Non Techs on this Forum

[Larhal]

Is it me or have you observed a larger amount of people claiming they are Techs but are really end users, IE: posts with comments like MY printer or I have a printer with a XXX code, what can I do?

This forum was built by Techs for Techs to help each other not to help whoever fix their machine and not pay us for our services. Your opinion Please.

[kingarthur]

I'd noticed the same, thought it was just me.

[tmw]

I don't mind helping with something simple. But it's probably best to remind these people that it's probably not a job they want to mess with themselves.

[Larhal]

The ones that really bug me are the ones who give vague information and when we ask for more they go away to return later with another issue on the same machine. Also the ones who get nasty when you confront them.
Yes if it is a simple problem and someone has done as mush homework to try to resolve it and has a copy of the service manual, I will help.

[blackcat4866]

Maybe more now, but they have been here all along.

I tend to hang back until I see evidence that they've been in service mode, or have tried something. You won't get very far in this business if you're not willing to try a few things on your own initiative.

[slimslob]

Along the same line are those that send you a Private Message for help on a paper jam. Got one this morning.

[SalesServiceGuy]

It is what it is and it is not going to change. Help these people, ignore these people, it is up to you.

What makes you think CTN is exclusively for trainned copier techs?

Same as CTN is not exclusively for USA citizens expressing their political views.

[copyman]

This is what happens when a website doesn't requier a password. There should be a separate forum here for end users only.

I don't mind helping an end user "within reason". If they want to service their machine good for them (I service my own car instead of getting ripped off by the dealer) Plus I've received help from all different type of internet forums, plumbing, auto, etc. So I give back when possible.

Most of the time end users end up calling a tech for service after they can't fix it. Probably costing them more because what they attempted to repair has to be fixed along with original issue.

[slimslob]

This is what happens when a website doesn't requier a password.

If they are posting/commenting they are logged in which requires an account with a password.

[copyman]

If they are posting/commenting they are logged in which requires an account with a password.

Sorry not what I meant. Let me be more clear, verified technician before getting a password. Like all the good "tech only" sites back in the day, Techsconnected, CopierTalk, etc. If you weren't a tech you couldn't be a member. My all time favorite tech site was Smarka, don't think it was techs only but mostly a great group of techs. Andrea & Mark did a good job running that site.

[slimslob]

Sorry not what I meant. Let me be more clear, verified technician before getting a password. Like all the good "tech only" sites back in the day, Techsconnected, CopierTalk, etc. If you weren't a tech you couldn't be a member. My all time favorite tech site was Smarka, don't think it was techs only but mostly a great group of techs. Andrea & Mark did a good job running that site.

And what happened to all those sites????

[copyman]

"And what happened to all those sites????"

When a website is run by one person and life events happen they shut down. Same could happen to this website at any time. Not saying to exclude end users just have a separate forum on the website. It's so much easier to talk to other members who you know are technicians. Plus all the "bullshit" spewed by a few members that have nothing to do with copiers could be eliminated by revoking their account.

[slimslob]

"And what happened to all those sites????"

When a website is run by one person and life events happen they shut down. Same could happen to this website at any time. Not saying to exclude end users just have a separate forum on the website. It's so much easier to talk to other members who you know are technicians. Plus all the "bullshit" spewed by a few members that have nothing to do with copiers could be eliminated by revoking their account.

Or more likely it was a matter of funding or lack thereof.

As for 'bullshit" posts, notice the Flag button next to the Quote button? USE IT!!!! Instruction on its use are displayed when you click it. I Flag a few advertising posts weekly. The posts and often the poster are gone within 48 hours.

[tsbservice]

It really depends on people. I'm 100% with Larhal on this. However there were few exceptions where I really enjoyed helping endusers who are showing respect, skills and desire to follow instructions.
I even found few of them better than some techs I happen to met.
I can easily identify who deserves help and who is stealing money from my fellow tech and make decision. And sometimes it is just giving back some carma.
Off topic.
It's showing my age but I really do miss Smarka. It was simple yet brilliant and I learned a lot which in turns makes me give back here.