Getting GREAT FREE Tips Online
Getting GREAT FREE Tips
Last Friday, May 16, 2014, Shaun, a subscriber to my FREE AsktheBuilder.com newsletter, emailed me telling me he was disappointed in a video I had created about Deck Railing Post Dangers.
Several days later, I received a similar email from a subscriber named Jim. Both emails are below, but before reading them I want to frame the message.
In between the two emails, I received probably 500-600 sincere Thank You emails from other subscribers thanking me for putting up trusted home improvement information.
There's LOTS of information out on the Internet that's free. You can also pay for lots of information too. Some of the free information is BOGUS and written by people who have NEVER done what they're suggesting you do.
Some of the information you buy is BOGUS too.
It's all a matter of trusting the source. You need to do your due diligence and find out about the background of the person who you're reading or watching.
In my case, I worked for over 20 years for PAYING customers. If I didn't produce great work, I didn't get paid. That, in my opinion and that of many attorneys, is the definition of a professional - One who gets PAID to provide services.
Many hosts of cable home improvement shows have never worked for paying customers.
Many home improvement bloggers online have NOT worked for paying customers - many are hobbyists. I know quite a few hobby bloggers. They have regular day jobs and produce a fancy home improvement website that makes them look like a pro.
When was the last time you went to the About Page of a website and READ all about the background of the person who's providing the information? If you don't do it, you should start.
Here's a link to my AsktheBuilder.com About Page.
Now it's time to read the emails.
Read Shaun's first. Pay very close attention to what he says in his LAST paragraph about lag bolts and where he's seen them.
Then read Jim's email to me. Here's what I have to say to Jim:
"Jim, I wish you the BEST of luck trying to avoid all those people and videos that your buddy Shaun is getting his info from."
Here's Shaun's exact email to me. It's unedited and contains ALL of the punctuation HE put in:
Hey Tim,
I really look forward to reading your mails, but this week I will say that I was disappointed with the video on Deck post safety.
I heartily agree that proper installation is truly important, not only for safety but also to ensure it is up to code.
That being said, you have pointed out the problem “99% of deck posts are UNSAFE” (even that statistic I would wonder out loud if it isn’t being sensationalist", but also don’t provide examples of “PROPER" solutions in place.
It seemed to be good intentions blanketing a shallow shill for the product placement? For which you didn’t even show examples of “proper” method, even a cursory view. You only refer to a link to “get the technical bulletin” from a product provider.
By the way, have your received any type of compensation from “Simpson” as it really does appear as a very shallow product promotion.
AND in the video you discount the use of Lag Bolts as just “unacceptable” but again don’t explain why they are unacceptable. Almost all of the plans that I have ever seen for these types of connections use Lag Bolts, but if they are “unacceptable” then what is, BUT not ONLY the SIMPSON DECK TIE product sell?
An appreciative follower,
Shaun
# # #
Now here's Jim's email to me. Note the massive disconnection in the last few sentences. Once again, I copied and pasted EXACTLY what Jim sent. No editing and no corrections were made:
you must remember about this letter you recieved from name withheld. that even I feel this way also. and all information that you share for a price can be found on line free with a google search. or you tube also. and that annoying stain solver crap wow. you are a pain in the butt with it. so in saying... that i am a subscriber that is just hoping you will realize that info you share is out there and stop trying to cash in all the time. if your trying to make a living , i got a suggestion get a job.. !!. if you want people to build things that are safe and not get hurt, share your expertise.just saying...jim
FINAL NOTE from Tim Carter:
Remember the movie Indiana Jones - The Last Crusade.
Towards the end of the movie, the ghost knight said to Harrison Ford in the cave when he, (Indiana Jones) was about to select the true Holy Grail:
"Choose wisely."
Shaun and Jim, indeed, you two need to choose wisely.
As for why lag bolts are inferior, well I'm going to tape a video to show you why, but if you stop and think about it, you should be able to figure out on your own WHY you'd never ever want to use them to secure a deck railing post.
Feel free to leave a comment below as to how you feel about all this.
You can make some of the people happy all the time ,some of the people happy part of the time ,but you can't make all the people happy, all the time .
Tim, Even peanut butter is allowed to have a certain percentage of rat poop and insect parts. To me, a couple of comments that are non-supportive are like the rat poop and insect parts...to be expected, sorry when you can identify them. The internet is particularly a source for people to vomit their own hurts, vendettas from the past , onto innocent people. I feel this is particularly the case with Jim. Life is too full of good little peanuts (like me) to waste on reacting to Jim.
P.s. You missed a good ham fest in Dayton last weekend. :))
TNX as we say in Morse. Yes, I couldn't get to Dayton. Maybe next year. Crazy thing is I lived just 30 miles SOUTH of Hamfest for decades and never went!
Tim,
Just wanted to let you know I appreciate all the information you provide. Whether or not I agree with your advice is really beside the point. You are providing a valuable service by sharing this information and those receiving can decide if they want to act on it. In my opinion, if a few subscribers feel that strongly that your advice isn't for them, then I'd suggest they unsubscribe.
FYI, in the area I live, code states you cannot use lag bolts for deck railing posts. So you are right on track with that. I was not aware of the Simpson product you mentioned but will be looking into it.
Thanks again for all the advice. You have yet to steer me wrong
Bill
"wow" is all that I can say after reading these two letters. I too, have received much free information from Google and YouTube. It's hard, though, without experience to know what is good information, what is useless information, and what is down right bad information. As the saying goes: "consider the source".
Lag bolts will work loose as the wood expands with weather. I haven't put in a lag bolt yet that has not come loose in time. Bolts with washers work much better.
I doubt Simpson is the only product that allows you to make a strong post, it's just a good one.
Thanks Tim for your hard work. Don't let those who want to be builders get you down.
In regards to Shaun and Jim. They are what as known as trolls. They are self proclaimed experts. They like to troll a web site they really have no business being a part of and make negative comments meant to irritate you. The more it upsets you the better. It is best to label them for what they are and delete them. No amount of reason or logic will be able to penetrate the shell around their brain. They believe everything should be free and heaven forbid you try to make some money. On a different note I purchased your shed video series and my password does not work. Thanks Robert
Robert,
Yes, Jim is absolutely an Internet Troll. I wrote all about how to Stop Internet Trolls in my other blog.
I think your terminology to 'choose wisely' is sufficient to cause a foundation break with both Jim and Shaun as that term apparently escapes them both. Their letters should be filed under 'not helpful information' and tossed in the garbage heap! You are doing just fine, Tim; just keep on keeping on! There are many of us out here who totally support you and rely on your wisdom within the professional trade. I am a loyal fan and reader. Thanks for helping me with all kinds of projects that otherwise would never get done! Emily
Tim,
There will always be a few people who want something for nothing, or who discourage those who are giving of themselves freely, as you do on a daily basis.
On top of the fact that you are an experienced professional, you are willing to help people (up to a point) with problems for which they should be paying hundreds or thousands of dollars to receive assistance.
Please do not let these fools detract from your regular subscriber base. We love you, your work, and the professional help that you provide FOR FREE!
God bless,
Roy
I'm curious why these 2 have subscribed to your email as they are so dubious about the information you provide.
I couldn't resist reading their emails but realized it was a waste of time. Tim, put your waders on and keep on trucking.
wow, critics are needed in life, but some go overboard and incorrect in their evaluation. keep on truckin' Tim, good job and thanks
Dear Tim,
These rants are so out of place; they only evidence the negative outlook of the persons that made them.
I don't have much time so I'm unable to read all your newsletters, but in those that I do read the solutions and insights you offer are very useful and to the point.
The amount of money you make is none of my business, but I sincerely wish you made more than you do. The more you make the better the service you offer and the more we all benefit.
Kind regards and all the best.
Edward
Tim, I think both Jim and Shaun just wish they had the experience, skill and knowledge you have. And I guess they think you can do all you do for us with your newsletter and website for nothing. So I guess they never too any business classes in college nor have they ever worked in any of the trades you have worked in. I for one understand physics and why lag bolts are inferior to bolts that pass through all boards. But I won't take the time to educate Jim and Shaun, because obviously, they think they know more than you do, which just ain't the case
Tim,
Ignore the jerks--they will just raise your blood pressure. About Simpson, I have not used the deck ties but have used several other of their products and would recommend them. ( Disclaimer: I have no "strong-ties" to the Simpson company. 🙂 ) I helped a friend build a workbench and shelving in his garage and I recommended Strong-Ties to him. He declined and his stuff is still holding together, but it would have been easier to build and stronger w/ Simpson.
Tim, don't let these dummies get to you. There are all kinds of these
guys--you will run across a slew of them down in "Obamastan' land.
I,m willing to bet their IQ is 2 times lower than yours. Keep up the good
work.
But I'd be willing to bet that most of those people in "Obamastan" are at least educated enough to be able to write above the third-grade level.
There will always be someone that is given free stuff and still complain about it. We have a saying to describe this kind of people: "Going to heaven and still complaining" (I hope I don't need to explain it LOL)
In a few words Tim, just ignore them and focus on the rest of us that REALLY appreciate all the information you provide to us. You cannot please everybody, so please those that appreciate you.
Thanks for all you do, and keep it coming!
Wow, Jim "entitlement much"? It is kind of rude and ignorant to tell the owner of a small business he should "get a job" to pay his bills and give you more free stuff! We all know there is information out there for free. Some of it is good and some of it isn't worth the price paid, even when it's free. Jim, must understand that to an extent or he wouldn't subscribe to Tim's site or read his newsletters!
The decision to subscribe to this newsletter/site is an easy one. If you enjoy digging through tons of data, fake search engine results, ads and occasional porn (careful if you google "screws") to find what you are looking for at no cost, then unsubscribe. If you enjoy Tim's newsletter and content, then understand that he has to make a living too and consider supporting his company with a purchase if you need something he offers. It costs money to host a web site, write and create videos, and it especially costs a lot of time. Shouldn't he be able to earn a paycheck for his work, like you and I? If you don't think so, then he owes you nothing and you are free to go.
In addition, if you go to the free sites, Youtube or other forums, note that they generally have a sales pitch too, however subtle. Whether it's ads on Youtube or various plugs for products and services as you read, there is always a hook. The user forums are often helpful, but you never know who is really giving you free advice or what their qualifications are. If you use forums frequently, they will often encourage you to become a supporting member, aka-pay up for your share! Someone owns those sites too and has to cover costs, that is how it works. I use them as well as ATB.
Tim is pretty straightforward, He has a lot of quality content, all cataloged and easy to find. He is up front about this being his business and source of income, and he tells us if he is affiliated with any company or product that he is writing about. Most importantly, he doesn't trace your internet use and sell your personal data to the highest bidder, like many free public sites do. You know you can trust his advice to be ethical and accurate; I have yet to see otherwise over many years as a reader. Sure he may offer to sell you some Stain Solver or premium content on his site, but there is no pressure and you can easily access many hours of content for nothing. Like all businesses, selling things is required to earn a living and stay in business.
With all of that said, I believe that if folks like Jim and Shaun simply asked nicely for more details instead of being accusatory and condescending, Tim would have been more open to creating something. I can't say it would be free or that it would even be possible given his current tasks and resources, but I can say that his response to you would have been much different!
PS-that "Stain Solver Crap" actually does a pretty good job on my floors.
Like Tim, I have a FREE email list that I send solid information to a group of about 500 followers. If someone has a problem with this SOLID (and correct) information and they want to blast me about it, I do them a favor. I just unsubscribe (AND BLOCK) them from my email list. Mine has nothing to do with building but when someone is so giving of their CORRECT knowledge and gives so much to so many (speaking of Tim) for FREE, if you have constructive comments, by all means, send them to him. He'll lead you in the right direction. If all you can do is try to run someone in the ground because they have a product that keeps the doors open and they mention it every now and then, then that person should do something to bring their own blood pressure down and just unsubscribe from the group list.
I, being one of thousands who are happy that Tim is so giving of his knowledge and time, hope only the best of success with his stainsolver business. I buy it from him, I use it and I know it works. Simple enough!
Thanks for all your hard work Tim!
Tim, I never got the impression that your purpose with the deck railing safety video was to promote a Simpson product--rather that you were giving helpful information about deck safety and one solution to the problem. As regards Jim's response and his remark about "annoying stain solver crap": 1) I assume he has never tried Stain Solver, and 2) I don't know why it annoys him so much . . . it's not as if he has to buy it in order to get your free tips. Also, as he says, "all information that you share for a price can be found on line free with a google search. or you tube also." If that is so, why is Jim visiting your site with that "annoying stain solver crap." ? :} Oh, and one more comment: Jim could benefit from a class in Grammar 101. Thanks for all your tips! ~ Peggy
You are wasting your time to respond to emails such as the ones you point out, much less creating a special video in response. Let it go. Take a higher road. Don't get off into the weeds. There are all kinds of people in the world who don't warrant your time. Thanks for the helpful and accurate advice you provide.
Dear Mr. Carter,
On behalf of what I am sure are thousands of appreciative recipients of your very helpful articles regarding all manner of construction related topics, I offer this THANK YOU, and offer some comments about the two ridiculous email responses.
Regarding your email this morning, I understood it, and I'm certain 99.9% of all others did too, exactly as you intended.... a considerate concern about people's safety. The deck railing you used as an example was a perfect example of inadequate construction.
The minute I received your email I viewed the video, and downloaded the Simpson brochure. Both were very helpful, and I've retained the brochure in my computer for future reference.
Simpson is most likely the brand I would choose anyway, but there are other manufacturers too if I choose to shop around when the time comes. No matter, I just am glad you took the time and effort to let me know about rail construction.
Please ignore the two foolish email responders, and consider them for what they are, misguided and ill mannered to say the least (I'm substituting polite language and avoiding the temptation to rant about them personally and more colorfully). There is a Commandment that pertains to them and their cynical thoughts.
Thanks again for your emails. I've enjoyed them in the past in the same way as I did the one today.
LOL wow Shaun and Jim.
Not Sure what your problem is.
Every piece of info i have used from TIM.
Has been good info.
And Jim that was childish.. your insults don't make you look vary good.it just tells me you need to grow up. every piece of info in the world gets in the internet. so whats your point. And this is the part that got me from JIM suggestion get a job..REALLY JIM you need to get a life. ( IM Sorry every one im just blowing of some steam ) SORRY
My advice based on many years of a fairly public career, ignore that kind of input. Reacting to it has the possibility of being injurious to your health. Do not respond to the senders in any way. Remove them from your mailing list. If possible, block them from your website.
Don't give them another thought.
Wow, he's attacking him for Stain Solver too? I just bought my second order of that stuff precisely because it works amazingly, and is everything Tim claims. By the way, since he makes, markets, and sells it to paying customers, I think that qualifies him as having a job. I hope yours, by the way, isn't "proofreader".
Hi Tim, I watched your recent video on the proper installation of Deck Railing Posts and I must say I was very grateful to you for pointing out the pitfalls of installing the Deck railing Posts. You will always get a few naysayers in no matter what you do. These people are low on the intelligence scale, want something for nothing... Tim, please do not worry about the ignorant minority. Keep up the great work, information that you provide to us. I really appreciate your EFFORTS. I read about your Stain Solver. I believe it is an amazing product. As I live in Alliston, Ontario Canada> just an hour north of Toronto, I can not order the Stain Solver. ( Gov't Red Tape)? However, on my next trip to the States, I plan on getting me a good supply of Stain Solver.
LOOKING FORWARD to your future newsletters!!
Best wishes
Brian
Too bad these morons are not as articulate as you are...maybe they could start their own website. Have they ever even heard of the Building Code? Don't let the trolls get to you, Tim!
Sometimes one just needs to ignore the naysayers and not let their comments upset your day r consume any more time than they are worth.
Tim, I've already let you know how I felt about Shaun, but this one from Jim is over the top arrogant. If Jim is so annoyed about the Stain Solver, and everything else he mentioned, why is he a subscriber? I understood, and I think 98.9% of your subscribers do as well - how your site works. Why do some instructions cost? Just look at the time, and years of experience it takes to put these types of things together. A few years ago I purchased the guidelines to proper HVAC installation, and even though I am not ready for a new system, I will be better educated when I am ready. The money I spent on this report was very well worth it. Jim should get a clue about how the world works, and he might even want to learn better sentence structure, punctuation, etc. ('your trying' should be 'you're trying) Tim, after all of this, I am an even bigger supporter of what your website is all about, and what you do. Thanks much!
Tim,
Your credentials are those of a seasoned professional. You do a fabulous job providing a service to many who truly need it. Few people can provide truly helpful, trustworthy, and professional information like you do. The anonymity of the internet is what gave those two the intestinal fortitude to write what they did. Too bad they probably don't even know what that means.
Keep doing exactly what you are doing!
Hi, Tim ,I would just reiterate my comments of my last email re the above , & add that I fully endorse your answers to both. I also agree with Roger, except I would go further! The word moronic comes to mind.
Ignore them & they may go away is another term that comes to mind , but with their thinking , they could be dangerous if they are in the construction industry. I sincerely hope they are not !
Thanks for ALL your help in the past. when I was a young man , & much more involved in D.I.Y. I really could have done with someone like you. What time & money you would have saved me ! I now pass on your tips to my two sons-in-law , who have both built their own homes - to a very high standard , I must admit. Please don't let all your believers down over people like Jim & Shaun. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !
FREDDIE
You get what you pay for Shaun and Jim.
Tim, keep up the good work. I like your product reviews - I trust your endorsements whether you get paid or not. Your the consumer reports of home improvement.
You're walking with the Lord Tim! Hold on to that! You are doing an excellent job and service for the rest of us who are paying attention!
I read Shaun and Jim's comments. Or I should say I tried. Jim is trying to say something. I just don't know what it is. Maybe if he went to school and took an English grammar course he might be able to communicate in a literate way. All I could get from his gibberish is that it was something negative.
Shaun? Sounds like he is grasping for straws. If he wants to use lag bolts, let him! If he disagrees with Tim, let him. Shaun just needs to make a sound and logical presentation. It would be better received. Flipping someone one off for no good reason isn't a good idea.
Tim
I am thankful for the information that you provide. Your experience has been very helpful to me. I pass the information on to our son who is a contractor.
Perhaps my experience can now be helpful to you.
If you are going to do anything, occasionally you are going to make a mistake. The man who can't make a mistake can't make anything. I think perhaps that video was not one of your best. So what? What about all the ones you have done which are so much better? And is there anything that you have ever done that you could not do better the next time? If we are constantly learning and growing, we are always improving. That is not being critical. That is just a fact. I never want to do something a second time that is not better than the first.
One of the wisest comments that I ever heard from a boss was that he would not try to do things to satisfy everybody. He said that no matter which decision he made, one third of us would not like it, one third of us would like it and one third of us would not care. So he would do what he thought was right and not be affected by our comments.
No matter what you do, you cannot please everyone. If you could, we would all be the same. Our three children took the same class with the same teacher at different times. Same content, same person, same method. One of our children loved her style, one hated it, and one was indifferent. You cannot make a video that satisfies everyone's needs at the same time.
Besides, what matters here is the truth. When our children were preschoolers, they came running home one day very upset because some child in the playground told them they were ugly. I asked them if they were ugly. They said No. I asked them whom they were going to believe... themselves, their parents or some stranger whose intent was simply to hurt them. They told me it was not true. I told them that, if they allowed the comments of someone whom they did not know to affect them, they were giving that person the power over them to hurt them. But if they did not receive those comments, that person had no power to hurt them. They took the advice and learned to reject words spoken against them that were untrue.
The blog The Prairie Homestead lists 7 top tips for blogging. Tip 3 says not to "feed the trolls". The blog writer deletes nasty comments without reading the entire content and tries not to let them hurt her. I do not think that she adds fuel to the fire by responding. That is a good piece of advice. My husband has a good approach to negative comments. He says that he considers the source and ignores it. In other words, does the source have any credibility? If not, just ignore it. That approach works for us. http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/01/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-blogging-well-almost.html#sthash.39Lpzmz0.dpbs
I understand why you charge for some content. People get what they pay for. If someone thinks they can get free advice that you charge for, let them go get it, use it, and pay in the long run for bad advice. Anything can be posted on the internet. There is no guarantee that everything posted on the internet works.
Something good that came from this is that you found out how many supporters you have who appreciate you.
So, keep up your blog. Don't waste your energy on something that is not productive for you or for us.
The building world is better because of you.
(if the HTML code does not work, please change it or delete it.
I have never used HTML code.)
Someone hit a nerve! Not really sure why.
Let me say that Jim's just a disrespectful child. And enough said about that.
Shaun on the other hand, while he could have worded it better, is in my opinion simply asking for you to support your belief that lag bolts don't work. Many people use lag bolts and they do work, initially. Its time and weather that are the demise of lag bolts and most don't think about the long term picture.
I never get out of sorts if someone doesn't want my free advice, which I don't offer that often. But if challenged as to my methods I will back them up with proof. I think that's all Shaun was saying.
Tim, I too don't get paid if I don't produce. But I go one further, I back all my work with a one year guarantee, in writing.
So take my input however you want. This one's free.
Peter,
Hmmmmmmm...... Maybe you better go back and read Shaun's email again. His extensive use of quotation marks is blatant passive aggressive behavior, he implies I'm a shill, and he pretty much says that he'd like me to do all his due diligence and education for him for FREE. What am I missing? Read his email S L O W L Y.
Tim,
As I replied in my first e-mail to you, I'm not much of an e-mail or replying type of person, the emails from the 2 guys above are trash. I have never done any type of construction in my life. My house is 6 yrs old and I purchased it new. I used your website, and others to learn how to run outlets and wiring, insulate, sheetrock, mud, tape and finish the garage. It's not perfect, but not bad for a guy who has never done it before.
In fact, my neighbor was so impressed, he asked me to do his, even offered to pay me!!! WOW!!! I told him no because I'm not a pro and we did it together, I got paid 3 beers, and we had them sitting in his insulated, sheet rocked, and painted garage.
So, keep on doing what you do, my friend, step in crap, scrape it off and keep on strutting!!!
Thanks for sharing your know-how!!!!
Tim, the "information should be free" argument doesn't wash. In fact it has a nice connection to your newsletter paragraph on Lord of the Rings- that all info should be free is more myth than fact.You provide a product and the market will always determine the price. I doubt people with the free info view would walk into a shop and insist on taking a product for free. As to the same info being available for free (as you mention) is it truly the same? Final thing. Wow! You must have had flashbacks to the days (if) your hair was too long you were told to:"get a haircut!" Also if your job was different you were told to:"get a real job!" How is not the service and products you provide not a business and the running of that business not a job? Keep up the good work of providing valuable information and advice to an audience that believe it to be good value for money.
Phil, I have to tell you I laughed out loud when I read Jim suggesting that I get a job. To Jim: AsktheBuilder.com IS MY JOB. 🙂
Tim,
There are many websites available to people who have an interest in home repair, improvement, etc. However, I do really trust your information. Although I don't click on every link and watch every video, just reading your newsletter makes me aware of problems and/or potential problems that I other wise would not even think about. Keep up the good work!
Tim;
Perhaps, it would be best to direct both of these gents to other web sites, that they may find far more useful...................
"It's All About ME-dot.com"
"Would You Like Cheese With Your Whine-dot.com"
"Learn How Life Really Works-dot.net"
And, if they're still after something; "FREE", I think the site;
"How E-Commerce Functions"..........gives a FREE T-shirt, to paid members!?
Hi Tim-
I guess I am going to put in my two cents on this deck post issue.
I have been in commercial and residential construction all my life-I grew up around it, worked for others many years, and in business for myself for over thirty years. I don't and won't pretend to know everything. I am still learning but I do know that most often there is more than one way to do something, probably multiple ways and codes, inspectors, and bloggers are not the last word. OK, inspectors can make your life harder if you buck the system and are a smart ..ss. But even they are not god and most will listen to a sound argument, especially if that argument is an engineers stamp!
The picture you showed of the deck railing is not the way I would do the job attaching the support posts but I could think of times that it would work. I could go into detail of all of the various reasons it "could" work but I don't want to write a book and I would just as soon not get trashed by those who disagree.
I will tell you how I attache posts to a deck and with great streangth and durability. I almost always use a 4x4 bolted through the rim or the perimeter depending on how you built the deck, with bolts clear through.(I build "overkill" and almost always use bigger dimension everything and hardware than I have to) Corners get bolted in two directions, right angel to each other. The Simpson brackets I have never used and probably wouldn't unless it is a special situation-just more expense and hassle and I think my way is fine.
What ever fastener you use it is going to loosen up over time for many reasons but the biggest reason in the part of the country I live in, Colorado, is that the wood is going to shrink. Therefore I always advise my customers that it would be wise to tighten the bolts from time to time. With that said about bolts, lags do have a place in construction and even in this application one could make them work if sized right and a little extra addition of a backing block behind the rim giving more "bite" of the lag screws. I imagine there will be some howls of protest but oh well!
Just one last comment-I don't begrudge anyone making a living off of his website. And I don't mind a person posting most anything he wants on said site. But I will and do take almost everything I see on sites with a grain of salt. Even the professionals are full of opionion.
And to voice one gripe, they rarely will admit it. Far too many give the impression that they have the "knowledge" and those of you who dare question-well, you know what you can do!
Nuff said.
I appreciate the work you do. Thanks for all that you do. No matter what you do, you can't control what some people say, so you just have to ignore them. Take them off your email list. The rest of us appreciate the fact that you bring experience and knowledge to the table and that what you share with us is always good information. As for Stain Solver, it's great stuff. Works like magic with no odor.
Tim, I would trust ANYTHING you say about home improvement... would even trust you to build a whole house for me with the knowledge and experience you have.
some people are not happy until they have pulled everyone down to their level. They are afraid of excellence. Never stop sharing what you know is right!
thanks for all you do.
Tim,
Just remember Abe Lincoln's famous quote “You can please some of the people some of the time, all of the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time, but you can never please all of the people all of the time.” I really appreciate your newsletter. It has provided me with valuable insight and experience to use in my own endeavors. I have purchased your KickStarter Shed videos but I think that is all you may have benefited from our relationship. I would have to say I have received far more value from being your subscriber than you have from me being your subscriber. I have won 3 of the single Bosch items via the Be-the Pro website promotions you have directed your subscribers to. I only wish I had the time and the know how to have created the business we all know as "Ask the Builder". We all know any business is in business to make a profit. I don't expect anything less from Ask the Builder. Thanks for all you do. I always look forward to reading your emails even though I expect to see a plug for Stain Solver etc. Your dedicated subscriber. JHS
WOW! You've won THREE things from Bosch? WOO HOO! Congrats on that!!!!! Thanks for your kind words.
Boy, what a couple of dummies. I like to get free information, I cant afford to pay for much, but I am also aware that a lot of the free info out there is crap. I appreciate all that you share with us, if I have to sometimes sort through some things I am not interested in, so be it. If sometimes I have to pay to get the whole story, if I need it, I will buy it and know I am getting good information. Keep up the good work.
Your video made perfect sense to me. I appreciate your information. I like that you supply product links. You have told subscribers in the past when you are remunerated, i.e. buying from Amazon. I trust you. Don't let a couple of people ruin your day.
Tim: I agree with you on the lag bolts for deck railings and also that some of the people hosting DIY shows appear to have never done any of that work before. Lag bolts will come loose over time, but Two half inch bolts with a nut and two washers pulled up tight will last a long, long time. Set the nut with a punch and hammer and the nut can be tightened if wood shrinks but it will not back off and cause shaky railings.I have never read any of your tips or information that I thought was wrong.Graduate engineer, but experience is still best teacher
I, also work for paying customers, but don't always get a chance to read your email. I am 61 and still learning, I also know people much younger that have quit learning. The two Ya-hoos above seem to fit that category
Keep writing and I'll keep reading
Tim, keep up the good work, I have been in the construction business for over 50 years and I still learn something new every day
Tim:
You may not realize this now---but these two people have done you a favor. They forced you to respond --and when you presented the facts--you were more magnanimous than hardly anyone would have believed if you didn't reveal the facts!!!!!!
I assume neither of these 2 people offered a hint of apology. Is this correct??
Actually Shaun did come back when I responded personally to his comments. I believe he said they weren't intended the way they came out. However, I'm a professional writer and his use of quotation marks in all sorts of places showed you his passive aggressive intentions in his email. You don't have to be an expert in psychology to see what's going on in Shaun's email.
Wow! These two guys are really idiots IMO. Why are lag bolts not acceptable? Do you really have to do a video to show that? Hey guys, think about it! And for those who say he info you provide is available on the internet, then look there and unsubscribe. As far as I'm concerned, thank you Tim for your helpful videos and such.
Tim,
As the Geico commercial says - you can't please everyone. I look forward to your emails with videos and tips and use your website first when researching anything home improvement related. Please keep up the good work and I am sure many many people appreciate what you do. As for that "annoying stain solver crap" I'm pretty sure he has not tried it or he wouldn't be calling it that, it works great. Please ignore the ignorant and continue to do what you do best - provide Askthebuilder for your devoted followers.
Tim, I have followed your advice for many years and trust your information. The Internet has beamed out some great information and then some that will cause you to pause. Some people are suspicious by nature and think the only possible explanation is that someone is receiving compensate for giving free advice. Thanks for the many hours that you apply to the newsletter and doing the job correctly.
Tim,
Even respectable websites with valuable information like yours attract morons like Jim, or is it jim, who can't even write in plain English. What a loser!!! just saying
Tim, My question is,"Why is Jim even a subscriber"? He wastes his breath and certainly my time by reading his inane comments. I have learned about the lag bolt insecurity long ago and have been using carriage and machine bolts for years because of the safety factor and stopped cutting notches in my posts years ago.
Thanks for all of your information and keep up the good work.
Tim : Shaun and Jim, should know that lag bolts will loosen up in time, with people leaning on the post's. and the rails. Keep up with the good advice you give us.
Tim,
Subscribers like those should be ignored. If they don't like your opinion they should unsubscribe and listen to other websites that don't have the expertise that you provide.
I am a professional handyman and still get helpful hints from your site. I can't begin to tell you how many hints you have provided me which has helped me save time or do a better job. I too get paid for the services I perform and pride myself in doing a great job and know it was done properly. Keep up the good work and pat yourself on the back because you deserve it.
Thanks
Tim, I have read your articles for years in the Lexington Herald-Leader for years before you were on line.They are always informative. Thank you
Tim, I think the video you have shown made great sense to me and it had provided me with great safety tip that I have never really aware of before. Thank you for making these kind of important and very helpful videos.
Tim, you're one of the good guys and like any good guy, it hurts when you provide honest good material and people jump on you. I appreciate your insights on most occasions and yes, I'm a paying customer, so feel that its okay for me to learn from you.
However, I don't have a lot of time for the sensationalism that sometimes creeps into your journalism, so I move on pretty quickly to my next email if i'm not getting what I need from you. That being said, I understand why you do what you do. The reality is that you're never going to please everyone. Be true to yourself, serve those who appreciate you, and don't worry about the rest. But you know that too.
Owen,
When you subscribe to a personalized newsletter like mine that's written more like a conversation over a fence with a beer rather than a sterilized college lecture, you're going to get a dose of sensationalism from time to time. I get HUNDREDS of emails from subscribers that see me as human with emotions just like them.
I agree with Chris M. Lang. I don't work for paying customers, but I was taught that you never stop learning and at 61 I too am learning. Keep up the good work.
Four plus decades of practice as a licensed architect have allowed me to observe that the vast majority of professional structural engineers and architects within my purview consider Simpson Strong-Tie products as the Gold standard for wood construction connectors. Period.
Hello Tim,
I'm sorry you have to put up with the kind of derogatory emails as sent in by Shaun and Jim. I guess they are entitled to their opinions, like the rest of us, but that does not justify being offensive.
Just like to say that I really appreciate your posts and over the time I have been subscribed to your newsletter, I have picked up no end of valuable tips.
Alan (UK)
You provide a great service to a lot of people, and most of it is free. The information you do charge for, is worth the price. I think Jim and Shaun really stepped over the line, but there will always be people like them, no matter what you do. I know it's hard to not take it personally, when they attack you like that. I would rather you just delete them from your newsletter and not send out a public response to them. I know you sent private responses, and that is very appropriate.
Wow, Tim, you really struck a chord with this one. Don't let the bastards wear you down! You call it due diligence, I call it doing your homework. Keep up the good work!
I am 71 and retired, and above all am still learning. When I stop, I will close my mouth, retire my fingertips from writing emails, Tim, keep up the good work. I always find something in each mailing from you, not everytime, but enough, Thanks again and keep it up.
Obviously, your message for all of us is to check our decks, and that's the 1st thing we did. Our deck was designed by a bonafied architect and the builder did build to his specifications, but it sure didn't hurt to check. I appreciate your efforts in making sure your audience is aware of potential dangers that of course need to be solved by qualified and appropriately paid technician.
Thanks,
Dear Tim,
As so many others have written, my husband and I wish to express our deep appreciation for all the time and expertise
that you share with us. You are a wealth of information for us since we are novices at home repair.
We wish you every success in your Stain Solver business. We use it and find that it works on many things that
we have tried to clean with store bought products with NO GOOD RESULTS.
Thank you.
May GOD bless you and your family,
We wish you good health, happiness and good fortune.
Tim,
While I never worked full-time as a contractor I did work many months with those who were. I have watched poor work techniques
being done many times and when questioning it I was told to shut up (but not is such a polite way). Your vast knowledge and
experience is easily apparent to anyone who has done the work. So ignore the lemon-suckers because the vast majority
of your subscribers are very thankful for the information. Or as we (used to) say in amateur radio: F.B. O.M. 73
Appreciate the info and references to products I didn,t know existed