Dear Locksmiths

[GWiens2001]

It shows a stick-to-it attitude that is less common among people looking to get into stuff. It also shows that they are contributing to the community, which is also not typically a criminal trait. Finally, by seeing the types of questions the user posts, and answers they give/seek, you can usually get a feel for whether the person is up to nefarious intent.

Gordon

[Squelchtone]

I understand the need for restricted material and areas to store them away from the public eye. My beef is with the requirements to get into the club, n=ot the location of the material.

How is making 30 posts here going to prove more to you than showing my Illinois license number and ALOA Member number??

everything Gordon said, plus we don't have a secretary or the man power to call ALOA or each state's licensing body to do checks, I work a totally unrelated job 8-5 all week and this is done on an unpaid volunteer basis purely out of the love of the hobby and trade.

If we one day figure out a way to do such checks we will be glad to have locksmiths, tow truck guys, cops, military, and govt spook types skip the requirements, but this system was invented long before me and its the best we have for now.

Thanks for your patience, understanding, and feedback.
Squelchtone

[globallockytoo]

illinois licencing is not a fair measurement, nor is ALOA membership.

Anyone and their sister can apply for and receive the Illinois PERC card. Pay your fee and you are licensed. There are no requirements by law.
ALOA membership is another joke. There are so many ALOA members that let their memberships lapse because the organization has moved away from being an association of locksmiths to letting in almost anyone with money.

This forum makes their own rules and if you want to join in....you need to follow the rules. If you dont like it...you know where the door is, right?

Just because you folks with licenses think youre better than everyone else....wake up....youre not. I am in a state that requires no license. Illinois is my neighboring state. I cannot work there without a license (PERC). But Illinois locksmiths can come here and steal my work. Is that fair?

[1mrchristopher]

Global, I understand your frustrations regarding licensing and memberships to The Loyal Order of the Water Buffalo or ALOA or whatever, and I wholeheartedly agree that this forum's method (one of actual individual measure and active participation) is a truer indication of an individual's merits.

That said, bmc1284 asked an honest question. He wasn't attacking the decision, merely asking why. I did not read any sense of superiority or disdain in his message, merely confusion. I imagine it was a thought process along the lines of: "If it's good enough for ClearStar, why isn't it good enough for lp101?"

Squelchtone and Gordon cleared up the why, but then you bust the guys chops, imply that he's being elitest and tell him to take a hike if he doesn't like how it's done.

Like I said, I get your frustrations, I just don't see how lashing out at this guy helps your cause or improves the community.

[bmc1284]

illinois licencing is not a fair measurement, nor is ALOA membership.

Anyone and their sister can apply for and receive the Illinois PERC card. Pay your fee and you are licensed. There are no requirements by law.
ALOA membership is another joke. There are so many ALOA members that let their memberships lapse because the organization has moved away from being an association of locksmiths to letting in almost anyone with money.

This forum makes their own rules and if you want to join in....you need to follow the rules. If you dont like it...you know where the door is, right?

Just because you folks with licenses think youre better than everyone else....wake up....youre not. I am in a state that requires no license. Illinois is my neighboring state. I cannot work there without a license (PERC). But Illinois locksmiths can come here and steal my work. Is that fair?

Wow... I touched a nerve just by mentioning my State of residence...nice!

First off, you're correct, any Yahoo can get a PERC card. I was talking about the Illinois license, which takes a LOTTTT more to earn. I'm sorry all our guys are stealing your jobs, but you have the ability to obtain said license and steal some back. Luckily, I did not write the laws for either of our States.

1mrchristopher has it correctly. I just asked a simple question on why an area that would pertain to Locksmiths would be accessible only to those who post a lot (Locksmith or not). Nothing elitist there.

Squelchtone asked for suggestions from Locksmiths on what to put in this area. I offered the idea that Automotive techniques would be a valuable topic to be there, as many of us Lockies specialize in Auto. While I disagree with the qualifications to get membership to the "restricted area", I understand the need to keep some materials locked up.

Heck, I'll offer to give a DNA sample, copy of my 3rd Grade report card and a note from my Mommy so that I can get in the restricted area. I just don't have a lot to say or time to say it 30+ times to prove my trustworthiness.

So, before this gets locked globallockytoo, how about we both go run some jobs and save on the flame wars?

[billdeserthills]

Dear Locksmiths,

I would like your input on sub forums you would like to see us create to expand the Locksmith Business Information sub forum into it's own section on lp101. We obviously have safes and automotive in the Advanced area, but as far as locksmith to locksmith topics such as running your business, tips and tricks for people just starting their business, vans and trucks, ways to advertize, supply shops you use, training classes and other topics, I'd like your ideas on what sub categories you'd like to see in the new Locksmith Business area. This area would not include Ask a Locksmith, it would be for locksmiths to talk business with other locksmiths here. Some of the topics may be existing threads, but probably deserve their own sub-forum instead of jamming everything into one thread.

Only trading locksmiths need reply to this thread, or retired locksmiths who can share wisdom from their years of experience, thank you,

Squelchtone

Getting back to the point I think there must be more desired?

[billdeserthills]

I understand the need for restricted material and areas to store them away from the public eye. My beef is with the requirements to get into the club, n=ot the location of the material.

How is making 30 posts here going to prove more to you than showing my Illinois license number and ALOA Member number??

You do know that The National Locksmith and The Locksmith Ledger have locksmith forums, for locksmiths?

[bmc1284]

I understand the need for restricted material and areas to store them away from the public eye. My beef is with the requirements to get into the club, n=ot the location of the material.

How is making 30 posts here going to prove more to you than showing my Illinois license number and ALOA Member number??

You do know that The National Locksmith and The Locksmith Ledger have locksmith forums, for locksmiths?

Yep...registered for them both! I just am trying to maximize my resources and knowledge since I am a relatively new Locksmith. I've learned to never turn down a chance to pick someone else brain!

[MikeTheLocksmith]

I think access control needs its own section combined perhaps with electronic locks.

Doors and door hardware (such as closers, pivots, hinges, exit devices) might be another good section.

+1 on both of these ideas

Maybe a sub forum for key machines?

I agree with all of these ideas. I have found that buying a key machine is a tough choice. I was also thinking about maybe an advertisement sub forum. I have personally found that getting jobs can be the most difficult part! I have tried things like Google campaigns and local paper advertisement like coupon books; however, I have had a hard time and it would be interesting to hear what others have successfully used.

On the off topic of the advanced forums, I think it is prudent to have an advanced section. It would be great to have access to this information, and that is what I am working towards!! It has hard with time constraints, but I think it is information that should be protected.

Thanks,
Mike

[cledry]

Just had another thought. What about a pricing section where we could discuss pricing. Locksmiths are always trying to determine a fair price so that we neither over charge our customer but at the same time don't undercut everyone else and get a reputation as a lowballer, nor give our services and knowledge away.

For example I went and installed a CDX-10 on a door at a defense contractorand am not sure what a fair price should have been. Kaba has no reference. Plus in this case there was all sorts of government and corporate hoops in place to jump through, had to have a background check, photo IDs made up, fingerprints taken, escorted at all times, tool bags checked on way in and out, hard hats, safety glasses, hi vis vests, steel-toed shoes, gloves, ear protection.

Mechanics have a flat rate manual where every little thing is broken down for pricing, we haven't got a similar guide AFAIK. We have the Ledger annual price guide but that's it.

[Squelchtone]

Thank you for all of your ideas everyone, I hope to find some spare time this weekend and create the sub forums that meet your needs. I may not implement every single idea, or may merge a couple into one main category, but I think you'll the end result.

Have a good week everybody,
Squelchtone

[1mrchristopher]

Thanks Squelchtone! Hope your week is calmer than mine -- I feel like a monkey trying to reassemble an exploding clock.

[C locked]

Re the automotive locks issue. Keep it advanced. However. Provide a forum purely as a i found this video. Link etc. For the its already out there argument. And if any discussion gets too advanced. Let the mods take care of it. By either moving it. Or killing it with the usual. "That is an advanced topic. That information should be regulated." post. that way. Any lockies out there can keep upto date with what is freely available online. Its just my 2 cents worth.

[billdeserthills]

Re the automotive locks issue. Keep it advanced. However. Provide a forum purely as a i found this video. Link etc. For the its already out there argument. And if any discussion gets too advanced. Let the mods take care of it. By either moving it. Or killing it with the usual. "That is an advanced topic. That information should be regulated." post. that way. Any lockies out there can keep upto date with what is freely available online. Its just my 2 cents worth.

You sure seem to love them periods. Are You married?

[Squelchtone]

Re the automotive locks issue. Keep it advanced. However. Provide a forum purely as a i found this video. Link etc. For the its already out there argument. And if any discussion gets too advanced. Let the mods take care of it. By either moving it. Or killing it with the usual. "That is an advanced topic. That information should be regulated." post. that way. Any lockies out there can keep upto date with what is freely available online. Its just my 2 cents worth.

You sure seem to love them periods. Are You married?

I have a feeling he's typing on a cell phone and it is auto adding a period every time he presses space bar 2 times..