Hello all you OpenIT people

[Tandem Guy]

Hello all you OpenIT people

[Randy Given]

Hello!

[usacontractor]

Hi everyone.

I have generally lurked over at RR, but since the most useful to me forum is now deleted, I am over here now!

<RANT>
I was going to read both forums, but the p*** poor moderation over there has me up in arms, even if I don't post much.  If there were all of these problem threads, why weren't they taken care of at the time rather than months later?  I have watched the people with opinions that I respect on consulting in general be treated like dirt and driven off, and being lied to about the WC coming back and then having it be deleted was the last straw for me.  I may check back there occasionally, but I know all about basic contracting questions.  What I do enjoy is networking with other contractors.  Contracting is a solitary business, and how many others can appreciate things such as living in a motel room for eight months as just another part of the job?
</RANT>

[The Gorn]

eom

[Randy Given]

>...but I know all about basic contracting questions.

Same here. Much of that is due to the PEOPLE that were at RR before things became hampered. I hope this forum shapes up into a full replacement -- it is almost there. In another month, this forum can probably "go public".  

[The Gorn]

This board: social and professional networking and other relevant discussion among senior IT people. Spontaneous, and able to adapt to user wishes within reason.

That other board: entry level IT contractor Q&A; and some higher level discussions, often instigated, chaired and guided by the owner of that board. Corporate flavor, kept on a straight and narrow of direct relevancy to that board owner's business agenda.
The absolute newbies and the people who have no idea what to expect in self employed IT contracting will find the other board more useful and will probably be more comfortable there. Some senior people may hang out there too on a case by case basis, attracted to particular discussions.

I can't see how any kind of community beyond pure functional needs can emerge when discussions are axed for "non usefulness".

[JBB]

The pure, ambiguous nature of the other board owner's moderation policies makes it next to impossible for any moderator to do the job requested of them.  Frankly, I think the other board owner should get rid of the board altogether and replace it with a consulting and contracting FAQ page on her website.  

She's has demonstrated her unwillingness to reciprocate for the contributions of the board's participants, yet still continues to post relevant discussion threads by the very people she has snubbed on her website.  I find it to be very revealing of the board owner's character.

[JBB]

I don't think all of the moderation on the other board was poor, but I do think that some poor choices were made about moderating threads containing objectionable posts.  Those of you who have been around the other board for a while surely recall my objections over the last couple of years to moving entire threads to the Flame Wars section, rather than simply deleting offending posts from the thread.

The reason given was always 'we don't have time'.  I was always flabbergasted at that response because we as contributors have found the time to help the board owner build the site through our contributions, by posting useful tips and opinions to newcomers to the site.

So the final result of that moderation choice is that thousands of useful posts containing insights and opinions potentially useful to someone got trashed.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

[Randy Given]

Yeah, moving/locking/deleting has always irked me, too. It would take much LESS time to delete individual items. Instead, deleting the whole group loses valuable information, valuable time explaining things, losing valuable contributors and the trolls keep coming back in new guises anyhow.

[JBB]

Well, I would have to disagree with you there.  It is likely that it takes much more time to delete multiple objectional posts versus a single thread.  Its simple numbers, 1 thread for 5 posts.  This led to the 'we don't have the time' excuse, which in turn led me to suggest recruiting more moderators.

Until very recently, the board owner rejected that suggestion.  Now, with one moderator quitting that board, she has to replace him before making the move to recruit additional moderators.  I'm guessing it's a move that won't happen soon.

[JTGalt]

Hello=--- + ---=Hello

(A Tandem Hello)

************************************************************
Two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left.
************************************************************

[JTGalt]

Greetings usacontractor

In your travels have you ever had a contract in Cleveland?

Whenever I am there one of my favorite spots is the Winking Lizard Tavern in downtown Cleveland.

With the webcam a lot of guys just setup a time to call home to the family and be seen at the same time.

Sort of an improvised Video Phone.

Webcam - Winking Lizard Tavern - Downtown Cleveland
www.cleveland.com/lizardcam/

I would be interested in hearing about any favorite pubs, taverns, restaurants, etc. that you have found in your 8 months on the road if you have any.

[usacontractor]

The closest I have been to Cleveland was driving through it on I-90, but I haven't had anything requiring a stay there yet.  My longest away from home contract was in the Philly area while working for a Pharmaceutical company.  
 
Alas, the area I was in had really expensive apartments and no short term leases except for executive apartments, which were way more than I was willing to pay.  So, I stayed in an Extended Stay America for the long haul.

I really enjoyed being on the road, and it was quite fun to explore new areas.  I am hoping that things will open up soon for "road-warriors" I have been getting regections due to "local candidates only" from just about everyone in the past few months.

If you are ever in the Malvern, PA area:
Anthony's (Italian food and good NY style pizza)
Himalyan  (Indian with an amazing lunch buffet)

[JTGalt]

I have driven past Malvern but never knew about the Himalyan Restaurant. Sounds Interesting.

You might take your address off your Resume and just use an 800 number for your phone.

My attitude is :

If you have a contract available then I AM a local candidate.