today on a very special "what's wrong with my printer?"....

[Gino]

Not quite true but I was not bothered by it.

Yet, you brought it up. There was no bashing of s101.

That's arguable and is a pure statement of opinion on your part.

All things are opinion. Some just better than others.

But you're attempting to compare a by invitation forum with 24 members to a big board forum with more than 42,000 members (some of whom have an established history of being rude to other members). I'm not making fun of them at all. I just know that on a couple of occasions you've been exposed to proposed ideas that would allow the steering of a forum community towards something of higher appeal to you and you have goosed the moose on each occasion. So it's, IMHO, highly hypocritical of you to critique discussions here when you have no apparent solutions to what you see as problems.

So, the attitude or motto of having to start somewhere, does not apply to others ?? Not to mention your innuendoes of waving things around. Odd for of all the people here.... for you to do this. I thought you were above that, but I'm in error on that, too.

Hmmmm. Let me think. Oh! I know. Visit his profile page and send him a PM. My understanding is that you're somewhat experienced in the use of the private messaging system here.

Your understanding is nothing more than your knowing, but as usual, you only have some partial facts.

PM's were and are supposed to be private, but for some reason, every one of mine that has had a slant to them.... end up on your desk. How so ?? Maybe they're not as private as we're all led to believe.

Again, these things don't bother me or effect me, but it is still a puzzle of how it always happens.

Fred, I hafta go. You can continue this if you'd like, but I'm gonna go celebrate my birthday with a bunch of people in an hour, so I'll check in later. Thanks for your input. It was quite enlightening. ​

 

[Marlene]

12 years ago, when I first began managing S101, Rick suggested that I not run it with a heavy hand and let things go wherever they would go. I took that advice to heart.

One of the places it went was tech support with the various manufacturers being more than happy to recommend us. Marlene was also more than happy when Tony T helped her solve some problems with her Edge. Now it's suddenly a problem when others seek the same benefit.

Others bemoan the lack of discussion of design and production. Yet some of those folks think it's OK to post pics that ridicule a job posted recently without offering any constructive criticism of how it might have been done better. One can only wonder at their understanding of cause and effect. Oh wait! Rudeness be damned. We can call it blunt truth.

Still others think the posting of often asked questions would solve the shortcomings of an online community with 4,000 to 5,000 unique members and visitors a day when most don't even use our main menu or read our few rules or the How To threads.

The reality is that you get what you give. When you ridicule and complain instead of making positive contributions to both the knowledge here and the environment, people go away and don't return. The community is then the loser. You get the drift.

yes I was happy to get some help with the Edge. what I am talking about is the the excessive printer issue posts and the what should I buy posts as they seem to be the same type of post day after day, just with different people. people don't post about much else any more. yep, I did crap on that horrid truck design on the portfolio board as when you post your work, it always is up for comments. would you rather we all pat the person on the back, lie and say it is wonderful? it was a great example of what is wrong with our industry. so if you are happy with daily threads about clogged heads and people who don't bother to do a search to find out what printer is the best, then good for you and all who enjoy reading thru them

 

[player]

Please don't fight. It's stresses me.

 

[Bly]

Butto's on the other forum.
He's a cool funny guy.
Helpful too.

 

[Fred Weiss]

yes I was happy to get some help with the Edge. what I am talking about is the the excessive printer issue posts and the what should I buy posts as they seem to be the same type of post day after day, just with different people. people don't post about much else any more.

The obvious answer is that inkjet printers have become the dominant tool in the last ten years. Thus, there are more questions about how to deal with expensive and often complex production and repair issues. Further, our growth has been the result of manufacturers sending equipment buyers here for help. In addition, search engines refer tons of people here. But those referrals do not include folks seeking design help or pricing help because the search bots don't see those forums. As such, the flow of new members seeking help with equipment has become greater while the flow of those seeking to discuss the craft of sign making has diminished. Also, no a small matter, is the increasing number of new members whose first language is not English. Then we get to those few who return after they get an answer to their immediate question only to see how rudely and unconstructively the uninformed are treated by many of the better informed.

yep, I did crap on that horrid truck design on the portfolio board as when you post your work, it always is up for comments. would you rather we all pat the person on the back, lie and say it is wonderful? it was a great example of what is wrong with our industry. so if you are happy with daily threads about clogged heads and people who don't bother to do a search to find out what printer is the best, then good for you and all who enjoy reading thru them

What I have been trying to point out is the cause and effect of mocking and derision on other members being active or even present at Signs 101. My attitude has always been to allow free speech but all who participate in these little dramas should also open their eyes to the fact that it costs this community dearly and feeds into the change in discussion that you are complaining has been happening.

I certainly don't expect you or anyone else to give false praise or even to suffer a fool. But from my perspective, I'd rather see no reply than what we too often do see.

 

[Fred Weiss]

Yet, you brought it up. There was no bashing of s101.

Not quite true and even the admin had to post an admonishment to the posts that were made.

All things are opinion. Some just better than others.

No argument there. Let's agree to disagree.

So, the attitude or motto of having to start somewhere, does not apply to others ?? Not to mention your innuendoes of waving things around. Odd for of all the people here.... for you to do this. I thought you were above that, but I'm in error on that, too.

Of course it does. But once again you twist words around or have problems following a conversation. I do know you agreed to certain things when you were reinstated and that those things are falling by the wayside now.

Your understanding is nothing more than your knowing, but as usual, you only have some partial facts.

No one can have all the facts but we still form opinions based on what we do have. What I have in the Gino file is a picture of an experienced, knowledgeable member who also has a problem with tact, sarcasm, courtesy, rushing to judgment, and looking out for Signs 101.

PM's were and are supposed to be private, but for some reason, every one of mine that has had a slant to them.... end up on your desk. How so ?? Maybe they're not as private as we're all led to believe.

Again, these things don't bother me or effect me, but it is still a puzzle of how it always happens.

It happens because some members forward them to me or otherwise contact me about them. One was from a former admin whom you asked to do something for you that would have been an invasion of another member's privacy. She is one of many members this community has lost with you as the stated reason.

Fred, I hafta go. You can continue this if you'd like, but I'm gonna go celebrate my birthday with a bunch of people in an hour, so I'll check in later. Thanks for your input. It was quite enlightening.

In the final analysis, I am very, very tired and frustrated with your posting behavior. I work hard at running this forum seven days a week and having my efforts undermined by your apparent paranoia is rapidly reaching its limits.

Hope your birthday was great.

 

[Rick]

A long time ago I made the mistake of criticizing a member that filled the home page with answers to printer questions and I have regretted it since. I made no attempts to make amends or understand the true nature of his contributions. I regret my criticism.

Like it or not, printer issues might be a majority of questions from time to time. If I had a printer, and needed advice, I would hope I would get an answer here.

As far as the quality of this site... the reality is, not only is this site the best site for signage related information, it's also the best graphic design site in regards to participation. Fred got us here and I believe his leadership is something to be admired. I wouldn't have had the patience myself.

Having previously been a manager of the largest graphic design site, taking care of a forum is about the most thankless job a person could ever have.

I saw the thread involving the truck design and how proud they were, I was formulating a response that would try to address the issues I saw without insulting the poster. That is hard to do. It's hard not to go off on posts here, I delete more responses than I post.

I don't particularly like the printer posts but if I was in that position, I would turn to this forum for help.... why? because we have quite a few willing to help, we have a great group of people here. We've had other sites spring from signs101... anyone remember signs201? I know why I have not been "invited" to this other site... and know about the politics of it... good luck to you... but really, I'm too busy making money to worry about it... I get my rocks off helping my clients and those willing to listen.

Thank you Fred, and that you to the members who participate in a positive way... I'm not perfect and I know I can come off wrong, but I really try to help.

 

[Techman]

every one of mine that has had a slant to them.... end up on your desk. How so ??

Well now
If that was true.. Which i do not think is the case....

Maybe its because some of those people with whom you are interacting actually do not care for your diatribes and send your PM's on to the boss.

PS: Did a certain few like thinking members started another forum. Yes? As if this has never happened before....

 

[GAC05]

12 years ago, when I first began managing S101, Rick suggested that I not run it with a heavy hand and let things go wherever they would go. I took that advice to heart.

So Fred,
bottom line, what you are really trying to say is this is all Rick's fault.
I'm good with that - full "Circle" kind of thing.......


wayne k
guam usa

 

[player]

So Fred,
bottom line, what you are really trying to say is this is all Rick's fault.
I'm good with that - full "Circle" kind of thing.......


wayne k
guam usa

Ban Rick!

 

[heyskull]

I think it has to do a lot with the training we get from dealers. When I first got my printer I was the only one I knew that had this model. I ran into many issues with colour and and dealing with different types of materials. I would call them and they made me believe that I was the only one having issues and refused to give me a list of others who had the same machine so I could call and discuss how to deal with things.

Signs 101 was the best thing I think the internet ever did for my quality of life.
I seriously thought I would drop dead of a heart attack with all the issues I was having. but once I asked questions in here with such a large group of members having the identical machine, all my problems slowly vanished. I want to thank all the members and especially Fred for this site.

I value this site and check in daily to see if I can help others.

I agree our dealer gave us such a limited set up on the machine even though they were here for a day only.
Maintaining these machines is a big big thing and using them lots helps.
Eight years later I believe I know and can now resolve most issues that are cropping up.

SC

 

[Gino]

Hope your birthday was great.
Yes, it was. Thank you.

Not sure how this all got so outta hand, but as mentioned, they are all opinions. It started out with a seasoned member pitching a b!tch and some agreeing and some not. I got picked apart, which is par for the course, but, I'm a bit of a big mouth and write diatribes which revolve around facts and experiences. Some see them as wrong, but if what Fred says is true, that so many follow me, I guess I'm not alone in my thinking.

Also, like mentioned, I can't tell you how many posts I have deleted as to not wanting to say my initial thoughts. However, they still tend to ruffle feathers.

My first and only real intention here at s101 is, to get others to think and study something or look up information on their own. I hate laziness. More than that, I dispise liars. Enough mud slinging has gone on here and I will be the first to say, I'm sorry it went a little bezerky.

I made a promise to Fred about 8 months ago to be a better member. Sometimes we all slip and slide, but I still enjoy a good discussion. I didn't think I was out of line, but even old folks can make mistakes, huh ??

Sorry :signs101:
Gino​

 

[HDvinyl]

Not sure how this all got so outta hand, but as mentioned, they are all opinions. It started out with a seasoned member pitching a b!tch and some agreeing and some not. I got picked apart, which is par for the course, but, I'm a bit of a big mouth and write diatribes which revolve around facts and experiences. Some see them as wrong, but if what Fred says is true, that so many follow me, I guess I'm not alone in my thinking.

Also, like mentioned, I can't tell you how many posts I have deleted as to not wanting to say my initial thoughts. However, they still tend to ruffle feathers.

My first and only real intention here at s101 is, to get others to think and study something or look up information on their own. I hate laziness. More than that, I dispise liars. Enough mud slinging has gone on here and I will be the first to say, I'm sorry it went a little bezerky.

I made a promise to Fred about 8 months ago to be a better member. Sometimes we all slip and slide, but I still enjoy a good discussion. I didn't think I was out of line, but even old folks can make mistakes, huh ??

Sorry :signs101:
Gino​

Someone's Birthday did them good!


Happy belated 79th Birthday!

 

[Gene@mpls]

A long time ago I made the mistake of criticizing a member that filled the home page with answers to printer questions and I have regretted it since. I made no attempts to make amends or understand the true nature of his contributions. I regret my criticism.

Like it or not, printer issues might be a majority of questions from time to time. If I had a printer, and needed advice, I would hope I would get an answer here.

As far as the quality of this site... the reality is, not only is this site the best site for signage related information, it's also the best graphic design site in regards to participation. Fred got us here and I believe his leadership is something to be admired. I wouldn't have had the patience myself.

Having previously been a manager of the largest graphic design site, taking care of a forum is about the most thankless job a person could ever have.

I saw the thread involving the truck design and how proud they were, I was formulating a response that would try to address the issues I saw without insulting the poster. That is hard to do. It's hard not to go off on posts here, I delete more responses than I post.

I don't particularly like the printer posts but if I was in that position, I would turn to this forum for help.... why? because we have quite a few willing to help, we have a great group of people here. We've had other sites spring from signs101... anyone remember signs201? I know why I have not been "invited" to this other site... and know about the politics of it... good luck to you... but really, I'm too busy making money to worry about it... I get my rocks off helping my clients and those willing to listen.

Thank you Fred, and that you to the members who participate in a positive way... I'm not perfect and I know I can come off wrong, but I really try to help.

Good thoughts from Rick. I once heard 'Never pass up an opportunity to keep your mouth shut' - it has served me well.

 

[klmiller611]

I think it has to do a lot with the training we get from dealers. When I first got my printer I was the only one I knew that had this model. I ran into many issues with colour and and dealing with different types of materials. I would call them and they made me believe that I was the only one having issues and refused to give me a list of others who had the same machine so I could call and discuss how to deal with things.

Signs 101 was the best thing I think the internet ever did for my quality of life.
I seriously thought I would drop dead of a heart attack with all the issues I was having. but once I asked questions in here with such a large group of members having the identical machine, all my problems slowly vanished. I want to thank all the members and especially Fred for this site.

I value this site and check in daily to see if I can help others.

I totally agree here. On our machine, I think we were one of the first to have one in the country, and it is still not easy to find many. While our dealer did help, and get us some much needed training, it did not cover any kind of repair or maintenance, short of minor things. However, I do read other issues and hopefully can add some commentary to help folks.

I've gained a lot of ideas, or suggestions just reading about printer issues, and I always feel like learning something new is a good thing. Indeed, printer issues are most prevalent, due to the dealers and manufacturers sending machines out that may or may not be totally ready for primetime. While our tech was a good guy, he could not, in that first year, determine a cause for a non repeatable error. We still have that same issue today, coming up on 7 years later. We are not under a service contract, as it is simply overly expensive. With ideas and encouragement gathered from this board, I've been able to fix the machine every time, knock on wood. Without this resource, I probably wouldn't have tried.

Since I was a professional designer long before I got into this business, I really don't have much need for help in design, but methods of doing things, or answering questions about materials I had not used or tried is amazingly valuable.

Ken Miller

 

[ddarlak]

My first and only real intention here at s101 is, to get others to think and study something or look up information on their own.

you are such a bullchitter.....

i tried to stay so hard to stay away from this, but gino sucks it right outta ya......

looking back over 98.7% of your posts your first and only intention is to stir the pot.

at least i know what i am.....