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Heck, I am an international travel agent....there are many in my profession that get all twisted up when a traveler needs a little extra hand holding at times. It is unfortunate that some people feel the need to act this way. I have no problem taking my time with them....international travel can be scary for those that have never done it before.
On behalf of mixedgas (not that he necessarily needs my support - his credentials stand on their own!) -
I really don't think his comments were aimed at anyone who normally participates here, or attends SELEM. I think his comments were aimed squarely at those that are in for the quick buck, and nothing else. While his initial response may have seemed a bit harsh for the person that initially started this thread, I can't say that I 100% blame him for his initial reaction.
For those who don't know - or realize - who he is in person, Steve (mixedgas) is the guy who attends every SELEM, and winds up - quite literally - spending the vast majority of his time helping out anyone who needs it. His efforts probably save the "little guys" that he is helping hundreds or perhaps thousands of dollars in repairs or replacements costs, and he charges nothing more than a "thank you" and a serious show of interest from those he is helping.
Chalk it up to the the limits of communication via typed words on a forum, and the fact that having been around or in the business since it's early days, Steve can come across as a bit of a harsh perfectionist - in reality, he is one of the best supporters the hobbiest and "little guy" trying to seriously get in the business can have.
My 10 cents worth...
A license is required to buy refrigerant. That is why the cost of A/C work is so insanely high. The technicians can charge what they want because they know you can't do it yourself.Quote:
Originally Posted by ElektroFreak
EF and LC both make very very valid points.
The pros and people making their living in this industry also have very valid points on protecting their livelyhoods; some go about it the right way and some are just greedy bastards.
That's the truth, at least the way I see it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mixedgas
The markets are self correcting; tires/brakes/automotive, laser shows, really any field.
If a business charges way too much and delivers way too little, the market (customers) will realize and go else where.
If a business undercuts all their competitors, the business cannot sustain. maybe for a time, but not for long. Cut-throat pricing damages everyone but the very business doing so, it hurts more than anyone else. The greedy don't see it and overreact, but *it will* self correct.
There is enough business to go around. Having said that, laser shows are not a required product like tires and brakes, but the underlying business principals are the same.
The greedy will always be greedy. Some newcomer looking to cut-throat on volume won't last because they can't sustain and/or deliver.
This isn't directed towards anyone, just discussion.
OH, Laserchick, IIRC, there have been ILDA show award winners for their art that *did not own* a laser.
@mophead - Thank you for the info on the ILDA award winner. That is VERY encouraging! :)
@Stuka - ok, ok....I met Steve at SELEM too...and you and your wife as well. I never witnessed him helping, but I have no doubt he did. But his posting did seem to give a slap on the hand to the one who started the thread. He shouldn't have come on so negatively to someone that wanted to learn and had a question. O_o
Quote:
Originally Posted by Laserchik
Hmmm...you somehow look...different than I remember....:confused: :D
Yep!Quote:
Originally Posted by mophead
If I remember my show titles correctly, the first time "Standing in Motion" was seen in laser was during the competition! :cool:
@Stuka - lol, my avatar is not a pic of me-sorry to anyone that disappoints....lol. I was Displaser's (Greg)girlfriend. We broke up after SELEM, but maybe that will remind you?
Steve needs no defense because there was never any hostility directed at him personally except perhaps for his reaction to the OP. I know Steve's a good guy at heart, hell he's helped me with direct questions that I've asked him, and through the FAQ.. I just disagree with his position from time to time, but that hasn't hurt my respect for him. If anyone doesn't know that I speak my mind openly here, then they are stuck under a rock or something.
...and only silence from lightman10? Perhaps all this passionate debate is intimidating? ;)
@lightman10: Please let us know some more details about what you're wanting to do and with what equipment?