Beth n Rod

John, I agree. Yes we are on the same page. Ron, let's stay on topic.... (gentle nudge) :) If you have specific PWNA questions you might want to ask them in their own thread in the PWNA forum...;) Beth

...hmmmm...is your injector rated for this?Most common injectors are rated for 3-5gpms...just a thought. Rod~

Pick up a grout removal tool, some new grout and grout sealer at HD and you will get better results. All you need to do is scrape the grout out of the lines (yes it is messy but I think after doing that concrete art stuff on your mantle, this one should be right up your alley Celeste) and refill... Its really easy and you will be able to seal it this time around making future cleaning easy and less time consuming. Rod~

Scott, Just making a statement. Not disagreeing with you at all. Actually, I agree with you more than you might think. Beth :sunshine:

Mathew and Celeste - I agree with you guys. Not disagreeing at all. Hey Scott, that works both directions, don't you think? Seems silly to me to think a PWNA member would sit back and take the barrage...with nothing to say. Seems to me it is as much the responsibility of the non-member to keep things from flaring up, as the member. We are all adults after all. Beth

Mathew, I am not disagreeing with you. It's just I have seen that sometimes ( not all the time but a good part of it, at least in the past) there were points of controversy that actually rallied folks together. As for the "drama", well...that will never end in my opinion. We have all accepted debate as a part of life. Look at the political discussions in the world, and how we all partake in them. Some of us avoid all political and religious discussion in some company. Same thing holds true here. The PWNA discussions strike a political type of chord in our industry, some love to debate, others do not, and there are always multiple views. This, to me at least, is a normal part of our sociology and won't change. Every time we hold an election people discuss our Government, the candidates and the parties. Every time something National happens, we scrutinize those in office. Not saying it is right or wrong, just saying it is a part of who we are, and what we do. Beth

I did a deck recently that was totally covered even on the spindles with green algae. It had not had anything done to it for 11 years. You could have played golf on it it was so bad. I decided to try the bleach thing and see what results I could get aside from the usual regimen I am used to. I worked fine getting rid of the algae, but had absolutely no effect on the tar and pitch from the preponderance of tree coverage it was blessed with. After the initial wash, I went back to the HD-80 and Citralic 2 step to get the results I needed. All in all, this deck was a 3 step job but I dont feel that it was any more of a benefit than just using the usual 2 step with the exception that I would have had to use HD-80 twice (once to remove the algae so I could see the deck below it and the second to tend to the remnants in the woods substrate). Then neutralize. Just some feedback on my experience with bleach for others to consider. Rod~

You would think so, but believe it or not...not necessarily the case. Something for everyone here to think about... why do people leave the org? I have my own thoughts and theory....I have my cup of coffee...so here goes. In our society we all use various institutions until we have our fill of them, and we move on. How many of us went back to High School year after year to see what was going on? Or did we move past it? What about college? Once you were done with that, did you go back, or did you go to the next chapter of your life? PWNA is an org for power washers, but it is also a learning institution in its own way. People come and get certified, attend several conventions, till they feel they have gotten all they will out of the org as a learning tool, then they move on. I have thought about this for years, before being on the BOD, while being on the BOD and since then. I have heard many "old timers" say they wish PWNA had more advanced coursework, since they had already "learned" all they could learn. Now before anyone debates this point, remember this, the member's perception is in fact their reality. If Company A is in it for learning and looking to PWNA for coursework, then Company A may be one that will not stick around. BOD members need to put their own feelings aside and listen to those around them. One thing never changes, I see it alive and well in this very thread...BOD members get emotionally attached to the org, after all, they eat, sleep, and breath it, so they take things personally. This is normal, and while it may not be good, it should be understood that it's very hard to be involved yet remain detached. Been there!!! Ron - there is truth in Henry's statements. Henry - there is truth in Ron's statements. Since I am not on the BOD now, I have no problem with speaking my mind. Ron, you really should step up and show up when you say you will. Hey, you have told folks before you would be somewhere, and then you were not, without a word. Personally, I think you are alot like a radio shock jock, you want to keep everyone on their toes. Just my observation. Nothing wrong in it, believe me, it has served its purpose. I also consider you a friend. And Henry, Ron's right about not lashing out. You are doing what many (you are not alone by any means) have done, which is to get emotionally invested in your efforts and to speak out. Perception can be a funny thing. My advice, learn to step away from the keyboard and count really high....many perceive (right or wrong they still do) that when one person on the BOD speaks, the whole BOD feels that way....Diplomacy and politics.... I don't know if I am making my point or not. OK enough of my coffee pot ramblings. Please neither of you take offense. None is intended. Beth p.s. PWNA does not reimburse for any travel for BOD members.

The BOD and By-Laws went through changes during the last election. The BOD was resized, and some new by-laws went into effect. The monthly meeting (if memory serves) is the second Tuesday of each month. Twice a year the BOD meets face to face, and it is mandatory for BOD members to attend, on their nickle. The PWNA does not reimburse for any travel costs (or didn't when I was on the BOD) since it is a volunteer effort. In addition, various committees meet throughout the year as required based upon their projects and tasks. As I recall ( again from my experience) the Chairs report during the monthly calls and report the committee efforts and work to the BOD. There are some months in the height of the season when it is very, very, very difficult for folks with the best of intentions to find time to donate to PWNA. We all know what it is like during our busy season. Hope this helps shed some light. Personally, I encourage folks to get involved and try it...really try it. Helping can be lots of fun! Beth

John, That is why I made my post, to drum up some volunteerism amongst the members. Why does getting involved always fall on deaf ears? Whats in it for me and my $200? The opportunity to make things happen. I for one would like to see many of the items listed in the poll and more come to fruition, but it wont by just the bod members who are already in the throws of running the org in their spare time as non-compensated volunteers. We all know that the org is not a record club, health club or Sam's club where you pay for a membership and get all kinds of discounted goodies. Its a non-profit organization of like minded individuals who are interested in bettering their business and the industry they represent as a business. $200 bucks does not cover much in todays economy. But putting your money where your mouth is is a start. Its not wall street where you sit back and wait for the dividends to come. I propose a new attitude. Ask, what can I do to help? Not just one person, but all who have become members. It is shortsighted to just look for the initial benefits and not utilize the opportunity create more through the power of membership involvement. Otherwise, why fork over the $$$? Just my views on the subject. Sorry Philip, maybe it just me, but personally, I feel this lacks any consideration for the accomplishments of those individuals who are already giving a tremendous amount of time and money to travel to meet their obligations as a board member. I believe they are doing their part and cannot deny they have paid their dues many times over. I see they are making things happen and doing quite well considering that they are volunteers. Understanding the inner workings of a board of directors and from actually attending one of the open meetings I know that they define their action items in the meetings and publicize the progress when it happens. again...my .02 It is time for the members to get involved too. All will benefit greatly. Rod~

It's gonna be about another week. But games will be back.... Beth

Click here to sign up for Water Works. It's free! :groovy2: Beth

Yes, it can get very bumpy. Just remember, a candle has one wick, and should only be burned one end at a time.... ;) Maybe we should post the link for waterworks donw in the PWNA forum and make it a sticky, so folks can find it and sign up easily? Just a thought... I can help with that! Beth

Not familiar with it.... But found this link: http://www.ecowise.com/green/paint/velvit.shtml Beth

Henry, I for one, understand how you feel. I know first hand what it is like to put in an incredible amount amount of volunteer time, and then...it's not enough sometimes. I'm going to make a suggestion...Let's say that a PWNA BOD posts info on the PWNA BBS. Maybe you don't go there to read, maybe you do, I do know the Announcement area can be viewed by all. So let's for a moment remember that the BOD members are donating a ton of time, and that they do have businesses to run and families to honor, and maybe it would be helpful if someone could take the info and post a link to it here in TGS's PWNA forum, or on any BBS's PWNA forum. It doesn't have to be a BOD member. Any PWNA member or non-member can assist in spreading the news by giving the two minutes it would take to do this. My point is, it shouldn't always have to be the same people, should it? Ok..off my soapbox. Beth

What did you neutralize with? Beth

We do have a donation link in the User CP. We never mention it or discuss it. It's just there. Never see any donations either, but there it is. http://www.thegrimescene.com/forums/payments.php It's flattering that you think TGS is giving you so much. If that's your experience, that's great. Thank you for being part of our community. We are PWNA members, and what we get from that membership is different than what we get here or on any BBS. TGS Doesn't offer: Conventions with continuing education opportunities Certification programs leads exclusively for PWNA members growing recognition of being a National Non-profit for our industry Again, we are pleased that you enjoy yourself here. Have a great day! Beth p.s. PWNA dues of $195.00 per year / by 365 days per year equals a whopping .54 cents a day. I'll bet you get that as change in the drive thru lane or at the 7/11.

A business plan is always important. I believe plans and budgets are important for any business or organization. When I was on the BOD, we did see formal proposals for project work to be done. The best way to see a clear path, is when you lay it out before you. That's what plans allow you to do, and you can fine tune things as you go, and revise things for future work. Thinking about what the cause and effect of a plan will be, is a very big part on ensuring success. You should also have milestone events, that you can use to track your progress with, and a time line for completion of projects. Beth

Ron, I didn't say that. I said there are two other forums, for a total of three. I forgot the Delco one, so that makes 4. I never said they were "endorsed" and frankly, I don't see that it makes any difference. Don't twist my words. And, let's stay on topic...Thank you! Next point please... Beth

Cool! I love things like this.

Reality of the current imbalance is why I drew attention to the fact. I see people working together here in this thread to discuss what they think an org should offer and on the same note, the synergy is not congruent to the symbiotic effort that needs to be expended. My intent is to encourage the necessary involvement in order to bring about these items being discussed into reality. It would be great for these discussions to lead to affirmative action instead of waiting for someone else to do all the legwork. Anything less is just talk. Involvement means participation. Through mutual efforts and participation is symbiosis attained and therefore synergy is key. For the members: What can you do to help? The answers require action. For the non-members: Do you want to help? The answer requires a choice. Rod~

Degafreed, For us to add another product, it would have to really be something. We offer three lines as it is. Beth

Yeah, but I have a teenage son. I get up when he does... Beth

It was, and now there are three. ***, TGS, and there is one on Deckguide. Beth

Jeff, You posted the same thread three times. Once is plenty so I removed the other two. I'm also moving this thread to the forum for business basics, since that is what your thread really is about. Beth