Joined
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982 Posts
Hey guys we have a bunch of new members and an incredible amount of smiths online these days.
It is quite a difference between now and when Steve Clark, Brian and I were here when the membership was below 800.
I am VERY glad that the other professionals have showed up and are now posting.
There are any number of alias being used. Some sign their alias and others don't. We are all here for different reasons but how about all of us try to maintain a professional presence and keep the compliments, working relationships and networking out in the open and above board.
I know most of the players here either personally or by reputation. Lets make sure we don't mislead our perspective customers with a serious case of nepotism.
There are any number of us who use different shops to get things done out of house. I support the people who support me. But I try to make it clear why I do so. They make me money and they do exceptional work. Other wise I wouldn't use their services. I recommend other smiths who's work I admire.
Promoting someone who is making you money is at best a little misleading, if not acknowledged up front as a working relationship first.
Good example is I like Heinie's guns. I own one. His shop is also a place I would send a customer to for metal work or gun work. I have Heinie's shop do some metal work for me. Chuck Rogers and EGW are resouces I will also use.
I make money when I use any of them. They make money too
But when I recommend them you know why and the relationship is deeper than just "I think they are real good".
As a customer I would want to know some of that info when I read the recommendations on list.
[This message has been edited by Dane Burns (edited 03-07-2001).]
It is quite a difference between now and when Steve Clark, Brian and I were here when the membership was below 800.
I am VERY glad that the other professionals have showed up and are now posting.
There are any number of alias being used. Some sign their alias and others don't. We are all here for different reasons but how about all of us try to maintain a professional presence and keep the compliments, working relationships and networking out in the open and above board.
I know most of the players here either personally or by reputation. Lets make sure we don't mislead our perspective customers with a serious case of nepotism.
There are any number of us who use different shops to get things done out of house. I support the people who support me. But I try to make it clear why I do so. They make me money and they do exceptional work. Other wise I wouldn't use their services. I recommend other smiths who's work I admire.
Promoting someone who is making you money is at best a little misleading, if not acknowledged up front as a working relationship first.
Good example is I like Heinie's guns. I own one. His shop is also a place I would send a customer to for metal work or gun work. I have Heinie's shop do some metal work for me. Chuck Rogers and EGW are resouces I will also use.
I make money when I use any of them. They make money too

As a customer I would want to know some of that info when I read the recommendations on list.
[This message has been edited by Dane Burns (edited 03-07-2001).]