I remember when I first discovered these forums and how helpful I found them to be. It was great to interact with other window cleaners, get new ideas (as well as share my own) learn new developments and so on. I'm pretty sure that's true of most members here.
I have not olny learned a great deal from these forums, but also made contact with friends I thought I'd never see again, gotten to know the most interesting people, and I am genuinely impressed that the level of professionalism in our industry.
Just lately, I've had to remove some topics from here, and edit others. You might be suprised to hear this, but I hate to do that. The whole purpose of a forum is, of course, to share our ideas and thoughts. Sometimes I feel like the footie referee that everyone hates, even though he's only doing hos job! Some of the things I have had to delete (not recently, thankfully) have been so offensive and even threatening you wouldn't believe it. I'm glad to say that doesn't happen very often.
Anyway, I just hope that we can get back to discussing window cleaning in a positive manner, and not let these issues get in the way. I think we can all benefit from one another's experience, and that's what the forum's here for.
I don't have anything against anyone, and I'm usually at all of the trade events. By all means if you get a chance, come and say hello in person.
Duke, if you are in Bristol soon, of course I'd be delighted to meet up for a coffee. PM the dates to me, I think as an industry we need to network more and take advantage of opportunities to do it. The American window cleaners do this all the time, with picnics and work exchanges and so on. Its a great way to move forward, and I hope that a similar spirit eventually takes off here.
All in all, I think we have a good forum, with some very knowledgable members. Lets keep a good spirit and a positive atmosphere!
-Philip