User details

**pepper38_cnd** · 11-24-2007

I love this forum, it is great, but when I share info or receive info I like to know who or whom I shearing it with. I would like to see more info in the profiles. I am at the point of saying if your email is private I aint sharing.

just a suggestion!

**Cipher** · 11-24-2007

Not really a good idea to reveil to much information about yourself.

I have it on good authority that the powers above don't like places like this.
They see it as helping competitors and over educating the end user.

**unisys12** · 11-24-2007

I had someone at Xerox tell me once that they actually had people surf the net looking for sites like this. Then they just watched the posts. If a X Tech posted something about one of their machines, technically speaking, they would contact them. That was only if they could prove who you where. At Xerox though, they teach you to share and gather information while doing everything! It did get bad enough though that they decided that if the techs wanted an online place to hang out and share ideas, then they would give them one. Hince the birth of the GSN website. Man! I used to love that place!!

Notice that I have a little more info listed than others. But that is because I work for an independent Savin dealer. If I were a direct Ricoh tech... that would be another story. Ricoh has an online BBS that we can post to, but it literately states that you shouldn't expect a response for a least 2-3 days. I have actually had responses take up to a week or more.

If I have a problem with a machine that is not serious enough to call the hot line, what do you do? The first thing I do is pick up the phone or walk into another room and ask another tech, that works at our dealership, for his opinion. Outside of that, that's about all I got. I can of course call my regional tech specialist, but he can get tied up with other things since he covers such a large area. Also, he comes by our shop about every three months anyway, and keeps up pretty informed about recent stuff going on. So, for the little issues, I resort to a site such as this.

I wish other companys would take a page from Xerox and give their techs a little more open way of exchanging information and ideas. A bbs such as this, monitored by engineers, would be awsome. But then you have the smaller independent shops that are not really tied to any one company or manufacture. What do they do? That is were the internet can be your friend. For the rest of us though... the vail of darkness will be our shadow.

**blackcat4866** · 11-24-2007

There was a time when I managed a database of fixes for one of the larger dealerships. DaZ is right. It was often pointed out to me that it was important that the database not fall into the wrong hands. Someone might find out that copiers require service. What a surprise?

**diogenisS8** · 11-25-2007

After reading these posts I added more information in my profile, even though I think that the internet is not a great place to share private information. Many people out there are afraid to post private info because of abuse and spammers. But on the other hand pepper38_cnd is right. When I put effort in helping people that they are hiding behind the monitor at least they can show me their email address.

**Copier_Guy** · 11-25-2007

I, as an independent contractor do not worry as much about anonymity as some others that work for OEMs or Resellers should. There are eyes on these sites and information is being gathered. Companies are worried about industrial espionage and the little guy taking business. That's why most companies are very propriotorial about their products and services. There is a lot of copyrighted information and materials that change hands on these sites and Big Brother is watching and concerned. I think the specter of anonymity is prudent until you know whom you are talking to. The legal ramifications are something an independent contractor, small business owner or employee, or even a large corporation or their employees don't want to deal with. The fact is we all want to make a living and most guys and ladies I know in the business, do it for the Love of the challenge and enjoy sharing their knowledge. I know I do. I don't have a problem sharing my identity as long as I know you're a tech like me that does this to feed your family. Until I know that, Just call me Copier_Guy!!!

**knightfall** · 11-25-2007

Pepper I'm not sure what knowing their email will tell you, I can't tell who is a technician and who is not with all the free email out there but to quote the Copier_guy "There is a lot of copyrighted information and materials that change hands on these sites and Big Brother is watching and concerned"
if they (Big Brother) want to find you they can, in the internet anonymity is definitely desired. This site is to help any technician who needs information or shares ideas and those who are in a position to help out our fellow technicians should feel obligated without fear. I also see at the time of this writing you have also set your email to private, pot calling the kettle black?

**JustManuals** · 11-26-2007

Originally Posted by DaZ

Not really a good idea to reveil to much information about yourself.

I have it on good authority that the powers above don't like places like this.
They see it as helping competitors and over educating the end user.

Who are the powers above?