Forum Qualifications

Phil C · Guru

Forum Qualifications

Big Gorilla · Guru

Do you think it's really necessary ? confuse confuse

Phil C · Guru

Big Gorilla wrote:
Do you think it's really necessary ?

Im afraid so BG, there has been a number of threads closed due to downright rudeness and bullying. For folks who have no quals in electrical (especially) this is confusing and dangerous.

If advice givers put up their quals people will know the advice is sound and safe.

Im sorry if it treads on toes but Im sick of good threads being closed.

Cheers

Plendo · Guru

Phil, I am happy to post my qualifications...... NONE.

I am a self confessed dabbler and hobbyist with a logical brain (the bits that have not drowned), that loves technology.

I was born and brought up on a farm, thus from an early age I was a jack of all trades and a master of none.

Since then I have had a little bit of exposure to IT (40 years in the industry), I have played with cars, where I rallied for 22 years, including some time building cars commercially, I have played with building engines (including BIG horsepower V8s for race winning ski boats).

Basically unqualified.

Phil C · Guru

Bravo Plendo, you have significant qualification mate. I USE to build computers but totally lost these days.

Cheers.

TAJ · Senior Member

Taj yawn disbelief

Gundog · Guru

RAAF MTD with 5ACS (Gough fixed that, Learmonth was our last build)

Aust Army Crew Commander 3 Cav Regt and 1 Armed Regt.

Gave the military the flick in 1980, moved to Darwin became a flight refueler then a Sales Supervisior for a manufacturing co.

Returned to the south done a bit of line haul driving and then became a TA with a computer retailer trained as a computer tech and network cable tech, started my own computer company then purchased a corner store retired at 50.

Got bored and went working for a servo 2 days a week which morphed into being a manager of fuel/conv stores for the last 14 years.

7 months out from pulling the pin again, this time to become a grey nomad and revisit the places we lived in the past from Exmouth in WA around the coast to Darwin via Newcastle, Townsville and all points in between.

Am qualified to drive anything from a motorbike to a Semi, operate earthmoving equipment up to 50t, and a lifetime of wonderful experience that you cannot learn from a book.

Fiddled with CB when it 1st became popular built antenna's and avid shooter till little Johnney made it all to difficult, a crazy fisherman who can spend hours out fishing by myself dangling a bait.

I have a terrific wife of 42 years, 3 Sons and 2 Grandsons.

What more do I need.

baute · Senior Member

I can change a fuse wire and I know how to switch off the power at the meter box. I probably know a lot that I Don't even know that I Know! So any advice I give I suggest all should Ignore! I happy to learn from those that know. Better still I think I should just pay someone to do my electrical work. He is some good advice though long handled bbq tongs are great for pulling out the hair clogging up the shower drain. That was my job Tonight!

baute · Senior Member

Just another thought I am glad I found no rats in my shower drain tonight :)

Plendo · Guru

Graham, I reckon between us we could get most things working!

I remember when CB was fun, then the ratbags took over. I phase shifted my good old Johnson Viking, and discovered a whole new community on a fresh set of frequencies. Used to work a late shift in North Sydney, and stop on my way home to DX with other night owls. Used to spend hours chatting and marveling at what we could do with the technology.

I also rode bikes for many years, but landed up going to too many funerals, havn't been on a bike since. You could say I have lost my nerve on that front.

Back on the farm (in Scotland), I had a licence to drive lots of heavy stuff, including a crane. The police stopped me driving an old "iron fairy" on the road one day, no my truck licence didn't cover it, had to go to the local cop shop, fill in the form, and pay over 17 quid, bingo I had a licence to drive a crane, as in a proper crane licence.

I remember bogging a brand new D8 one day, digging a fish pond for the owner of Blackwood Caterpillar, lucky we had a spare D8 on site, and a big chain. I was 14 at the time.

Building computers, I started doing that back in the 70s, and had a lot of fun. Then I worked for an IBM reseller when they released the PC, a few years later it was the AT with a 386, 512k of memory, a 20mb hard drive, and a colour screen. A desktop, with more of everything than the first machine I worked on that took about as much space as a tennis court. How much better could it get. Nowadays I leave all that stuff to someone that knows what he is doing.

Memories, where would we be without them.

Woody n Sue · Guru

Well I'm with you Plendo Been farming all my life don't have too many certificates (some ) but I can drive or operate almost any machine can fix them also weld make replacement parts, pull an engine or gearbox apart hell pull the whole thing apart and put it back together we have stretched truck chassis and welded them , lengthened tractor chassis to fit different engines and gearboxes, put the crown wheel on the other side of the pinion on and old tractor so it goes backwards and fitted a fork lift mast to it,made and modified lots of different farm machines, completely striped a header and rebuilt it, could pull the bonnet off and the engine out of my HQ Premier car in an hour on my own when I were a 20 year old, the list goes on but I don't have a certificate not that I have anything against them but I know mechanics that have their certificate but have never been inside an engine, go figure how that works, the difference here is that if I got it wrong I bloody payed for that mistake my self, so you learn quick, do it once and do it right or pay the price.
I don't offer advice unless I know what I am talking about, ok some might but I don't, having a fancy certificate is all well and good and I understand and agree with the need for them but it doesn't mean that they are the only people who know a lot about a certain subject, having said all that I will not touch 240 volt power there some things that I am happy to pay professionals for when I need to .
More brains, more often than not, means less common sense
End of rant
Qualified In the school of hard knocks not a university

dorian · Guru

I have a university degree in electrical engineering, but that doesn't mean that I know the wiring rules. In fact the only useful thing about my degree is that I don't have to worry about not having one.

Instead of cudgelling people with your credentials, just let the quality of your advice speak for itself, and support your statements with authoritative references wherever possible.

Blue · Senior Member

I am a RAEME Craftsman

Royal Australian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers

I have worked many jobs in my time after leaving school at age 16, all I wanted to do was get into the workforce and become a mechanic.

but being in a small town I misjudged the opportunities to get an apprenticeship... so... over the next years I worked at the local abattoir, Hay Carting, Grape Picking.. anything.. I settled for a few years at the local milk factory and became a Machine operator doing shift work all year around.. I got out of this and did glazing for 12 months but there was no money in it and this was when I decided to join the Australian Army to get the trade that I always wanted.. so I Corps Enlisted into RAEME...

this is the hard way to get a trade I can assure you, but the most rewarding...

I spent 12 years in the Australian Defence Force in Units such as Puckapunyal Logistics Battalion, School of Armour, School of Transport

Australian Trade Certificate (Fitter Diesel)
Cert IV Training and Assessment
Heavy Truck Driving - HR
Forklift Operations - LF
Crane & Bridge and Gantry - CB
Heavy A Tank Maintenance
Light A Carrier Maintenance
Level 2 First Aid

Motor Cycle
Department of Infrastructure Bus DC
Military M113A1 Carrier Licence - Tracked
Military-B Vehicle Licences Heavy 4 x 4
Tow Motor-Certificate of Competency
Working with Children

I take my trade seriously and have little time for people who are half assed about there's who believe that they should be "gifted" with Trade Certificates.

since leaving the Army I have been working as both a Parts Manager and Service Manager... I am currently the Service Manager for a local Coach Company, I have been working here for 8 years and still mostly "hands on"

I like to Help people as much as i can and have no time for Bully's whether it be in real life or over the internet..

glad to meet you guys, fellow tradies, servicemen and keep mechanical enthusiasts... smile

-- Edited by Blue on Friday 31st of October 2014 07:32:14 AM

Gerty Dancer · Guru

I can only speak from whatever experience I/we have as caravaners, and 68 years of life. Education-wise, I have a qualification in Aged Care, also horticulture.

And I thank all the kind people who have answered my questions over several years.

-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Friday 31st of October 2014 08:14:27 AM

TAJ · Senior Member

DORIAN that is spot on

taj

03_troopy · Guru

Quals are great, but to be honest, it's the hands on stuff I have done that has proven most useful to me personally. But I can see where you're coming from Phil. I posted on a subject in another forum and was shot down on a subject I've had over 30 years experience in, both in the engineering theory and practical application aspects, by someone with maybe 5 years selling and installing equipment with seemingly only self learned experience.

Having said that, with topics on subjects such as 240V electrical, and gas fitting etc, information posted as a GUIDE by qualified people is more valid than by someone who isn't an expert, but willing to give it a go.

My quals:
RAAF Radio/Avionics Tech - 22yrs experience plus 7 years for a civvy company
Consumer Electronics Repair (my own business) - 7 years
Electrical welding and cutting equipment for mining support industry - 2 years not trade qualified.
Auto electrical for mining support industry blast hole drill rigs and support vehicles - 3 years not trade qualified
Advanced certificate Electrical Engineering, converted to Advanced Diploma - TAFE 5 years part time study.
Certificate IV Avionics
Trade Certificate for Ground Engineer (Radio) from Vic Trades Board.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I only know what electrical stuff (12v and Solar) that I have learnt from fellow GN's that are out in the playground and have learnt from their experience but only too happy to pass on that info to anyone having trouble but make sure they know I am no expert.

It probably will work but more than likely a better way of doing it.....maybe.

Edit...."Electrical Stuff" that's Techi talk smile

-- Edited by Dougwe on Friday 31st of October 2014 08:57:48 AM

Phil C · Guru

Thank you for ALL the posts, I knew when I started this that not all would see the validity of my topic, however certain people who sprout knowledge and infinite wisdom are conspicuous by their absence. The invitation was for all of us.

The exercise was not to cudgel people with paper, I do agree Dorian, however this forum has degenerated into name calling and bullying a number of times in the past and caused good topics to be closed due to small minded individuals who claim to know it all. I agree certificates and degrees mean little in the hands of dills.

Without pushing the point, we have now started a base of credentialed people, whos opinions are to be trusted and relied upon.

Thanks you again for all the offerings, I trust I have not caused offence to anybody, or polarised the community there was never the intention to do that.

Thanks again and safe travels

reglynn · Guru

As you have said Phil C ( the folks dishing out advice and criticism) should have qualifications.

When i ask a question on this forum, i'am asking for advice from people who would know more than myself. Those people who answer the question that i requested information about are only giving me advice as they might have been through or have been in that situation , whether i take it on board or not that is MY decision. Now if people that wish to be a critic of the advice that has been given to me THEY should show there qualifications.

If one has a persistent headache or other pain and ask friend that suffers the same thing for there advice, do you ask if they are a doctor or a pharmacist? Or some one recommends a good camping spot are they a tourist director, or a garage are they mechanic and so on.

This Forum is about helping each other, if i wanted ask a professional advice i would ask a qualified person or people.

I'am a baker by trade but work as a linesman, operated machinery, supervised projects, pulled down and repaired motors and a few other things, like many other nomads might have done.

Any way that's my 2bob's worth.

Cheers reg

grahamg · Senior Member

When I ask a question on a forum I am asking because I think someone may have done/researched it before. I take in all the comments and if they help great, sometimes they do , other times they are not much help. we are a group of grey nomads, if I have a problem that needs an expert to answer I will find an expert. This tread to me is saying don't bother to answer any questions or comment on anything unless you are expert. All comments should be welcome. We will soon work out who are the wankers.

03_troopy · Guru

grahamg wrote:
When I ask a question on a forum I am asking because I think someone may have done/researched it before. I take in all the comments and if they help great, sometimes they do , other times they are not much help. we are a group of grey nomads, if I have a problem that needs an expert to answer I will find an expert. This tread to me is saying don't bother to answer any questions or comment on anything unless you are expert. All comments should be welcome. We will soon work out who are the wankers.

Graham, I think it is more about not shooting down someone who gives an answer, because you have googled it and found different answers or old mate at so and so told me, unless there are definite errors in that persons post and you have creditable information on the subject.

Phil C · Guru

03_troopy wrote:
grahamg wrote:
When I ask a question on a forum I am asking because I think someone may have done/researched it before. I take in all the comments and if they help great, sometimes they do , other times they are not much help. we are a group of grey nomads, if I have a problem that needs an expert to answer I will find an expert. This tread to me is saying don't bother to answer any questions or comment on anything unless you are expert. All comments should be welcome. We will soon work out who are the wankers.

Graham, I think it is more about not shooting down someone who gives an answer, because you have googled it and found different answers or old mate at so and so told me, unless there are definite errors in that persons post and you have creditable information on the subject.

And I agree with both of you.

Once again, there have been way too many good threads closed due to people setting themselves up as experts who will not tolerate other peoples opinions or areas of expertise.

The biggest problem is the way these folks push others about and, well bully them. This my opinion, it stops the friendly flow of information and worthwhile ideas.

It boils my billy to think good people are being put down (Ive been one of them) by a few who think they are god's gift to technology.

Take care and thanks for the posts

-- Edited by Phil C on Friday 31st of October 2014 11:10:53 AM

spida · Guru

Good post Phil C. I am starting to think that a new TV series could be made called 'Grumpy Old GN's" and then they could get all their aggro out and everyone would be allowed to have a legitimate good laugh at them :)
And don't start me on people who answer a serious question with ' I dont know about.... but blah blah" - why reply to a post - just more uninformed stuff to wade through to find someone who does know something!!!!!

Phil C · Guru

spida wrote:
Good post Phil C. I am starting to think that a new TV series could be made called 'Grumpy Old GN's" and then they could get all their aggro out and everyone would be allowed to have a legitimate good laugh at them :)
And don't start me on people who answer a serious question with ' I dont know about.... but blah blah" - why reply to a post - just more uninformed stuff to wade through to find someone who does know something!!!!!

Love it spida, its often good to have a good laugh at yourself. I do it every time I look in the mirror.

Cheers

deverall11 · Guru

What is the point? How are you going to authenticate what qualifications people claim they have other than honesty.
Personally, I have a degree in BS.
Larry

Gunsondeck · Senior Member

I was a teenage homosexual, but now I'm a middle aged wanker...

My advice... take it for what it's worth!

G.

oldtrack123 · Guru

dorian wrote:
I have a university degree in electrical engineering, but that doesn't mean that I know the wiring rules. In fact the only useful thing about my degree is that I don't have to worry about not having one.

Instead of cudgelling people with your credentials, just let the quality of your advice speak for itself, and support your statements with authoritative references wherever possible.

HI Dorian

Ditto to that smile biggrin

Qualifications are one thing

Knowing how to use them is a totaly diffferent matter

Some of the most highly "qualified" people I have known, have been the most useless when it came to hands on

PeterQ

Phil C · Guru

oldtrack123 wrote:
dorian wrote:
I have a university degree in electrical engineering, but that doesn't mean that I know the wiring rules. In fact the only useful thing about my degree is that I don't have to worry about not having one.

Instead of cudgelling people with your credentials, just let the quality of your advice speak for itself, and support your statements with authoritative references wherever possible.

HI Dorian
Ditto to that
Qualifications are one thing
Knowing how to use them is a totaly diffferent matter
Some of the most highly "qualified" people I have known, have been the most useless when it came to hands on
PeterQ

Amen to that guys, we had a few like that in the RAAF. They were called engineers and given commissions.

oldtrack123 · Guru

HI

Reading some of the posts on this thread leaves me wondering if the truely qualified ,with years of practical experience, should just give up & let all the false or incorrect info given by would be "experts "go,

Even though it may be totally incorrect , misleading,dangerous or could lead to some expensive problems

I have no problem wth anyone posting their experiences, but if that results in misleading info being posted, IMHO it should be corrected

One recent poster[ on a now closed thread] has posted his quals,they show absolutely no qualifications in a subject were he was riduculing other well, qualified persons & he got a lot of support .

I do not intend to post ALL my quals, I will let my posts speak for themselves.

Again,as I have stated many times, if anyone wants further explanations on any of my posts they just have to ask!!!

Yes, the details may be above some heads, but it is for each to decide if they want the correct info or just someone so called personal experience

How does that person KNOW that their experiences are not sheer luck that all has worked "well'????

Experienced qualified persons see such post on the net all the time, made by well meaning people, but could lead others seriously astray.

Should such posts just be let go, because some ones feelings/ego may get hurt???????

How much do members want to be led up the garden path??

I guess that means those who only want nice posts with little substance should not even bother reading the tech forums on ANY site!!

PeterQ

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Friday 31st of October 2014 12:40:51 PM

Phil C · Guru

PeterQ I appreciate and respect what you are trying to say.

The aim of this exercise was to establish a base of credibility people could rely upon. For your own reasons, you have chosen not to reveal your quals, that is OK, however with the many threads that have been closed in this technical forum, I would be the first (as I was) to make sure people know who they are dealing with. BTW there are a few threads we, both you and I, and a number of other folk have caused Cindy to close them. For that I unreservedly apologise.

You and I have crossed swords a few times in posts, now right or wrong doesnt matter a scrap here, what matters is the manner in which we say corrections and state so called facts. IMHO its not a good thing to put people offside and antagonize others, especially in "friendly" forums like this.

The GN forum has been shaken recently with a number of issues that have seen a few fine people leave, now that is a sad day when an internet forum gets people to the point they feel the need to leave.

Thank you for your many posts and corrections (most of which are correct) which I for one appreciate, I dont know everything and its been so long since I used some of it I do often need a kick in the pants. We would all appreciate (and I will try to as well) that our corrections be a little less confrontational and personal.

Thanks again Peter, I have no intention of causing anyone offence or grief.

Cheers