Why is it you detailing guys who do this for a living like to hang out in detailing forums and talk about detailing?
I'm in the plumbing business and the last thing I want to do in my off time is talk about plumbing.
I'm glad your hear since we can needle you for info but you would think at the end of the day of working on paint you'd be sick of it.
I guess it's like photography, I do it as a hobby and like to read about it but it seems that a lot of people who do it for a living hang out there too.
Great Question!
But, IMHO, to make it a more equitable question, (in regards to: Why the hanging out aspect?), perhaps you should have included the "type of plumbing business" your in.
Therefore, I would like to interject the topic of
trades.
Some of my friends are, or have retired, from being plumbers.
Most of them went through an apprenticeship program to become journeyman plumbers. It was while attending classroom and on-the-job-site training sessions they became informed of different aspects/types/fields of the plumbing
trades.
Once they were acclaimed to have attained the proper plumbing acumen, they were, at that point, considered "finished" with their apprenticeship program, and elevated to:
Journeyman Plumber status.
At that point in their life, there were decisions to be made. Do I go into either: New/old construction, commercial, industrial, or residential careers. Or even acquire a certification/license from my State to start my own plumbing business.
Either way, there was a continual stream of information available through : Continuous Education programs through the employers/businesses/corporations where they worked; or, picking up the needed information of new plumbing technologies through a plumbing business owner's contacts (supply houses, friends in the business)
I remember when there were distinct lines of demarcation in the Skilled Trades. For example there were:
Plumbers (residential/commercial), Pipelayers, Pipefitters, Steamfitters; and now Sprinkler-System Fitters, Fire-Suppression Systems Fitters. Now those lines have become somewhat blurred.
A Plumber had to keep up with the changes in these fields by continuing their education in the new technologies...Or be left out in the cold, so to speak.
Now there are "Victaulic" pipe fittings that are used for many applications, some never heard of before and considered "safe", that have displaced the need for many of the above Plumbing tradesmen. Often, to remain gainfully employed, Plumbers had the training opportunities that afforded them that option. Some will, some won't, meet those challenges.
How about the changes in commercial/residential plumbing technologies over the years? To name a few: Cast iron, galvanize, copper, plastic (ABS, PVC/CPVC---schedule 40 vs. schedule 80), and Pex.
How does a plumber KEEP UP? Furthering their education by some of the above mentioned training, as well as other means.
Now, how does one become a "Detailer? Are there any apprenticeship/Journeyman programs, such as offered for becoming a Plumber? Are there any "recognized" programs?
Are there any Continuing Education programs?
Sure, there are a few businesses that offer "Detail Training", and are usually top-notch in offering vehicle care techniques, products/tools usage, new technological information in regards to vehicles surfaces (advance in paint, interior materials, etc.), and even the 'business aspect'.
But alas, many people feel that this type of training is not necessary, perhaps too costly, or even thinking: How does this really assist me in becoming a detailer anyway. What, then, are the training opportunities to become a Detailer? Are they: Become trained by trial & error, starting out at dealership-style operations, working alongside an experienced Detailer, reading detailing books/magazines/journals...and YES, even Detailing forums?
Are these methods "recognized" by the general populace as being trained in like manner of a Journey Plumber. Probably not. It's hard for Detailers to overcome: "The Wash & Wax Guy" image....Only their customers/clients can attest differently.
Back to the gist of your original question:
Perhaps garnering/gleaning information about the new- detailing-technologies is one reason folks are on detailing forums.
(I, for one, sorely wish they had existed when the new-technology BC/CC paint systems came about...Been a whole lot less screw-ups, IMHO).
Maybe it's "bragging rights".
Or, I also feel assured to state, that
Fellowship with people who Detail either as a hobbyist, enthusiasist, or Professional is another reason. Picking up much needed detailing information (training?) is often acquired...another, more than welcome asset of "belonging", spending time on detailing forums, as I see it.
Bob
(Which we all know you cannot buy in the states!)
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