On another thread there has been discussion about false identity, licensed or un-licensed inspectors, etc.

At first I thought that the person questioning another's identity really needed to get a life, or just had too much time on their hands. Then we have a couple of false identity posters that everyone knows who they are, and just kind of ignore their posts.

But I guess what got me thinking this time, was the response from the NC inspector that seems to not exist. His response was tacky to put it mildly. Here he is busted that his identity is false, so his response was F U. Nice!

Now for Brian to verify identity and certifications of all the members here would be impractical, if not almost impossible. But we really should be able to know who we are talking to.

I think someone a while back suggested using a credit card to sign up, and verify identity to use the forum. I don't know the logistics or costs of such an undertaking, but i do think it's a good idea. Even if it was a minimal $20/year to cover costs.

Just my thoughts because I had too much time on my hands this afternoon.
JF

Where do I sign up?

I think it would be a great idea, and I'm sure Brian could use the extra money for web space and dirt bike supplies.

rick

I'm in also. Good idea. great forum. Lets keep it that way!

How about a dime per post? First 1,000 free.

Hey Rick...I just noticed your join date. How did you get that set back? I go back to January (maybe February), 2003. It bugged me a little when all the dates got changed last year. Do you have to suck up to Brian to get it changed...cos I can do that!

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Richard Moore
Rest Assured Inspection Services - www.rainspect.com
Seattle, Washington

ECJ would be broke!

I'm in also.

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Dave

Dang it, Jack. Get a job. You get time on your hands and want to spend my money.

But, I agree it'd be a better site without certain people.

Though a lot of the newer guys wouldn't be here if it cost. Some are stretching just to feed their family. Kinda like I was back in early 2002 when I joined.

Sometimes, there's just certain pains in the ass we need to put up with. Ban someone and there's no easy way to keep them from coming back under another e-mail address and alias.

And some are so passionate about their cause, they'd pay the fee and keep being a pain in the ass.

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Erby Crofutt, Georgetown, KY
B4U Close Home Inspections & Radon Testing
www.b4uclose.com www.kentuckyradon.com

The only problem I see with the fee is that it will keep some new or prospective inspectors from signing up. Instead, you end up with a lot of lurkers in the shadows who may have worthwhile contributions that go unheard.

i just don't read the tirades. (Did I just contradict myself?)

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It IS as bad as you think, and they ARE out to get you.

Hey Jack, I recommend using a mind-set filter system in that one just ignores the morons and responds only to what they believe are legitimate posts from folks with more than a two digit IQ. Brian is not only a good fellow, but a long time friend of mine and he does supply one hellova channel for HI education. I believe I've made a few friends on his BB (perhaps I'm deluded?), but all in all there's allot of dam good info posted here by serious practitioners of the home inspection profession and I'm always willing to scrape it up, digest it, and hopefully give a little back.

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Jerry McCarthy
Construction Consultant
San Mateo, CA

The board has an Ignore feature that I have in use now for some posters. You guys should try it!

And I was not busted....I never existed! Jack...if you need some work let me know. I turned down two cold calls today so I could fit in my regular customers.

Is using the IN private messaging system to send messages with foul language okay from people who are using false identities? Seems to me if the rules are to be applied equally members should be subject to warnings for using the private messaging containing undesirable language.

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Hey Raymond....

I hope you are not referring to me....you mean nothing to me!

No not you. From Harvey Hemplestern.

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Thank you for the clarification. I'm harmless until attacked.

James

I understand completely.

Cheers,

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James,
When you start turning down jobs in Knoxville, I will be happy to fill in for you, otherwise, your job market really has no bearings on what I do here. But thannks anyway.

Erby,
Got a job thank you. This was just an afternoon off for me. I was wore out from the 10K SF house I did Thursday. A house that size may be a normal work day (days) for Jerry P., but it is not the normal for me.

On topic of this thread. I wasn't considering banning anyone, it was just an idea to verify identity when someone signs up. My thought was your sign in name had to match the credit card name - simple as that.
JF

This is a great board and I wouldn't have a problem supporting it annually. Making in exclusionary bothers me though. I do wonder sometimes though who the lurkers actually are and what their intent is. Some are innocent info seekers no doubt, others lawyers, ins agents, rat bast...?
As far as guys claiming to be inspectors that aren't ... I think for those of us in the profession it is pretty easy to tell pretty quickly.
Let's leave banning up to the administrator.

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Accurate Inspections & Consulting, Inc.
847/736-9975
Markus Keller

Marcus sounds like a rabble-rouser to me.

All those in favor of voting him off of the island?

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It IS as bad as you think, and they ARE out to get you.

I personally like the board and think most of the guys on it are legitimate. I do think though, that if you are actually a trained and / or licensed inspector, you should only be allowed on using your actual identity, not a screen name or other made up name. I realize there are some states who do not license inspectors ( in Illinois we have to pass a state exam and be certfied by an accredited school ) so using your license number for verification may be difficult to do. I don't believe using a credit card for verification would do any more than prove identity and that you have a credit card. Maybe options of a home inspector business license, or state HI license, or some other proof you are a professional. Any other suggestions?

The info is second to none on this board, very many knowledgeable professionals. Its a pleasure to read the queries and answers. I never knew I didn't know so much. We also tend to police ourselves pretty well on this forum from what I have seen, and again that speaks to the professionalism of many of the posters who post under their real names.

Of course we also owe Brian a thank you for putting up with the odd bump in the road.

Bravo!

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obsequious - attempting to win favor from influential people by flatterybootlicking, fawning, sycophantic, toadyish
insincere - lacking sincerity; "a charming but thoroughly insincere woman"; "their praise was extravagant and insincere"