[Jason Ryan]

Alright all,

Had a thought today and wounder what you all think about it.

Recently on here there was talk of too much info being given to people on here and those not fully 'trained' or serious about 'our' industry just reading the forums and then thinking they then know how to go about a job - like splash and dash + those who just wana make a 'extra couple of quid' for beer money (when in reality there is a bit more to it than squirt a pre spray and suck it up).

Also there are quite a few who would like it manditory to fill out the profile part out in full to become a member - Well what about PAID membership of CIU of say (figure from top of head) £30 a year per section (carpet clean, window clean, commercial clean etc) and £70 reduce rate if all three (again a figure from top of head).

This i feel would cut down the number of those who aint serious about the 'cleaning industry' and the time wasters. The money then could be used to help promote OUR industry which is what most if not everyone wants. Also could go towards a non biased 'cleaning' event orginised by this forum and the more 'expierienced' members. This could involve a training courses from novice to specialist (like leather and rug) also major manufactorours and suppliers could be invited (i.e Prochem,Hydramaster) to promote there equipment/supplies. The event could be spread over a few days and for not only carpet cleaning but window cleaning, commercial cleaning and even dry cleaning (of the garment kind).

And maybey if the big players in the 'cleaning industry' (not just carpet cleaning but all sectors of it like window cleaning, commercial cleaning, dry cleaning) got involved then there could finaly be a way of geting a 'cleaning' equivilent' of CORGI. I know this has been talked about many times but if as i say the 'major players' in this industry all got together then im sure it could possibly work.

This is just an idea that popped into my head and thought id share it and see what you guys and gals think.

Hope i put this accross right.

Cheers

J

[Colin Day]

The price would be the deciding factor for me.... I would pay though if the price was reasonable....

The wife and me were talking about "Facebook" and if we had to pay £14.99 a year (I think the rumour is), would we pay....? Yes I would for sure because I get at least 2 jobs a month through it and I've made so many good contacts and friends, including people from CIU.....

But to be honest, the way CIU is ran now is good, and you know what they say about not fixing things when thet're not broken

So Yes, I would pay to be a member on CIU...... But don't tell anyone

[Pristine Clean]

Very intersting idea.

But in a word No. I wouldnt pay. Why?

The idea of a forum to me is to help others or even get advice. Why should I pay. I have been on courses from BICS, Prochem, Ashbys to name just a few. I dont need to pay to show I am serious about the business I am in.

I have been in the industry since I left school back in 1989. Working with CC then moved onto window cleaning then office cleaning.

I also do not think that any secrets are being given away. Secrets! Most of it is common sence. Lets face the fact here.

Why did most of us start in the cleaning industry in the first place? I beleive it was because of the low startup costs.

That was one of my reasons. You certainly do not need a degree. If we did over half of us would not even be in the cleaning industry.

I also see no reason why people cannot just ask small questions and do it for a little on the side. At the end of the day we are just tryiong to make a living and nothing more.

The only thing that seperates other cleaners, companies from other is that some are more dedicated at and more successful. although I would say some have also had more luck than others. Then when we move onto large companies back handers take place all to often.

We ourselve "BIG IT UP" making out there is more to it than just a squirt and suck it up. The only difference is knowing what chemical to use on what stain and type of carpet and what reaction you will get. - No degree required

Then people say there is a difference between having a company as a business or a wage. Well that depends on the individual in question. Some small one man bands just want a wage, but does that make him any less professional than the large busines just because you have a fleet of vans sign written and work from a business premises instead of working from home.

As for people not filling in their profile, all that is about is not helping the competition - Big deal. Like I said no secrets are given away on here. Even if they do fill it in, you dont know wether they are from Scotland or Jamica

So No if CIU wanted money I would go to another forum immediately.

And no I do not feel its a good cause, they get money by the advertisements so do not need my support.

CIU is great but its not the only one available. And perhaps a new forum may take its place one day.

Dave

[gwrightson]

i cannot see the reasoning behind your question, although you have tried to explain.
Why would any body want to pay for an open forum, avaiable to signed members and guests alike ?
I honestly dont know of any other forum of any description in any feild were you have pay to be a member!

 As for it been a body that is  recognised along the lines of a "corgi " now gas safe  the amount of back ground work that would be neccasary would be phenominal, or are you saying " pay to become a member and then you will be  an  accredited c/c   , w/c  house cleaner / patio cleaner or what ever. I dont think so.

This forum is for disscusion amongst cleaners of all descriptions, wether it be a newbie, somebody interested in starting, or an old hat  , I dont see a problem with  ciu as it is.

what is wrong with people not taking it serious ? how do they know they want to take it seriously, unless they try? and if they are just cheap spash and dash , looking for answers, then that cant be a bad thing can it ? they cant be that bad if their taking an interest, or does the problem lie within your worry that they are going to be taking your work? A good c/c will out live the people you are reffering to, dont worry about it.
and lets be honest tto be recognised by been a member of this forum, well how many capable c/c and cleaners do you think are out their everday , who are not members on here ?
Just my thoughts
Geoff

[Jason Ryan]

First just want to point out that in no way would i not people (new or not) to get help on any forum, be it here or else where-did not mean that if thats how it came across. Nor did i mean that to be a 'somebody' you have to be part of any forum.

The idea of a paid forum was as i said-just a thought and thats all. Main idea being was money could go to promoting a 'professional image' of not just carpet cleaning but cleaning in general-something that some had spoke about before. There are forums where to gain acess to a 'part' of it you have to be a paid up member UKBF being one. Maybey have an open forum but with a part paid up membership that could include benifits (dont ask me what as my my 'thought' didnt get that far).

So far it seems like a bad idea - no probs, thats all i asked.

Cheers

[gwrightson]

Jason,
nothing wrong with putting your thoughts on paper, as you never know !!!

I just i dont think its a good idea, anf if every one put their thoughts on paper, one is certainly going to be beificial to somebody, or some of us .

ps.
forgive me if i sounded rude in my rely, I didnt intend this .
Geoff

[Jason Ryan]

No, your reply was fine and thats why i posted to get an honest response .

Cheers

J

[Peter Sweeney]

Jason

Whats your Company name?

Pete

[Mike Halliday]

the problem with asking people to pay for a forum is they forget how helpful it has been, so won't pay.

imagine if you had a pay 20P button  which every time you received some good & helpful advise or read something that saved you money you clicked..... to pay just 20p........ would anyone object to that?

most of us would be paying a £1 a week which is £52 a year but ask someone to pay £52 yearly membership and there would be a mass exodus of members

[Ken Wainwright]

No, I wouldn't pay.

Would it be viable? I suspect not. Forget the number of members listed, look at how many contribute. Not many at all.

Yes, there will be those who wrongly feel they can learn all they need on line, but I bet there's more who take on board the advice given and seek formal training so that they can deal with problems as they arise rather than address them after the poo hits the fan

Safe and happy cleaning
The Ken

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Guys

The forums and this one in particular are an invaluable source of information and like all things in life there will be givers and takers.

I have learnt lots over the years, lets face it only a fool knows everything and am happy to give back.

A forum linked to a trade organisation could be a specialist resource which could be charged for or included in fees, but it would chane the nature of CIU if we charged generally as people would expect answers to all their problems

Good topic 

Cheers

Doug

[suffolkclean]

It would be a shame to have to pay - we pay for everything else so surely we're entitled to a bit of free friendly advice where everyone tries to help eachother with their knowledge.

[Andrew Briscoe]

I think if i was a newbie, and had searched carpet cleaning on google, came accross this site, then was asked to subscribe, then i would probably of thought, bugger that i will just go and hire a rug doctor, as that is all there is to it.

Or i might see another forum like CCDO or Cleantalk doing it for free, then i would obviously go there.

So i would say no to paying, unless of course, all where the same, and then again it would depend on what i had learned here, and if i thought there was more to gain.

Saying that, my old grandad used to say, the day you stop learning is the day you die.

Andrew

[Shaun_Ashmore]

If you look the forum doesn't do anything apart from bring us together it's the members that share their knowledge.

Think of all of the advice Doug and Mike H etc etc have given do they get paid out of the windfall?Should do!

Shaun

[Jason Ryan]

Thanks for the responses all.

Some good, valid reasons NOT to have a paying forum. And to be honest i agree with the points put across, though i personaly would pay to be on this forum if the rate wasnt extorcinate-due to the vast info here.

But as stated, how many would stay if it were a paying forum as there are others out there-promb not that many.

Cheers

[Len Gribble]

 It would include vat not deductible 

Len 

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Being one of the biggest contibutors I wouldn't pay if I were getting back the same and some more (don't forget I could be paying for it) then it may be worth it.

Shaun

[Colin Day]

You need to change the thread to a poll I "AM" the man from DelMonte by the way.... I say Yeah!

[Daria Taylor]

i think this forum is a good source of information and i would consider paying.

PS i hope you didnt refer to me : Splash and DASH 

regards
dash t

[Jason Ryan]

Colin

Poll added - but i think i can guess the out come.

Dash

lol - No wasnt refering to you