I spoke briefly about this with Terry a couple months ago...but we didn't get very far and the phone rang and someone had to hang up...
I know we have too many forums now...it's tough to monitor everything already on here.
But here's what I'm thinking about.
If I need a surveyor- a guy who makes t-shirts- a lawyer- a plumber- an electrician- I would much rather give my business to someone on this site than someone out of the phone book.
I just would.
How do you guys feel about it?
Obviously, there would have to be a real understanding that TG and Terry and Rob are not responsible if something goes wrong as a result of you and the other party doing business together- that's a given. But I just think it's something I want to explore further.
Let's see what everyone thinks. And if you can come up with reasons NOT to do this let's hear them
i think that is a great idea Ray!
I would think it would be a wonderful idea as long as they carried thier own workmans comp when needed.Just would be concerned about the liability.I would also rather use guys from Tradgang.
Mike
I think its a great idea
Agree. I would prefer to use someone from here over letting my fingers do the walking in the phone book.
Maybe something similar to the "Trade-A-Hunt" type forum where there could be an "I Need" posting opportunity. Let any communications after that be PM or e-mail. No on-forum solicitation - unless they purveyor wants to become a sponsor.
Just some random thoughts.
BobW
Great idea Ray! I already try to use sponsors here whenever I can. And I would much prefer to use Trad Gangers for anything else that I could. Not sure where you might go with this, but I think it's got great potential. Traditional archers, and Trad Gangers in particular, are some of the most honest people I have ever met and it just makes sense to do business with them whenever possible.
Ray - had the same idea basically the other day - I listed a job announcement for a specialty at my site location before I went to the resume file I keep on-hand. Unfortunately, I did not receive any TradGang responses - But thought it was worth a try---- Of course I ran the idea thru the Trad Site administrators 1st....
Keeping it in the trad-gang family would be great!
Works for me.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
todd
I like the Idea. Its like looking for a trad hog hunting guide. Why go to a firearms site to look for a trad bow hunting guide, when you can look here.
Now for me I used to be a union Electrician. Be cause of my health I don't do it anymore but could talk someone threw it. Or answer any questions before you?anyone picks a Electrician near them.
Maybe some can do a How-to, like building bows & arrows. How to wire a dimmer switch or a fan and so forth.
times like these might be good! :)
well if i lived in the USA i would say hell yeah why not at least we can trust one another. :thumbsup:
Gud idee yew kin sind me all yer speling kwestions fer frea!!!
well if anyone of you ever need a surveyor or engineer in Nova Scotia give me a shout. Just remember to bring your bow so we can shoot!!!
QuoteOriginally posted by BobW:
Agree. I would prefer to use someone from here over letting my fingers do the walking in the phone book.
Maybe something similar to the "Trade-A-Hunt" type forum where there could be an "I Need" posting opportunity. Let any communications after that be PM or e-mail. No on-forum solicitation - unless they purveyor wants to become a sponsor.
Just some random thoughts.
BobW
i like Bobs thinking
Excellent notion Ray. Besides the fact that I really liked the look of your knives I liked the fact that you are a TG'er - that's why I had you build me one. As I mentioned earlier, it did a great job on that gnarly bull moose this September!
Most folks contact me when they need a male model (if Brad Pitt isn't available), but a few others call when they need a bow. Speaking of which, you probably need an ACS don't you Ray?
Hey, if your house is on fire, call the nearest fire dept. I may not be available. Otherwise, sounds like a great idea.
-Jeremy
Ray, yes, yes! You mentioned this awhile back on the post about " what do you do?' I think it's a great idea! We need to help each other and can!
A great country is "not" without the great people! Good shootin, Steve
There is a real concern on the part of the moderators that a forum like this might get real messy..and if you think about it you can see why.
How can that be avoided? Each person posts what he does, and then there's no communication allowed on the forum? Everything else beyond that posting by each member is handled by email directly or the phone?
Will that do it?
If there is no communication, and its strictly understood that Terry, Rob, and TradGang have no responsibility for whatever occurs on any transaction between members would that make it work? Sort of like the Sponsors Forum?
What say ye???
I kinda liked your original take better, Ray.
Whatever anyone needs, they post it. But then I like the rest of your latest concept: After it's posted, direct contact only.
Only drawback, and it's always caveat emptor (?) in that without the Tradgang, there is no monitoring those who might pull up a need and run with it and scam the shorts off folks...
The other would work...everyone post their own skills set, but gracious...How many 10's of thousands registered do we have now? Seems a lot smaller # of posts if those needing something, would post and then only direct contacts be allowed to keep it from getting messy.
Anything that would jeapordize Tarz or Rob, given what a incredible service this site already is, would be inexcusable.
It also would be SWEET to allow folks a "jobs available" thing where it was among our own...
Well, what about a dual list?
One list of what service you could offer.
The second list sort of like Angies List where people who used your service can comment.
Wouldn't be much different from the sponsors list would it? I mean, a sponsor offers a service too. All that list does is allow us members to contact people who provide a service we desire. I've seen on here how a couple guys raving about some new product can really get people jumping on the band wagon. It would be about the same for non archery services from tradgangers.
Well, I'm thinking as I type and I wonder if maybe the way to go might be just another sponsor list for non archery stuff? The back up would be a forum to make comments on, ask questions about services or exchange contact info.
Also, would you separate the professionals from the hobbyists? That is, say somebody wants a house built. I'm sure there are lots of contractors on this site. Easy, professional hook up. I'd feel much less stress knowing the guy building my house was a tradganger. Funny, but it's true. But say you just want a tune up and oil chance on your car. I can do that but I certainly don't do it for a living.
Lastly, on another site I go to, not just anyone can come in and use features like the classifieds. You have to become a member and post a certain number of times before using the site to sell your stuff. (Not sure if that already applies here or not.) Keeps unscrupulous outsiders from joining just to sell their stuff.
If you guys can handle the logistics of it, I'd be all for it. I know of numerous guys here who have experience that would be useful outside of the trad hunting arena. Heck, just to find an honest car mechanic would make it worthwhile and I'm a professional industrial mechanic! I just don't like working on my cars....
A mechanic in New Hampshire would not do me any good in Iowa. Maybe listing services that are available in each State and/or another listing by professional services/skills offered. I like the idea and anything would be better than doing nothing at least to get things started. Personally I doubt I would get any referrals in my business but I am not necessarily looking for business here, but if I needed siding repaired on my house or a plumber or electrician it would be nice to have some sort of professional directory. I don't see how this is much different than selling things through the classifieds or the sponsors directory.
Yeah but my business is filtration equipment and we ship screens all over the world. On the flip side, I'm always aware of what Tradgangers do for a living in case I can make them vendors.
I can see where a mechanic's service area would be limited but many of us are National or International and provide products more so than services.
I think its a great idea!
I like your second idea. Post what you do and all contact after that by PM, e-mail or phone. I think if we post what we want the post over time could very long and wants could get lost in the shufle.
Post with do's could be like the TG yellow pages, just find some one that does your want and drop then a line, very nice idea.
QuoteI can see where a mechanic's service area would be limited but many of us are National or International and provide products more so than services. [/QB]
Bingo Biggie. Thats why I think a local state directory and separate Products/Service directory would be great. You could easily look for more local service providers or at the global scope of Products available if you can't find it in your States listings.
I know this would create more work for our moderators. Perhaps the availibilty of volonteers to moderate a new forum would help to get this off the ground? I don't think I have much time to devote to such a project. Any takers?
I still favor the "I Need:" section/forum. With that, off line connections and deals can be made keeping risk lower for TG Ownership, possibly resulting in a little lower need for intensive moderator oversight (they don't need more to do), and also no "free advertising". If you are doing advertising of your business here, you should be compensating TG for it.
Just my $0.02.
I'm thinking, I'm thinking, well will profile search achieve anything! I know alot of peoples profile is vague with info.
Sherpa and biggie, maybe on you extended trips, a tradgang mechanic might be needed?
Why not a non trad business directory/sponsor listing. For a fee anyone can post a web site link or buisiness listing thats non trad. Just like our current sponsor listing but for non trad listings.
There's the corporate sponsors list, hunt it. Good idea but "they" beat ya to it :)
Anyone have a need for a trout/bow bum.
I would like to hunt the mornings and the evenings, drift dries flies all day (I'll nymph if I have to), and finally I would like to drink handcrafted IPA's all evening.
If anybody has a use for me feel free to contact me. MY rates are very low.
:)
I'd buy anything but insurance from a TGer (just kidding Ray :thumbsup: )
Just remembered that I spaced out on the knife!
I've been a stockbroker better than twenty years but current market conditions suggest I will be available on a full time basis soon to rid your property of problem pigs. In the mean time if any of you need portfolio advice, please take mine; I'm not using it at the moment...
Aw come on Norb.....I'll get you a great deal on a $5 Million 30 year term policy. :) I promise not to tell the underwriter about your life threatening hunting adventures! :saywhat:
Good Idea Ray. I have 30 years carpentry/builder experience. Only problem, lot of work right where I am at.I am very fortunate in that regard, considering the economy and all.
Might think about it though.
Very good idea. I've wondered this same thing many times. We can buy more bows if we use each other for business. Keeps the funds inside our circle and our sponsors will reap the benefits.
QuoteOriginally posted by BobW:
I still favor the "I Need:" section/forum. With that, off line connections and deals can be made keeping risk lower for TG Ownership, possibly resulting in a little lower need for intensive moderator oversight (they don't need more to do), and also no "free advertising". If you are doing advertising of your business here, you should be compensating TG for it.
Just my $0.02.
HUMMM makes sence, boy im glad im not a mod. Either way its a good idea and if it goes i know you guys that run this place and take care of us will do it right.