It has been a whole week....

[jason-23]

When I lived in MN, the vikings were called the tampons..because they only had one string, and only good for 1 period.  Gross.

Wow I haven't cracked up that loud in a long time, that was priceless. I think I squat on myself I laughed so hard....

Ok squat is not what I said for the love of god! How about shart?

[jason-23]

Can someone fill me in on the bill hood story? I would like to know what the deal is for I thought he was an ok dude.....

[jsheridan]

Two specifically said  that they for the most part avoid posting on forums in general to avoid controversy and industry politics.

Sure it's well more than two. Once you get published and or move into the 'guru' status, you lose your posting ability to the masses who take your correct fact based info, then dissect it and inject their theory into it based solely on why they don't do it that way and why this way works for them.

Have that done to a few of your fact based posts and replies and soon you just stop posting.

[Frog]

To be fair and balanced on your observation, there is a "guru" or two out there that can be just as contradictory and argumentative, sometimes even confrontational and belittling.

It's not always about status, as for newbie, experienced know-a-lot, or professional consultant alike, personality traits, quirks and defects may shine though no matter. For the professional consultants, it's a tightrope act of wanting exposure but not really being open to debate, with, often, even other consultants. Not good for business.

In the end, it is what it is. Fortunately, there are many forums, each a different flavor,  from which to glean information.

[bimmridder]

Well said Andy. I had a conversation with a well known consultant (over drinks, believe it or not) and posting on boards came up. He expressed that he very much wanted to contribute, but a few things kept him from doing so. He was curious how I would handle it were I in his shoes. His first concern was the the likelihood of people disagreeing and starting disruptive and unproductive posts. Now we all know that would never happen. His other concern, as crazy as it may be, is that he is a consultant and makes a living giving advice and sharing new techniques, etc. Should he hurt his potential income by sharing with all the members, not to mention lurkers, information he saves to use in his business? Tough choices. Fortunately I didn't have to give him all of my opinions, I just ordered another round! (Honestly, I suggested a PM might be appropriate if he was compelled to answer someone)

[mk162]

That is a tough one, I know I hold back a little, but I will drop a private PM to somebody rather than blabber all of my secrets out on a public forum.  I know it sounds selfish, but just like a consultant, there are things I do that make me money or niche markets I work in that I wouldn't want everybody else working in as well.

Like I said, I do send private PM's to people that might need some help with something.

[3Deep]

Well said Andy. I had a conversation with a well known consultant (over drinks, believe it or not) and posting on boards came up. He expressed that he very much wanted to contribute, but a few things kept him from doing so. He was curious how I would handle it were I in his shoes. His first concern was the the likelihood of people disagreeing and starting disruptive and unproductive posts. Now we all know that would never happen. His other concern, as crazy as it may be, is that he is a consultant and makes a living giving advice and sharing new techniques, etc. Should he hurt his potential income by sharing with all the members, not to mention lurkers, information he saves to use in his business? Tough choices. Fortunately I didn't have to give him all of my opinions, I just ordered another round! (Honestly, I suggested a PM might be appropriate if he was compelled to answer someone)

Sounds about right to me, why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free