Comments & observations

MOJOFILTER

New Member
Hi folks!

I am a real newbie and have been lurking here and other related boards for a while. I don't know anybody or sell anything. Like many I would like to learn to wash hoods.

I thought that boards like this were developed to pass on knowledge, share tips, and generally learn more about whatever the subject of the board is.

Many of you act like little kids. One is trying to sell his cleaner, another is trying to sell their training system. The moderator complains that there is not enough activity on the board, but then edits messages that might be of help to new washers and/or others----So some other board did Dan Flynn wrong a while back get over it.

If some one has a good product made by any company, what's wrong with sharing it. What is accomplished by being so secretive and cryptic-----you wonder why there is so little activity. I see people post questions that go unanswered. I see some people answer by saying "e-mail me and I'll tell you, help you, etc"

Don't you all think if one person has a question that others might benefit from the answer.----That's what boards are for! Or maybe that response is given so the responder can then sell his product or training---thereby defeating both the purpose of the board and the imposed censorship

I've been washing for several years, but just moved up to a hot water machine, so I would like to learn everything I can. That is why I read these boards.
I can't aford the time or $$ to go to some of the advertised training schools, and to be honest I have yet to hear that they are worth the $$ (except from the happy graduates)

I've gone through every post and have yet to hear anybody rate the various schools and/ or training videos. Why not?

I don't think PW's are any smarter or dumber than any other group of people. If "Joe" says products xyz is great and we learn that "Joe" sells xyz we can take his advice for what it's worth.. Maybe good--maybe bad

If a dozen people including "joe" says it's great then maybe it is. I think we are all smart enough to see self promotion for what it is, but that doesn't mean it is bad.

According to my count there have been less than 30 posts on this board since February. Shouldn't that tell you all something!


The internet is an amazing thing. People can get college degrees without ever setting foot in a classroom. I really think they could learn a lot about hood cleaning--or deck cleaning, etc. without going
to a 2 to 6 day course that cost as much as a semesters tuition. I don't begrudge anybody selling their training, and I understand why those who sell training are reluctant to give straight answers for free. Does that mean that everybody on this board is selling training/product?

These are just the personal opinions and observations
of a newbie who doesn't have a dog in the fight. Maybe I'm totally off base. If so I'd like to hear explanations of why a board that covers such a lucrative, year long market of pressure washing has so few people involved

Thanks

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DCS
 

washman

New Member
MOJO, thank you for stating the obvious. We are not newbies to the biz, or buss as some folks say, but we are relatively new to the internet and the "politics" that accompany these BB's. We agree with you concerning the pitching of products, weed 'em out. How else are we supposed to become aware of what's out there? We don't have time to sit in our office and field phone calls or even make calls to different manufacturers concerning products. Why is everyone on this BB so paraniod about that activity? At least it's activity and may generate dialouge among many instead of just a few. If you want some help and don't mind cold weather give us a call 715-723-2062.

Thanks,
John & Pat
Rock On

P.S. It would take every available space on your computer to even attempt to teach you exhaust hood cleaning. Need hands-on!!

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David Saulque

<b>PWN TEAM - Hood Moderator</b><br<b><font color=
This BB is owned by Dan Flynn and he sets the rules for every person person on this BB. This is the way it is. We do not discuss video tape, schools or products that have not been sampled by the owner, Dan Flynn. In my open opinion regarding tapes and school non are worth the money-talk to people who have been-get their issues & concerns.

I have answered any and all question related to issues that come up on the hood section. I must say that it doesn't take a genius to figure out that both of you have a agenda that is driving your post. We do not have a ground swell of dissatisfied members. If I were you I would pay the money and start my own BB and cater to those who have the same limited concerns that you two have.


Good Luck

David


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Douglas Hicks

New Member
You asked some good questions. I like to know who I am responding to before answering. If a person has not given enough information in their profile, I may not answer because I may not think they are a legitimate PW contractor. I may want to see some posts to get a feel for the type of person I am helping. I do not want to give any help to my competitors, though they do not seem to be desirous of increasing the quality of their work or their knowledge base. I may E-mail privately because I do not wish to share with the whole list, or the response is so lengthy.
On the matter of banning ads, those companies having product or services to sell have the options of paying for ads on this BBS. I like to see ads that may help me give better service to my customers and allow me to increase my profits. I don't like to see ads disguised as to the source, attempting to mislead me to thinking that the source is another PW contractor. That is the problem on a couple of the other BBS.
For the most part, those posting on this board are professionals. Those who don't like the rules, can go to other boards where name calling and rudeness are allowed. We have had some who have not folllwed the rules. They have found that lightning does strike twice.
That said, good luck on expanding your business offerings. A wealth of info can be found here. Hood cleaning can be profitable. If exhaust systems were not such an important part of my business, I would drop cleaning and be able to sleep all night.

Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc

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Dave Olson

New Member
You cannot learn this business from this or any other BBS. I am not trying to sell you anything but there are publications and training conferences/classes that may/should help you.

We have been in business since 1984 and have been doing exhaust systems since '86. I spent a considerable amount of time learning (still am!) what works for us and our customers. Started with a video, spent time with another contractor, then on the job, and attending seminars! There were no books,classes or the internet when we first started learning. Kitchen exhaust system cleaning represents about one-third of our business revenue.

The publication that I suggest that you aquire is "Phil Ackland's Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Systems Manual". You should also get a copy of NFPA 96. PWNA also has a helpful manual "OSHA Regulations for Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning". If you read this material and still want to get involved with this type of work, give me a call. I could show you how we do these systems. I'm located in East-Central Illinois.

Dave Olson

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Tidy Powerwash Service, Inc. P.O. Box 781, Catlin, Illinois 61817 Phone 217-427-5557, Fax 217-427-2632 We are a commercial cleaning contractor serving East-Central Illinois and West Central Indiana since 1984. http://www.tps-inc.com/preswash.htm
 

Dan Flynn

PWN Founder
<FONT size="2"><FONT COLOR="Blue">Hi MOJO,

I will try to answer your question as best as I can. I will shoot it very straight forward. I will give you my opinions and observations of the over all picture.

First of all, I am not surprised at your opinions. Their are quit a few people that view these type of sites that certainly take them for granted.

They expect people to hand them a career on a silver platter for free. To top that off, once they get what they need they selfishly disappear until they need another free (B) and off they go again with out giving back.

Then you have the people out there that like to take advantage of the trust and hard work of others. I don't know about other sites.

But I can assure you that this site costs our company a lot of money and time (which costs money) to maintain, with out profit. Yet people think that money is spent just for them. So they can spread the news for free about their products and services at know cost to them.

Well if that was the way life works. I would have a big ad running in every TV spot, Radio, News Paper, Magazine and so on. I would fill every spot available at the cost of the creator because it could only help someone else right!

I would also expect everyone else to do all the research and spend all their hard earned money and hours learning what I would like to know.

After they do that I would expect them to teach me for free, then go out and do the work for me. After that I would have them give me all the money, at that point I would just leave and never look back. I would not need to be grateful because everyone’s time and effort, the cost of hands on experience, material to develop educational books, training and videos didn’t cost me a thing.

I feel that any contractor new or seasoned should feel very fortunate that this type of site even exist. I know I did when I found Delco’s.

If you find even one tip, I guess you would be one tip smarter. Hey and guess what it’s free. How about a membership fee ? I would only require the greedy, selfish and ungrateful to pay.

Think about were you would be today if you never knew about this site or any other site like this.

It amazes me that you are unable to afford a good training program that would be an investment in you're future business sales and knowledge to grow your business. Or maybe you can afford it but are un-willing to pay for it. Yet you feel that it is ok to dictate how free information is distributed.

Why is it ok for everyone else to learn and take the chance on purchasing training materials or seminars? Then give you all the information for free. When you’re not only not willing, you also don’t have the time.

[/red]You need a big time reality check.[/red]

Let me explain the process for you. To my knowledge Delco came up with the idea of exchanging information over the Internet. They figured it would be a great way to offer their customers support and to develop a place to attracted new customers.

Smart business plan if you ask me. A way to offer support and to make money. They spent many hours and a lot of money and time to do so. Speculating their motive. I would have to say they did this in hopes to profit in the long run.

I think they have accomplished their goal, and I am happy for their financial success. I am also happy for what I feel was an unexpected bonus.

The development of networking or the Net. People from the same industry willing to share ideas and knowledge that took them years to learn, many dollars, hard times and sore backs.

Yet by sharing with out expecting anything in return, allows a person like you to learn in a matter of seconds, what took years for someone else. That my friend is priceless.

It should be appreciated and not taken for granted. (Not expected)

There is more to transferring information than setting up a web site. You have to get good people together who are willing to share information and take the extra time out of there day to type it in.

I guess it's ok for other people to donate loads of money and time to bring a specific group of people together. Then be fortunate enough to have a group get together and share, only to be dogged for doing so.

The contractors involved on these type of boards go out of there way to donate there time to do the best they can, to offer help to anyone who asks. Instead of being disappointed I think I would be grateful for there efforts. The people that help do so in hopes that one day they may find the answer they are looking for.

It gives people a chance to network and exchange ideas and information. Whether that is done through the board, chat room, phone or email. That my friend again is priceless.

If you feel that you could do a better job. I suggest that you get an ISP, Host, software, cgi scripts, developer and a lot of your own time. That time could be used to grow and market your business and donate it all to us for free.

That way you can let everyone run wild and advertise all their crap and create ridiculous arguments that run on for 20 replies

Oop's I forgot you don’t have the time or money. Yet you have the time to wonder why others aren’t handing you the information in a well organized fashion exactly the way you want it. I guess everyone else has the time. (Get a grip) If you want to make it, Make Time.

We do the best we can to give everyone the freedom to do what they want without turning this site into a circus.

But the most important part of all, is the time people just like you give to the board. You have to give to get. If nobody gives there would not be a board for you to complain about.

As for the Hood Bulletin Board. My opinion on the lack of activity. It is a specialized field. There aren’t as many guys that have that knowledge.

The only guy I know donates his time for free to do the best he can.

If you’re looking for more. I suggest you pay for the training. Build your business to the point where you are so busy you can't barley find time to sit down. Build up years of experience, tricks and techniques.

Them come here everyday and answer every question and give away all your secrets to everyone for free. That would be one hell of a board.

Stop expecting something for nothing and appreciate what's available. Whether you learn 1 thing or a 1000 things from this site or any other you are ahead.

Something as simple as buying 50 foot sections of hose, instead of 100 foot sections. Because of the waste if you had a blow out, you would save a 100 bucks.

That tip alone put 100 dollars in you’re pocket. Now go out learn something a return the favor, or send me half.

That is what this board is all about. Why don’t you be the first guy that calls me up and says. Hey Dan I appreciate your hard work and knowledge. I also really appreciate the help from all the volunteers and other members who have posted over 6000 messages in under a year.

I have used the search feature and have really learned a lot. I would like to know how I can help. Can I send you some money to help keep the site going. Or better yet, I will continue to learn through the boards and through my own experiences and return the favor when I can.

In your post you wonder why people have not rated the various training videos and schools. Then right above that you state you don't have the time or money to purchase or attend.

What makes you think anyone else has the time or money. If they did why should they be expected to give it to you for free.

That information is given out on a volunteer basis. If it’s available lucky us. That is a classic statement from a taker or some dude selling crap from their garage who wants everything for free and doesn't feel that he should pay for it or the one offering that information.

If you want to profit in life, you have to work for it. Those who take and do not return, then some, are truly losers and it will show.

The perfect example of a giver (and there are many). That would be Dave Olson. He is a guy who enjoys life and does so because of his generous heart. He is a giver and has the best attitude towards his employee’s I have ever heard.

Here is one example. He buys his guys lunch and supplies Gatorade everyday. That shows appreciation. APPRECIATION will get you along way. Try it

I have an idea. Go over to the mall and walk into a book store and ask them if they have a book on Hood cleaning. If they say yes, (which they wont) go and get it and just leave with out paying.

On you’re way out why don’t you bring you friends banner ads and with out asking hang it in the window. Then make your way through out the mall putting up that same banner in every store on every bench and wall you can find.

Number one, that won’t happen. 2. If it did, it probably would be annoying to others who wanted to concentrate on shopping and not read you stupid ad. 3. What about the others who had to pay to post their one little ad, and you got your crap every which way for free.

Bottom line. Society has rules for a reason. This is a very large planet. The rules differ from place to place. This place has rules for one reason. To be fare to all.

So find a place that suits you and go there. When you get there give more than you take. If you do that you won't wonder why there is not more of this or that. When you provide and appreciate, you will receive and prosper.

I hope you choose here to be your place.

Have a Great Day
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Dan Flynn
Timberland Power Wash www.powerwash.net
Houston, Texas.
 

AranServices

New Member
Originally posted by MOJOFILTER:
Hi folks!

I am a real newbie and have been lurking here and other related boards for a while. I don't know anybody or sell anything. Like many I would like to learn to wash hoods.

I thought that boards like this were developed to pass on knowledge, share tips, and generally learn more about whatever the subject of the board is.

Many of you act like little kids. One is trying to sell his cleaner, another is trying to sell their training system. The moderator complains that there is not enough activity on the board, but then edits messages that might be of help to new washers and/or others----So some other board did Dan Flynn wrong a while back get over it.

If some one has a good product made by any company, what's wrong with sharing it. What is accomplished by being so secretive and cryptic-----you wonder why there is so little activity. I see people post questions that go unanswered. I see some people answer by saying "e-mail me and I'll tell you, help you, etc"

Don't you all think if one person has a question that others might benefit from the answer.----That's what boards are for! Or maybe that response is given so the responder can then sell his product or training---thereby defeating both the purpose of the board and the imposed censorship

I've been washing for several years, but just moved up to a hot water machine, so I would like to learn everything I can. That is why I read these boards.
I can't aford the time or $$ to go to some of the advertised training schools, and to be honest I have yet to hear that they are worth the $$ (except from the happy graduates)

I've gone through every post and have yet to hear anybody rate the various schools and/ or training videos. Why not?

I don't think PW's are any smarter or dumber than any other group of people. If "Joe" says products xyz is great and we learn that "Joe" sells xyz we can take his advice for what it's worth.. Maybe good--maybe bad

If a dozen people including "joe" says it's great then maybe it is. I think we are all smart enough to see self promotion for what it is, but that doesn't mean it is bad.

According to my count there have been less than 30 posts on this board since February. Shouldn't that tell you all something!


The internet is an amazing thing. People can get college degrees without ever setting foot in a classroom. I really think they could learn a lot about hood cleaning--or deck cleaning, etc. without going
to a 2 to 6 day course that cost as much as a semesters tuition. I don't begrudge anybody selling their training, and I understand why those who sell training are reluctant to give straight answers for free. Does that mean that everybody on this board is selling training/product?

These are just the personal opinions and observations
of a newbie who doesn't have a dog in the fight. Maybe I'm totally off base. If so I'd like to hear explanations of why a board that covers such a lucrative, year long market of pressure washing has so few people involved

Thanks

MOJO - You need to keep on lurking until you learn what you are seeing here!
FIRST OFF: This is the busiest part of the year.
So, you would LIKE to learn hood cleaning?
I'ld like to learn how to turn lead into gold!

BUT.... I AM a Hood Cleaning! & a good one at that. (because I didn't talk about it - I just DID IT & learned as I went!)
Talk isn't worth a red cent if you DON'T know what to talk about.

This is not a WELFARE OFFICE! This is a place where busy people try to reach out and help other busy people.

I for one can say that there has been a LOT of information here on these Flynn boards that has saved me a TON of time & money!

It really aggravates me to see that some people EXPECT so much for free!

WELFARE IS DOWNTOWN

GO GET IT THERE!

This is where GOOD people SHARE with GOOD people.

......... and as far as people trying to sell other people - SO WHAT?

Don't like it? Start your own board! Don't pick someone apart for their efforts! WHAT HAVE YOU Done for this industry? You ain't done squat - but run off at the mouth!

...besides that - there are a LOT of FINE PRODUCTS out there that make our job a LOT easier. AND . . . people are in business to make $$$$ ! ...but you aren't in the business! ...are you?

Obviously it takes more than a little spit & a rag to get our job done!

As far as going to a school to learn how to do something - you can't afford it?

You COULD IF THAT WERE YOUR PRIORITY.

...besides that you aren't right for this industry!
You NEED a "GO GET 'EM" attitude - NOT a "GIMME" attitude! Do for yourself & people will help!

You are a typical 9 to 5'er - you want to put your time in and NOT DO SQUAT!

I DON'T hire people with your attitude!
(let alone even seeing someone like you competing with my business)

You need to grow a ponytail and use it to pull your head out . . .


dead.gif
well - I have waisted ENOUGH time on you!
dead.gif




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Cleaning America - One Job At A Time!

E-MAIL: aran@bellsouth.net
Our URL: http://easypath.to/pressurewashing
 

Richard

New Member
Hey mojo
grow up, concerning videios just look down 11 posts an yoy'd see a post for sale $20 no it wasnt rated but its there, as far as posts " the boys in the hood" work at night and the days are use for things like solicitions and collections and preventive maint. and the likes. So theres not a lot of time for the real men/women to coddle the little minded people like you appear to be , if you need coddling go back home to your mother.
this is an outstanding board and an outstading group of folks and I must extend a big THANK YOU to all the good people who make this work so THANK YOU ALL!!!

In short Mr. MOJO grow up!!!!!

Richard
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A

AlwaysUnderPressureInc

Guest
<FONT size="4">WOW! Hey Dan , Thanks for starting this board. I mean it sincerely, I enjoy some of the jokes and especially like to learn new things. Thanks all of you who have shared your knowlege about your area of the trade. I am amazed that someone would be shallow enough to complain about this board and the people on it when its not costing them a thing. I have actually made a few friends on here that arent local to me but they seem to be pretty decent people. Well I have to go work now so Thanks again everyone, Esp Dan for starting and maintaining this bb.
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Always Under Pressure Inc Mike Taylor Pompano Beach Fla USA
 

Will

New Member
My name is Will Jay, I have been in business on 2 years now. A lot of my information to start my business I got off of boards like this one. In my opinion this is a great board. If I have a question which I have all the time. I come to the board an post it. 90% of the time I get responses, a lot of people respond directly to my e-mail. I only have 12 accounts under my belt but i am working on more. And these guys have been great with their advice, some even send me materials directly to my home. Your going to run into people trying to sell your something, but for the most part I have not had that problem.

I can't afford to go to PWNA training schools, I don't have a expensive Hot Water PW, I don't have a steady crew, but I am a fast learner and I have reliable source of information which is this board. I am just a small time business owner who hopefully will be as big as some of these guys one day.

So I hope this board is around for a long time. I appreciate all the help and knowledge.

Just thought I would drop a line about my experience on this particular subject.

Will Jay
Full Blast Power Washing
"Your Full Service Power Washer"



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Life is Fun
So Work Hard
But Play Even Harder
 

Craig Knight

New Member
Ok, so Mojo is a loser. That is clear to all (except Mojo). But i do see a great point that has sufaced from all this. I for one am guilty. I was very active at first but my posts have fallen away when business boomed this year. New baby. Holidays. And a minor bout with skin cancer (wear gloves you guys/gals). But the fact remains that i believe i have gained more than i have offered back to the board.

I believe that the board has grown into an incredible networking tool. I would bet that everyone has walked away from their computer at one time, whether it was after viewing posts, attending a chat session, or posting a question on the board, gaining at least one helpful hint, one answer, or having one of the famous AH-HA moments where they gained knowledge.

Without having to shuffle through the crap like advertising, makes finding information easier and more enjoyable.

I have no idea what it takes to run a board like this. I can only imagine the time and money it takes. For that i appreciate the moderaters and Dan tremendously. I also appreciate the companies that have paid to advertise on the board, i am sure it takes a load off the board admistration. I think its time i did my part, as well as others who have slacked off in their participation.

What could this board grow to if everyone did their part? The idea is there, the information is there with the seasoned veterans. Would the board benefit from being a pay site? I think so, but Dan has opted to provide the service of networking for free. We should do us all a favor and he and participate and buy from the advertisers of the board to keep it going.

Just looking at the numbers here. 431 Members since commencement in February. Thats incredible. Maybe if we all helped support the board monetarily it would explode in participation in 2001. 5 bucks, 10 bucks a member. Thats $4310 dollars to to help pay for bandwidth, upgrades, or whatever it is that makes this site pop up evertime i go to it.

Maybe i was out of place for saying that. Maybe i was trying to come up with an idea to ease my mind for not participating like i should. But i do feel bad for the moderators and Dan when the MoJo's of the board try to get something for free, and wonder if we are not all doing that in small, insignificant sort of way.


Craig

P.S. Sorry Dan if this stepped on your toes. But thanks for everything

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Craig Knight
www.powerwashunlimited.com
 

Craig Knight

New Member
Guess a contribution of 10 bucks a year would send everyone to the poor house.

I just wonder what everyone would do if they logged on to powerwash.net one evening and BAM, nothing loaded. Doors shut, closed, good night.

Maybe we are all MoJo's, Just squirrels trying to get a free nut.

Hmmmm.

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Craig Knight
www.powerwashunlimited.com
 

David Saulque

<b>PWN TEAM - Hood Moderator</b><br<b><font color=
I would be more than willing to send in $10. The problem comes in when you start collecting. I will bet that 10 % will send the money & the others will not take the time to do so. I would rather see $50 and weed out the players that would even consider not sending in the money.

Lets do it!!!!!

David

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