[Dave_Lee]

Its certainly true that technology like PCs etc has changed our lives in many ways and now its so easy to get information of the kind found on the forums. However its only been the last few years that a guy new to CC has been able to access this free info and in so doing save much time. When I started up over 25 years ago, there was only the manufacturers to talk to about any problems etc and they were all biased towards their own products. It really was, years of trial and error, with chemicals and advertising especially, there was no other CCs you didnt know, at the other end of the country to ask how do you this, what do you think of that etc. you were well and truly on your own. When it came to the actual cleaning many a risk was taken, to see if this would be okay on that. This technology available today is great, but I cant help but feel that when things are made easy for you, you dont learn as much as much as those who had to struggle through their learning period on their own.
Dave.

[Big_Fish]

Surely though it's the hands on work that we actually learn from. Certainly things are made easier with more information but unless you actually get on with the practical side and try it out, no amount of knowledge can make you good at cleaning.

Years ago I trained in the catering trade. Being shown and trying it out was one thing, Being in charge of a kitchen with two sittings of 50 hungry men to feed NOW was quite something else!

Everyone works differently. Information cannot give you technique and speed. Being able to think on the spot and see things coming is experience and hard work.

Nicky

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Guys,

I think in lots of ways it's more difficult now with lots of established carpet cleaners, myriad cleaning methods and chemicals.

In some ways we were able to carry on in our own little world's thinking we were the best and only ever bumping into to fellow cc's in suppliers.

I remember meeting a guy at my local cleaning suppliers who was using enzymes for every job regardless, and when i mentioned that evidence was emerging that these products were serious asthma sensitisers , he looked at me as if I was mad.

Cheers,

doug

[Dave_Lee]

Nicky & Doug,
I certainly agree it can be more difficult now, in some aspects. With a whole lot of information available in fast supply it must be extremely confusing for those who dont already have a firm knowledge of how things work. From the hands on aspect, of course we develop as we gain more experience, but learning from your own mistakes, surely has a bigger impact than any other learning curve.
Dont get me wrong, I wish this sort of info was available 25 years ago for the likes of me, I am of the opinion though that some requests for info and advice are sought for the most basic of things that the seeker hasnt even tried find his own solution.
Dave.

[Ian Gourlay]

Dave,

Do you not think that by asking a question on here complicated or basic helps to keep the Forum going.

I believe it helps to boast moral amongst the carpet cleaners.

[Mike_Boxall]

Usually, for every upside there is a downside. For some very specific questions there is no doubt that the freedom of information available now makes things much easier than they used to be but I do think that it's balanced with the occassional downside which is where someone asks for an opinion and gets so much contradiction that it they wish they hadn't asked

'Which machine is best' is my favourite.

Regards

Mike

[Derek]

Hi

Information and regular training is great BUT

"practice makes perfect"

There is no substitute for playing around with cleaning chemicals in the safety of your own premises...preferably on spare pieces NOT on the lounge carpet or suite     But of course you all knew that already!  

Derek

[Dave_Lee]

Before you start up a business, you investigate it thoroughly. In a business like ours you would perhaps visit suppliers of both chemicals and equipment, you would read as much as possible about all aspects of the job. If you were serious about it as a future profession you would definatly book yourself onto a couple of recognised training courses. You would experiment to find out what safely works on what. Then having learnt about and done some marketing you avail yourself to the market. At times a problem or an unsolvable question will occur, so you quite rightly make an approach to this forum to gain opinions from more experienced professionals. GREAT! I for one, if I feel able to assist, will do so gladly.
However, I know I am not on my own, when I say that some questions, are obviously from people who have not put any thought or effort into finding their own solutions, which if they had any intentiuon of doing the job on a professional level, they would have.
Imagine if I posted a question on a professional electricians forum, such as , "How do you wire a three pin plug."  they would think - what a ----er, or/and they would suspect I wasnt a professional at all, and would expect me to have at least learnt how to master that before I even thought of starting up.
Some people use this forum as too much of a short cut - thats all I am saying.
I am not talking about anyone in particular and certainly not any of the regular contributors.
Dave.

[urgent detergent]

My rowing coach used to quote "Perfect practise makes perfect"

As far as the role of this forum, in lending trade tips and recounting scenarios gone by, whatever the amount of contradiction, it would have to be the greatest source for old-time techniques, marketing strategies, technology that is available in todays market, and even down to the best way to kick a cat.

For instance I have used advise from a thread of postings to strip signs from a van, currently re-assessing my whole advertising campaign, prompted by another thread, and re-evaluating staff training methods promted by much of the old technique's banter that is a joy to read. All this within one day of finding the site!!!

A big hello and gracious thankyou to all members

David   

[Dynafoam]

Dave,

That is the best post I have read here this year - could not agree more.

[Ian Gourlay]

John,

If Urgentdetergent was on another site he would have got your vote for  January

Dave,

I just thought I would start a bit of contraversey  nut yes you are right.


I get confused everyday but you just read what is said evaluate and make your own decesions.

However, I remember asking  a question about rust removal, as my first product had failed, and the Forum put me onto another one that worked. Mind you the customer did end with a masive hole in the carpet.

Now who do I sue

[Doug Holloway]

Ian,

I think John was refferring to Dave's post , but I hope we don't have any 'post of the month' on here as I believe it to be divisive.

I would encourage everyone to join in without worrrying too much about others judgement , because its's good to get a wide variety of views.

Sometimes new people without baggage can offer insight which those too close to the action miss.

Cheers,

Doug

[Ian Gourlay]

Ive been worrying all day about my early morning post.

For all non carpet cleaners and those new to board who do not know me very well the HOLE in the Carpet did not happen. The advise I was given regarding removing rust was !st Class aS USUAL.

Sorry if I confused or caused concern about Carpet Cleaning

Regards

Ian


Back to Tax Return

[Dynafoam]

Doug,

You are correct in that I was referring to the  commonsense post by Dave.

Actually we are not having a 'Post of the Month' competition this month - January's prize will be for the 'Most helpful poster of 2004'.

Regarding the 'divisive'  influence of the regular competition, I do not see that to be the case.

When the posts are made it is to share information or opinion - not as an 'Entry'.

The awarding of prizes came about out of an expressed wish of some members to have a way of thanking those who have helped them. This seemed the best way to afford them that opportunity.

I certainly agree with the sentiments you expressed in you latter two sentences but cannot see how the competition would - or has - discouraged broad spectrum of contributors.

Regards,