Why do some "diss" long, picture heavy posts?

[yakky]

I don't actively discourage or diss people for long and picture heavy posts, I just move on to the next one. But really, you don't need a lot of pictures to show off your work. Half dozen is plenty, add a link to a gallery for those that want to see more.

 

[RZJZA80]

I mean, back in the 56K days, i can understand, but nowadays? What's the problem? Lots of pics shouldn't cause anyone's computers to crash.

 

[Deep Gloss Auto Salon]

Good post Jason,

Thanks Mike

I'll be honest, the only reason I do write ups for forums is because of how much business I get from people who log onto forums looking for a detailer in their area.

Dave: I can relate and thanks for adding to this thread

My reasons for posting went through an evolution

When I first started posting my work: I posted to get feedback from the detailers I respected. I knew that if I was doing something wrong, it woiuld get pointed out and I could learn

I then transitioned to: Posting my work because the recognition was rewarding and to help newbs much like I had been helped by those before me.

The last year or two I posted my work: I simply did it to advertise. I have no shame in that either. I currently do not post work because I only have the band width for a VERY small amount of new customers each season. That coupled with the fact that I have a really hard time turning people away. The last seaon I was avidly posting my work I was swamped because I do not like turning people away. As a result, I detailed many nights after my FT job and every weekend. Through all this, my quality time with my wife and two kids was greatly impacted. I made a promise to myself that I would not do that again... Afterall I detail because I want to, I don;t have to.

Currently: I simply do not post work. I have gotten poor at even taking quality pictures while working. The most I do these days is take a quick cell phone pic of the rare cars I work on and send them to my dad and "car guy" friends.

I presume you are referring to my post in Joe's thread.

Not sure if it was your post that got me thinking about this, I was scanning the thread rather quickly.

My objection was to the "scripted" threads. Script goes like this: 1. exotic car detailer posts thread. 2. Other non-competing exotic car detailers, from different locales, expound about the great job poster did. 3. Poster steers rich guys from exotic car forums to detailing forum to show how beloved he is there.

Point #2 is the one that really makes me laugh... Life is turning into a popularity contest and I acknowledge that. This is another of the reasons I became less active on the forums over the past 2 years. I an old fart (37) and have no desire to be part of that. I am sucessful with a loving family and that is enough positive reinforcement for me.

It's funny to see guys that started off complimenting my work when they were just getting into the on-line detailing scene who now are "world famous" but now, since I have stopped posting only look at the threadas I post and not comment..

The "good ole boy" clubs will never die!

It's manipulating the forum for your own purpose,

Again, if your "own purpose" is to advertise your services in a way that is not intrusive (and abides by the forum rules) I have no issue with that. Like I said, my last couple of years of posting was mainly focused on getting more business.

As long as it is done in an upfront, respectful manner I am good

but I don't enjoy participating in a forum where I can't post in a thread about an exotic car because I'm interfering with someone's advertising.

Agreed, that is just too much... Let's get in straight here, we are not saving lives... I think people take themselves too seriously and sometimes need to get over themselves

This thread is a bit more peaceful than the other...good.


I live by, "Each one, teach one," always have, even before learning the saying, and I always will. Unshared experience is wasted experience.

I think your position is very healthy and I concur.

 

[01GMC]

Here's how I see it, from a member's view whom doesn't post much, but reads religiously.

I actually at this point, enjoy the long winded write up's. Sure there sometimes many pictures from many angles, however, sometimes the "shot" or "view" used is trying to enhance the view the detailer sees. Most to do the write ups are detailers, and it's in the nature to detial the event. Technicaly writing in college teaches us to do just that. Convey the moment, as if you were actually there when took place. To a verteran detailer, I am sure this is overboard. Yet for the guys whom are learning, or unsure if a proper procedure would work, it's priceless information.

Think about it, some people can pick up a product, read the directions and run with it with zero issues. Other's do the same, yet have horrible results, or it doesn't work like they had hoped. Seeing the "tricks of the trade", or the "Ah, that's how that works" is priceless to the, do it at home fellas. I would say M105 is a great example of how it performs differently for everyone at times.

I would read a long winded show & shine anyday vs, one where a detailer shows me his results, yet snubs the member's when they are asked, what products might have been used, or other information. I mean if it's a general APC used to clean, what is the harm and sharing, it's not a breakthru chemical or procedure at this point. If you have commissioned custom pads, and a custom "mix" for a compound purpose that is specific to your frame of work, I can understand that. I can understand holding back of a "method" that might give you leverage in your area of business. As I am sure the market for professional detailers is much more over crowded in say Los Angels and anything that gives you the edge is, well just that. Which is not different than long winded posts vs short ones, it's still a saling point, just one major factor. Its not on a public form for the world to critque. On the other hand, the guy asking the question might be in a more isolated area, and that same result might give him the boost needed.

They way I look at it, people come to you because you can produce resluts, and have great customer service. Face it, more people will pay a higher price for better customer service at times, and I am sure the guy who own the $100k Bentley gives ZERO thought to the prices more so than he does the service.

These write up's help alot of people, much more than the writer at times. Everyone is here for some sort of personal gain, period. Weither it be knowledge, to show off, teach, etc.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Here's how I see it, from a member's view whom doesn't post much, but reads religiously.

I actually at this point, enjoy the long winded write up's. Sure there sometimes many pictures from many angles, however, sometimes the "shot" or "view" used is trying to enhance the view the detailer sees.

Most to do the write ups are detailers, and it's in the nature to detail the event. Technically writing in college teaches us to do just that. Convey the moment, as if you were actually there when took place. To a veteran detailer, I am sure this is overboard. Yet for the guys whom are learning, or unsure if a proper procedure would work, it's priceless information.

Very insightful post, thank you for taking the time to chime in and add your 2 cents.

Think about it, some people can pick up a product, read the directions and run with it with zero issues. Other's do the same, yet have horrible results, or it doesn't work like they had hoped.

Seeing the "tricks of the trade", or the "Ah, that's how that works" is priceless to the, do it at home fellas.

Again, excellent point. :xyxthumbs:



And just to add... here's a write-up I just finished posting...

Pictures & Videos: 2003 Honda Civic Extreme Makeover - Duragloss

 

[Blackthorn One]

I love the long write up and lots photos in posts. People might post to refer other people from other places to brag about their work to drum up business, but I think that is a separate issue.

Long posts with pics are educational and informative, and sometimes inspirational on top of being nice to look at in terms of seeing the finished car.
I like the particular challenges of a certain job outlined, pictures shown, and how it was fixed using which products, with which techniques and how long it took.

With new products and new car finishes and materials coming out, it is even more useful. I suppose I'm really talking about an instructional manual for specific jobs. I love pics documenting the process. I remember how much help it was to have a how to book on restoring my car with plenty of photos outlining each step. It was virtually a godsend. Shop manuals aren't nearly as clear.
I was able to do the whole job myself despite never having done those tasks before.

I like to know how to do something before I do it. I like being prepared. In depth posts regarding unique problems helps me to be prepared.
I realize it takes a long time to do such write ups, so I am grateful for people doing them.
If people post in depth how to posts and use them to sell their services to rich people who don't want to do the job themselves, that is an acceptable trade off to me.