Ok guys.... since so many have no quams about ranting, venting, and otherwise airing things, it's <u>MY</u> turn for a change.
As some of you know (and many don't)- I spend MORE THAN 3 HOURS every day (yes that's EVERY day) on average offering advise, parts lookup, and various information to BBC members FREE of charge. Anything from "what oil should I use" to "what's this thingamobober attached to the doomaflotchy with a tie strap" called, or what does it do.
I'm glad to do it.... and I enjoy it.
I also work a REAL day job... more than 55 hours a week. And I've GOT to do that. I have a family to support, and it's the way it is.
<u>Here's my pet peeves for today</u>:
-Whining. If ya want help- ask. I'll do whatever I can to help. You can take the advise.... or leave the advise. Your perogative. But when you DON'T take the advise, please don't whine about what happens. Just kick yourself in the keester and learn from it. (That's how I've learned many of my best- and most memorable lessons)
-Price hunting. Nobody blames anyone for trying to save a buck. I do it myself. However.... there's a light-gray line here. If you're gonna ask 20 questions, an receive totally free advise and support, and then gripe that you can buy some aftermarket component for 10% less... or actually come out and say "I can buy that on Ebay for "X" $$$.... then go ahead. But <u>own what you buy</u>, PLEASE. By all means.... when it doesn't work as you thought it would... or you can't figure out how to hook it up or install it, come back and ask why. I'll be glad to tell you, and I'll be courteous and professional about it.
Don't take me wrong- there's a GOOD side to this, too. For instance, one of our regulars recently requested some Spark Plugs. After looking up the prices for him- he pointed out to me that he could buy them for less than HALF of OUR COST. And he SHOULD have. I need to change suppliers on that plug- and I WILL.
-Part number shoppers. Every day, I get 2-3 email requests from folks requesting a long list of part numbers and prices. In many cases- I spend OVER AN HOUR looking up all of these parts.... and providing them a list of what they need (often to rig an engine, Smartcraft, or some project they're undertaking). Then that list is used to shop for the stuff on Ebay, or split up the items between three or four internet suppliers, only to complain when the two remaining items on the list can be found no-where else, and it ends up costing MORE in the end than I would have charged for everything... and then I'm supposed to spend 3-4 days posting and emailing back and forth with them explaining what plugs into what, and which works with this, or why this should be treated with what.
-Just plain "rude". About once a day, someone decides (and often, rightfully so) that emails, posts or IM's just aren't conveying what they're trying to get across. They pickup the phone and dial my number, get one of my staff (who often could answer their question), and then, when I'm out in a boat, insist they need to speak with me. So far- no problem. My staff inform them I'm busy working.... "may we get your phone number and he'll return your call?" Now why the heck would someone at this point REFUSE to give their contact info, is totally beyond me. Buy it happens nearly EVERY DAY. Well guess what- If I don't know who you are, what you have or what you need..... I can't help, and I probably won't be returning your call.
<u>Internet Mechanics that Argue</u>: If I've said something you think is an error- please point it out. I really want to see this forum contain ACCURATE information. Disagree if you feel it's appropriate. However... I'm often going to state my opinion or position just once in a post. Your later response arguing doesn't change my opinion.... and I'm probably not going to waste my time arguing about it. Remember this when reading past posts....
As always, I'll be as professional and courteous as I can... <u>but if you fall into one of the above categories</u>, don't be surprised when I answer your question with:
-"Unfortunately, there are some things even I just can't fix"---
OR
-When I call "BS" (and I'm not talking about a Bachelor's Degree of the Scientific Variety).
Rant over.... back to work.
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At the end of the day/week Don you still have to make a living. I thank you for all the help that you post in this fourm. 
