David,

I don't know if it would be worth while to make a folder for discussions regarding the forum itself. First, is there enough discussion on the topic to warrant its own folder. Second, would it be used. There's already a more appropriate folder for many of the threads that are in the general discussion folder. When I start a new thread I look through the list of folders first and use general discussion as a catch all when nothing seems more appropriate. Should something be included in the rules for posting?

If your making a wish list for future forum offerings:
How about a settings database. People can lookup the material they're working with and see the recommendations of other members. It would need to be flexible and could go beyond power and speed. For example what settings are people using with PhotoGraV for absolute black Granite.

I would expect to see clusters of settings depending on the approach and goals.

Many people seem open to sharing their settings when an individual in need asks. Do you think they would contribute to a database used by those same people?

Ken,

A great and long-overdue idea. You have the first post in the "Forum Suggestion Box" folder.

As we move closer to a pay mode, it will be best to have those discussions in one area. That way, those who find the topic too tedious, can avoid those subjects altogether and luxuriate in the other many folders of specific interest. :-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

OK Ken,

Ask and ye shall receive :-)

We now have a "Laser - Power/Substrate Settings" folder.

Fill it up! :-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

David,

I wasn't thinking of a "folder" for the settings, and I'm not really sure the best way to use such a folder. Some form of posting standardizations would be needed, and though discussed for power and speed, there has not been any consensus. I was also thinking that a table might be the best way to present the information. That's why I mentioned the possibility of a future database accessed through the forum.

Aside from bring it up as a "would be nice to have", the idea needs to be flushed out by the laser users on the forum. This folder might be a good place to discuss it.

As I've "hinted" in the past, I'm concerned that as the list of folders grows larger people are less likely to search for the appropriate one. I already see many laser related questions popping up in the General Discussion folder.

Along those lines, as the forum grows can you easily remove a little used folder transferring its contents to another? Or change a folder's name?

We can move any thread from one folder to another. We do that more often than is apparent.

Renaming a folder to reuse that folder is not necessary. We can add and delete folders as necessary.

The only thing we cannot seem to do is to delete a thread. So we have a work around. We have a hidden folder of deleted threads. When it gets too full, we will just delete it and recreate it.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

Harvey's Sub Page When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Ken,

I understood your concept and agree with its value. It's a great idea!

The new folder was meant as a starting point. Power/Speed/Settings questions arise from time to time, and that will be a convenient place for people to place/find them.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

John,

We've never had any discussions on this forum that have even come close to violating any Antitrust laws, but creating a pricing folder might be pushing the envelope a little bit.

John,

A while back, I received a thoughtful email from a person, concerned that "Uncle Sam" may regard our pricing discussions, as an attempt at "Price Fixing."

-Highly Illegal -

As you point out, our conversations cover an increasing gamut of processes. In the course of those conversations "pricing opinions" frequently come up. In that context, I'm confident those opinions are regarded as just that - Opinions.

If the identical discussions were harvested and placed in a "Pricing" folder, I feel that may be pushing the envelope.

I'm all for pushing the envelope, but I don't want to break the seal :-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

David,

How dare you beat me to it, and take the words out of my mouth!

However, that's not what has me most irritated - you said it in so many fewer words :-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

David,

I am a man of few words. :-0

David,

Good! You can be our spokesman :-)

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

I need to weigh in here. Please understand that as a newbie, I am not aware of all the antitrust laws, in my old business it just didn't matter because I kept to myself and set my prices based on what market would bear.

HOWEVER, in my new endeavor in the Engaving/Awards industry, I for one could benefit by some helpful advice on pricing. I am wondering if the discussions in the "folder" if there were one, included words like "suggested" "typical" "starting point" "depends on what your market would bear" etc, would take away any percieved thoughts of price fixing.

As for the "settings" idea. I think it is great and I agree that is should be in some form of a table or database, however that would entail a great amount of initial work for someone. Were I more literate in that regard I would volunteer to do it.

About when the forum goes into "pay mode" I would be happy to pay my share for the information and fellowship that is here. But I would like to suggest a "free" area that continues, but lacks some of the bells and whistles of the other parts of the forum. This in my opinion would continue to attract new membes to the forum.

Just some random thoughts found on a day trip through my head.

Chuck

As I was once told: He who has the most to say uses the fewest words ;~)

You guys crack me up!

Mickey

Vital Signs
McNeil, AR

HUH?

;~)

Mickey,

That is me in a nutshell. Plenty to say, but a very limited vocabulary. :-)

Mickey,
I had to write and tell you what a great company name you have. Very clever.

Chuck

Thank you Chuck. The name was suggested by a very good friend. I think I am the only one in Arkansas with the name (not positive) but I do know that name exists for three or four companies in Texas. I was at a show in Ft. Worth and several of the booths ask me how big a company this was because they had seen several people with that name. I looked hard for them after that so I could collect a "franchise fee" but never saw a single one of them!

Thanks again for the compliment.

Mickey

Mickey,
You are most welcome.
I know there are a lot of sign companies out there, but HAVE you considered franchising?

Chuck