I have to go rant a bit here, and it will be a controversial subject to many.
Now there are a lot of places to get information about towing, and many of them are online, but I happen to own one of the towing forums, www.priceperpound.info and it deals with many subjects and of course use of the Price Per Pound billing method for heavy duty truck wrecks.
That billing method is one where not many people understand it and many are opposed to it. But we will not get into that discussion here as that is not the intent of the rant.
What pisses me off really bad, is the “HOLYIER THAN THOUGH” attitude some people have online and in person.
Last I checked, we live in the United States of America, and there is a thing called FREEDOM OF SPEECH. Yes I know that some places online have rules and regulations about what can be posted, but some people take it too far in the comments. Others take it too far in the actions.
Photo shopping of pictures to make someone look bad or insult them is not right and not allowed in many forums. Just like some of the bad jokes – comments or nicknames are bad. But I have seen some of the biggest complainers of this being done, being some of the people who do it to others.
I do not care, if you own the forum, a towing business, a supplier to the business or a family member of a tower. IT IS DIVIDING THE INDUSTRY, which many are trying to unite.
What people do not understand is that today, almost any of our actions online are very easy to check out and help evaluate the person. Many companies now do research into postings of others online of pictures, comments and what organizations they belong to when considering hiring the person or using their services. Do not believe me, just go online and search out the subject. You will find that it is used by many companies.
It used to be in the towing business you sold your services and reputation in person and by word of mouth, but given today’s advancements in information technology we are all instantly available to check out. How many of you can quickly search a phone number that is calling you, before you take the call or return the call.
How many of you “MEMBERS OF ANY TOWING FORUM” look at profiles to find out where the person is and more about them?
We are quick to judge in this industry and hard to accept blame for comments and actions. We tend to look at one or two pictures and make comments about issues and jobs, be it good or bad.
Look at the latest hot topic involving the company in Maine, one picture on the news report video and some video of the location. Many people, myself included commented on the issue and many were bashing them. I was asking for more information but given what I seen, I was doubtful that it was as hard as it was made out to be.
We all throw towers under the bus from time to time, and we are our own worst enemy, but stop and step back 2 steps and look at it again. Remember that the person you are going to bash, is the same one who will do it to you at some point in the future.
Now back to the forums and the attitudes on them by members and owners. I really think that some people have lost sight of the issue and are now allowing for the direction to change in which it was intended. Others allow some members to have too much power or input.
I have been told by some members that what I say or post on other forums, can and will affect my access to some forums and rooms on them. I really think that is going to an extreme in controlling what we are allowed to do. I do not think that is right or even legal considering the laws. But then again, I also know that it is the forum owners sandbox and they can do what they want and kick sand in my face when it deals with their forum and access. Should I do the same to them and their members on my forum? Ah not happening here at my place.
I have to also ask, at what point do members stop being a productive member and become a liability to the forum and the owner?
That in itself is a huge issue which needs to be looked at and policies made and while it may seem bad to some, it most likely will be for the good of the forum. Money or power – authority is not everything, especially online. Like the Brad Paisley song goes, “I am so much cooler ONLINE!” NOT!
Do I hold a grudge, not really but I have been in the towing industry as a driver, driver manager, and a tow manager for over 33 years. I come to get information and share information with others, but if I get restricted because I belong to another group or association then I am not going to be happy. Come on, that is wrong.
I do not care if you belong to a union, only tow light duty, heavy duty, are a supplier, instructor, or the janitor – truck washer at the tow company. If you are in the industry and are a member of the forum you should be able to have the same access as others without paying for it, sponsoring it, or buying it with advertising. We all should have the option to get the information, and many want to help support the forums and the costs of operating them, but to make it mandatory is not right. It looks like some of the issues we have with billing now.
Ranting and raving about new members who are providing information to the towing information because they are just starting out, have no industry experience or make a post on other towing forums is wrong. Questioning them in a pointed and disgraceful manner because they do not answer right away or do not consider advertising – promoting or even paying is wrong.
No one is the king of information, no one is GOD in this business even though some might say that in their screen names (JUST KIDDING HERE).
There are rankings of almost everything nowadays and we all know how statistics can be changed, modified or used anyway which fits the needs of the person or company, but in this industry we are all equal.
What we provide is a service with towing forums, as the content is usually on each and every forum out there, in some manner or form. How many different ways are there to repost a news story?
What about how to rear tow a semi-tractor or unlock a Ford Focus. Some of us have developed tricks and methods which we show to others. Some do it by becoming instructors of training programs which they create. Some publish books and videos of the methods. Some do both. Others post it on towing forums for everyone to see. But to cut out access to informational forums and require that you pay is making it like a book you buy then for the information.
Some towers might not see that kind of a vehicle but once a year driving though, but when it breaks down you would want to know how to do it right without damages.
So are towing forums “information sources” or revenue and good ole boy networks?
