A Different Perspective About Carpet Cleaning Bulletin Boards and Forums

This article is from Robert Allen.

I have formed a different perspective by being more actively involved in Carpet Cleaning Bulletin Boards and forums. The attitudes of many are like the economy, up and down with fear and speculation. Sometimes it resembles a political campaign where opponents will stop at NOTHING to receive power and wealth.

Cyber bashing, criticism and bantering has become common place. Wagering slander campaigns to promote only biased views they will stop at nothing to fulfill their greedy purposes. No one is safe, they will even go as far as slandering their mates and children to accomplish their ends. Some industry leaders rather than taking a stand to force others to raise their standards have lowered themselves to the same debase level. The problem is not unique to our industry but we are inudated with such people with big heads and ego's to match. This in turn leads to insecurity and confusion.



For example, which glide is right? Is 2.5 hose necessary? Is a Kunkle or Bayco the best way to maximize vacuum? Should I pre-vac? What's the best prespray? Who makes the best truckmount? Ask many and you will get a variety of answers. Make a statement that is contrary on some BB's and you will suffer the backlash. In an effort to corner a market many will go to any extreme including slander to protect their kick-backs and favors. They will even go as far as coercing their participants to join in or represent them in their attempt to stamp out any opposing train of thoughts, even if they are backed up by hard data while they promote information that is many times blatantly false.

For example Thomas Edison fought hard to keep the superior AC current from the public. He tried diligently to keep people believing his DC was better than Mr. Westinghouses, why he spent half his fortune in his effort. So instead of spending valuable time and energy developing new and fresh ideas he languished with his inferior current. He even went to the point of demonizing him in public view. This worked for awhile but soon the BETTER product won out. Unfortunately this goes on in our Industry! But fortunately for all of us quality will rise to the top and we will be there to present it to you!

Sadly some recognize this behavior but out of fear they remain silent. Silence can be misconstrued just the same as taking part. This has led to a plethora of views and downright false information. Many I have spoken to around the country are so confused they have no idea what to do or buy. They don't know what works and what doesn't work.

We here at TMF will do our absolute best to not give in to such practices nor will we tolerate it. Money is not goal number one, though it is very important. Let's all try to strengthen our resolve to help others make clear decisions based on fact not hysteria or fear. Then each of use can enjoy a healthy company with healthy profits. And then the whole industry benefits.

This is not to say that anyone should not speak their mind but rather one should afford others dignity and respect in a reply, even if we feel they are wrong or we disagree. We are professionals, therefore we should act, talk and type professional.

So you can count on TMF bringing you unbiased ratings and reviews. Also we will be a resource where newbies and PREMIUM carpet cleaners can turn to ask any question or present any fresh new ideas without the fear of harassment, shame or cyber bullying. On the contrary, we will be the first to defend anyone. Our goal is to be a saftey net/resource for those who have been sold bad goods or equipment. I know this well. I ask you to embrace our cause to improve our industry. This will accomplish two things.

The first and most important is the heritage we pass on to the next generation. Carpet cleaning is nothing to be ashamed of. Why the top three reasons people live longer in our century is no#1 is Pharmaceutical no#2 is Pest Control and no#3 is Cleanliness. I am convinced if people we're cleaner then one and two would be further down the list. Also if you believe cleanliness is next to Godliness then could you be in any better company?? So cleanliness is essential to our welfare and those we care for. The profession will probably out last us and be passed on to our children. What will we pass on, a divided discontented greedy trade or one that is united in it's efforts to preserve and improve our image. I am proud to be in the cleaning business and I want my progeny to feel the same. There in my passion lies.

Number two is we have a poor name in the publics eye. Some so-called leaders or self-made gurus have the same mentality as bait and switch carpet cleaners and this filters right down to the bottom of our trade. The only way for us to change public perception is uniting to form a POSITIVE, forward thinking movement that can change our industry from with in. This will lead to pride in our industry and the public will take notice.

I also realize this will take much time and effort. I have always believed success is the progressive realization of a goal. I set my goals over 5 years, constantly I ask myself "where do I want to be in 5 years? I know where I would like this industry to be and what I will do to accomplish this purpose and I have them written down.

Like I mentioned early on that fear and speculation can and does lead us in the wrong direction. For every action there is a reaction. If that is the case then a change of attitude and leadership can take us down a different road, one of courage and positive change. This will filter down to the bottom of our trade and the publics perception can and will change. We are a small voice but united we can become a powerful large voice.