Help Wanted

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charlie b

charlie b

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Lockport, IL
Occupation
Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
I would like to hire an electrician for a small task. Not knowing anyone in my area, I thought I would post an invitation on the Forum, so that we would not be complete strangers to each other. The house is in the Broadview area north of Seattle. If you are interested, or if you want additional information, please send me a Private Message.

NOTE

I checked with the Chief Moderator, before posting this "invitation." Mike Holt had once discussed the possibility of creating a separate topic area for this type of invitation.

Just for curiosity, what do you think of that notion? Is it too close to "advertising"? Is it too close to a "Request for Proposal"? Would it detract from the purpose of the Forum? Should we not allow such requests?

Let's use this as a test case. Please confine any replies within this thread to comments about the concept of using the Forum to match a need with an available resource. If you wish to reply to my specific invitation, please do that with a Private Message, not a post to this thread.
 
Re: Help Wanted

Could be OK until someone spoils it with a ton of adds for their company.

Why limit it to electrical work. Why not ask for help with anything and maybe some else can help or refer to someone else.

I need someone to paint my house.

[ December 16, 2005, 04:34 PM: Message edited by: tkb ]
 
Re: Help Wanted

Originally posted by tkb: Could be OK until someone spoils it with a ton of adds for their company.
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That's the reason I am concerned about this notion. I am curious to see how it works out in this "test case."
 
Re: Help Wanted

Tim try craigs list. You can also get someone to shine your balls. Bowling of course. :D

By the way awesome signature.

If the topics are "moderated" just as other threads anyone who goes too far can be taken care of.

[ December 16, 2005, 05:21 PM: Message edited by: electricmanscott ]
 
Re: Help Wanted

I see it as maybe a good idea.Some of us might need jobs or in your case electricians.Perhaps create an are for help wanted.Really up to Mike.
 
Re: Help Wanted

I'll do it for half the price Todd would, if I can crash on your couch for two weeks, drink all your beer, and borrow your car to see the sights.

Granted, I'm not licensed in WA: details.

Seriously, though, it'd be a good idea, but would it just be members only?

I'd say the use of such a topic area would be pretty low. How often does a member require the services of an electrician? If 'outsiders' come in, looking for help, are they going to hold Mr. Holt responsible for the service? That seems like bad news.

I'd say that the electrically-related individuals who need services should feel comfortable starting a thread in the NEC forum (for more hits).

Perhaps you could throw something in the FAQ's to state that an invitation to work should have the word capitalized in the subject, or something?
 
Re: Help Wanted

When I spoke to Mike about this it was not only for things like this, but also for electrical professionals that needed assistance from others with experience in specific areas, for example power quality problems. There is to be no advertising, only a request for assistance and all other contact would be initiated by the use of the private message function.
Don
 
Re: Help Wanted

That is how it should be Don. Who wants to see this become the yellow pages? I don't. Keep it to people in the industry that need help in some way. If it does not get much use so be it. It will be good to know it is there.
 
Re: Help Wanted

Originally posted by georgestolz: Seriously, though, it'd be a good idea, but would it just be members only?
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Only in the sense that if you are not a member of this Forum, you would not be able to read anything posted in that area.
Originally posted by georgestolz: I'd say the use of such a topic area would be pretty low.
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Another reason I'm not certain a special topic area would be warranted.
 
Re: Help Wanted

I believe it would work out if the nuts & bolts was done by PM.
I have already used this idea. I chose an EE on the list, and asked a professional question. I indicated if I needed more assistance I would be willing to pay. The nature of the business was more than just advisory.
 
Re: Help Wanted

some other forums have a topic for "off topics"
this can include wanted adds, threads like my lightbulb, or anything else that does not fit into a regular topic.

a moderator can still monitor for content. if it does not fit the forum rules he/she can still edit delete as needed.
 
Re: Help Wanted

I have no choice but to respect Mikes wishes in his forum.

Is there another way to allow such posts?
 
Re: Help Wanted

JB, I think what Don's saying is that Mike doesn't want a special topic area of the forum dedicated to off topic subjects. (Like the areas on the main page.)

If you wish to start an off topic thread, just put "OT" in the subject line if you wish. If the thread is wildly irrelevant or inapproriate, a moderator will slide in to lock or delete it in a timely manner. Just remember your audience when you start a thread like that. ;)
 
Re: Help Wanted

I still don't know whether the Forum would benefit from having a topic area dedicated to what is essentially networking. But I will say that this particular thread accomplished its intent. I was able to hook up with an electrical contractor in my area, and we have made arrangements for him to perform the task that I had in mind.

Many thanks to everyone who expressed an opinion on this thread. I'll exchange messages with the other Moderators, and we will make a recommendation to Mike.
 
Re: Help Wanted

Originally posted by charlie b:
I was able to hook up with an electrical contractor in my area, and we have made arrangements for him to perform the task that I had in mind.
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Lets hope this person performs the work as required by all applicable codes. :D
 
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