rules, because the members won't change. You have instituted a failing system, deal with it and change or dissapear. I see RCIA slowly fading into oblivion.
This is a classic example of what Gary is talking about, there are rules, but the question is does the rules favor "whom" the premium members or guests.
I believe that the premium members paid dues for a reason, and you posting in here Scott is only one of numerous violations that gets blown off on a daily basis.
I understand the newcomers have no clue and we should tread a tad bit lighter to encourage them, but seriously when some of the questions asked are asked SO directly, it says something about them. Not Hey I am new and was wondering if I can get some help, or hey My name is so-so and I am just getting started looking to read and learn here. Not many bother to read anything let alone rules or much of anything else, just the equipment and chems. Bam Done!
No what it has been " Hook me up and get me on the fast track cause I want you to"
and if the answers are not forth coming right away, then well, we are azzholes.
Sorry the right attitude will open the RCIA doors, the wrong will will send you packing. I will look out for other premium members and protect their livelyhood.
Everyone. It is pretty simple. This is a forum great. But it doesn't have to be a place to give trade advice to just anyone that drives by looking for a free tank of gas. Some cars aren't with being on the road. That's a judgement call.
As for brother Scott, he is on my "pay me no mind list." LOL So I am not taking much value in his opinion on this. Others shouldn't feed into it either. Have a nice day.
As for the other feedback, discussion is healthy. Rules and regulations are great when followed, but it is clear that doesn't work well on here. Then to enforce them causes way to much are burn. Then some applies to some and not to others. It is like a " monkey trying to F--- a football."
In the end all this has to come from self discipline and just doing the right thing to protect your investment. Again, these guest that have no skin in the game mean nothing to me personally or professionally. Remember, in business nice guys finish last!
Look we all know what the problem is, how about talking about solutions.
My solution. Stop using the open side of the forum to discuss the process stuff. Use it to post your work. That alone is enough to tease, as it's called, the guest to take the next step and put some skin in the game.
For the SEO concern, posting your work in the open side does that and it should be your work that is seen, not how you do your work. Just Google roof cleaning in your area, any area, and see some of the posts that come up under the SEO listing, you will be surprised what has been out there for the public to read. Every time you post in the open side the search crawler nails it and it hits your area, remember the responses in those posts are there also for the world to see and your potential customers. Once it's out there you cannot take it back.
Hey Scott I am not taking sides in any " nonsense " that is going on with you and other members. I want to say that I am not happy that as a non Premium member you are on this side...and posting as well! I don't care what side of the issue you fall on, it's a slap in the face to me and any paid member that you would have the " disrespect " to post where you know you should not. Look if you know the password and get in and read, well there is nothing anyone can do I guess. But to go ahead and post tells me you really only care about yourself and you have no repect for " anyone " or " anything "!