A different perspective...

Discussion in 'General Carpet Cleaning & Upholstery Discussion' started by Rob Allen, Oct 20, 2008.

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  1. Rob Allen Administrator

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    I have formed a different perspective by being more actively involved in 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.

    So what will you do???
    Rob Allen, Oct 20, 2008
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  2. M Ellis Banned

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    What an excellent Post.
    Well done Rob.

    Mick :biggrin::biggrin:
    M Ellis, Oct 20, 2008
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  3. Mr. Slide Check out "qcsliders.com"

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    Great post Rob! Thanks for sharing for thoughts, its always very hard to get to know people just by typed words. (Unless they type a lot)!
    Will have more to say later. at work now, so no time.

    Cheers, AL
    Mr. Slide, Oct 20, 2008
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  4. Duane Oxley MIA

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    Amen...

    "I second that emotion." :eek:)
    Duane Oxley, Oct 20, 2008
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  5. AllCleanExtreme New Member

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    Is a Great Post Mr Rob.......... Thanks for sharing with us
    AllCleanExtreme, Oct 21, 2008
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  6. SeriousHeat New Member

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    Awesome post Rob.

    Lots to think about
    SeriousHeat, Oct 21, 2008
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  7. TMF New Member

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    Excellent article.
    TMF, Oct 23, 2008
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  8. Rob Lyon New Member

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    Awesome and so true, I think sometimes am I am back in High School, but I relize that some never left and that is their mentality. Unfortunatly, I don't feel that this person cannot have a jaded view of things. As I said before , if the person is stupid,well their stupid, if they are ignorrant,well they chose to be. It is our choise to look at things differently! We are all entitled to our opinions but should not expect that everyone will
    (or should) agree.I have gotten more out of this industry than I can EVER give back, and every day I get the opportunity to do this I thank God and fell very lucky!
    Rob Lyon, Oct 23, 2008
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  9. Nick Nellos Active Member

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    Rob you should listen to a song from "bowling for soup" called highschool never ends
    Nick Nellos, Oct 23, 2008
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  10. Gary T Moderator

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    I agree with Rob about the High School thing. You can see the cliques on some boards in a very short time. Most boards have paid advertisers and they are off limits to any negativity, no need to bash them if they have a bad product, but one should be able to point out shortcomings without fear of reprisal.

    The big problem is the lack of ability to detect emotion, voice inflection, facial expression, etc. Many times a post can be easily misconstrued as bashing when there was no intent whatsoever by the poster.

    My advice to users here is try not to read too much into someone who may not agree with your opinion, method etc. Be civil. Try to act like you are face to face with the other person.

    As a moderator in the hard surface area, I will try my best not to come off as negative or bashing. But, I do tell it like it is. I am very big on doing things properly, and will point things or methods out that are not. My knowledge come from facts, experience, and a little opinion. I will refer to TCNA, CTIOA, ANSI, many times when it comes to install, repair, problem issues. Please do not read it as I am bashing or being negative towards the poster. I am here to help and learn, be fair, and hopefully make some new friends.
    Gary T, Oct 23, 2008
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  11. Rob Allen Administrator

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    Excellent points Gary. My intent was not that anyone should not speak their mind but rather one should afford others dignity and respect in a reply, even if they are wrong or disagree. We are professionals, therefore we should act,talk and type professional. :)
    Rob Allen, Oct 23, 2008
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  12. Gary T Moderator

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    I know, and I completely agree. Just wanted to add the point that it can easy take things the wrong way on the boards.
    Gary T, Oct 23, 2008
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  13. Frank DiGi Administrator

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    Good post Rob!
    Frank DiGi, Oct 23, 2008
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  14. Scrubbs Cleaner

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    Excellent posts guys. I think it's all too true about the cliques, sad but still true. I'm not a big poster, but I feel a lot more comfortable here than on any other site.

    Mark
    Scrubbs, Oct 23, 2008
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  15. JCoviello New Member

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    Well said Rob...as I mentioned previously I think this industry is in for a major change in the coming years. I believe that we will see traditional bait and switch becoming less and less effective quicker than we think. Same for the used car saleman marketing approach.

    I get more folks tell me they chose me simply because they went on my website, looked at the honest unbiased info and made their own choice - you wouldn't believe it.

    I too am a "no fluff" kind of guy. It works, or it don't and if there are gray areas they can be easily explained where the compromise is. End of story.

    I think a lot of the "change" has to do with the consumer changing as well. People simply do not accept what they used to and are becoming more informed about things and have much more information at their finger tips then ever before.

    I know I skip past the "LIMITED TIME ONLY" and "We are the best because we say so" flash and trash on most websites and get to the meat of the matter...if there is no meat, time to move on.

    I think TMF is a beginning to the change. Those who do not, will soon be left behind.
    JCoviello, Oct 23, 2008
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  16. Rob Allen Administrator

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    Thanks.


    Some have complained some undesirable is copying my wording word for word,lol. But if it benefits the industry so be it! :)
    Rob Allen, Oct 24, 2008
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  17. Ho0tz04 New Member

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    Now how am I suppose to follow up with anything that I write with a great post like that!? Very well said, Rob!
    Ho0tz04, Oct 24, 2008
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  18. M Ellis Banned

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    Your not the only one who has seen how good the post is Steven, even other boards are taking bits and pieces of it and putting their name to it.
    Well done Rob, it shows what a leader you are to the industry when others like to spread your words of wisdom.

    Mick :rockon:
    M Ellis, Oct 24, 2008
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  19. Certified Carpet Member

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    Good Points

    Well said, as an admin and co-owner of my own forum (not Carpet Related) I try to get the point across that were typing these words and we can see anothers face. I have rules in my forum because of the hobby involved.
    (They were originally generated by a good friend of mine on another forum and reworded to fit my needs).

    These rules are for the benefit of all members. They have been written in order that every ***** member may be treated fairly and equally. they have been introduced to keep order in the forums.

    Please read them carefully. if any member deliberately continues to disregard these rules they will be either suspended from membership or deleted without warning. The decision to suspend or delete a member is entirely at the discretion of the administrators of ***** forums and are final and without appeal.

    FORUM RULES

    The motto of this board is to RESPECT and be EXCELLENT to one another. It is also the rule of the day.

    RESPECT and EXCELLENCE encompasses a broad category and while it is most difficult to define exactly, here is basically what we mean:

    Help others when you can and ask for help when you need it, knowing that there are others who will also help when they can.

    Take from the forum-knowledge, tips, friendship, solace, prayers and laughter. Give back in kind and in equal measure.

    The spirit of respect and excellence is about making others feel good about themselves and by doing so, feeling better about yourself.

    It is not excellent nor respectful to push another’s buttons because you can or simply know which button to push.

    Disagreements and differences of opinion are normal human responses; however, snide comments and rude responses are not excellent nor respectful and will not be tolerated on the forum.

    You may always state your opinion. You may never try to impose it on another on the forum. If a debate is desired, please do so privately. Maintaining the rules.

    While we do not wish to impose the “letter of the law” in these forums, the spirit of respect and excellence must be maintained for the good of all.

    Infractions will be dealt with on an individual basis by the administrators and moderators .

    They stick by these and have for over 6yrs with 1850 members. And their RACE CAR Drivers. lol
    Certified Carpet, Oct 24, 2008
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  20. JCoviello New Member

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    Look what someone posted over at the vacuum cleaner board:

    Wow, amazingly Mikey agrees with Rob Allen word for word. Who'd have thought?

    Link - A different perspective

    Ahem...

    [IMG]
    JCoviello, Oct 24, 2008
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