Ghost Town

[NS'Creter]

I could hear a pin drop in here. Not much goin' on. I would hate to pull the plug and lose what little contact we have with each other. It's not like it costs anything either. I think I'll let it ride a while longer...there's a few things that could happen:
* some more folks join and it gets busier ;D
* we find another place to go and keep in touch
* we use another means to keep in touch
* we shut 'er down and lose contact

I'm open to any and all suggestions folks. Big thanx to those who do drop in and stay in contact too!

[Lindy]

Since it cost nothing; there is no reason to shut it down.

Business is slow across the country, and north of the boarder up in Canada. When business is slow, all the forums... even the leading one I have played an integral roll (working with owner of site, Art Pinto) in the success of it for 12 years (since it's original inception), being the Decorative Concrete Forums www.decorativeconcreteforums.com ... is getting less hits, although it has thousands of members. I have assisted in the development of DCF features, adding of catagories, along with concept of posting leads from builders/architects/etc that are looking for applicators, and various other features. Also I stated the hosting of the Decorative Concrete Hospitality Night held annually during the WOC, 12 years ago, that has an average attendance of 650-750 people and continues to grow in popularity/attendance every year. I have always found it a little strange in relation to the continuous stream of phone calls made to me by members, along with high volume of PM and direct email messages, in regards to members needs, questions/concerns, problems they need help with resolving, etc ... telling me that read the DCF content every day but rarely post (some people just don't want to jump in the water publically, opting to contact me by private means instead) ... same could be true here, in that there may be readers that just don't feel they have anything pertinent to say (although the thoughts and ideas of everyone is very important to me, since I am a real people person and always ready to help any way I can).

We "must always stay in touch" ... as friends and those who share a common interest do ... of course this can also be by email, but its nice to have sort of a stopping in place to do so ... this place serves sort of like a meeting place friends, much like a local coffee shop does, where we can share our ideas, ups and downs, or whatever is on our minds.

This forum website serves as theraphy and food for the soul.

Lindy

[NS'Creter]

Thanx for that input and point of view Lindy. So we'll let it ride and why not ? It's a free ride. ;D Who knows, maybe it will catch on and we'll have a busy little place some day?

[Lindy]

One small acorn can grow into a mighty oak ... it just takes time and patience for it to sprout and establish a root system.

Lindy

[ECI]

I check the board every couple of days as a guest and not log in,
I sure would like to see this stay and grow. I have not had much going on in the way of business so I don't have much to say other then
thanks for all of you that are out there and all the knowledge you are
willing to share. I hope things pick up soon and we can resume the
questions and answers and sharing of job photos. ;D ;D

[NS'Creter]

Aaaahhh! Another country heard from. That's good to know. I think we might just as well let 'er ride for now. It costs nothing and may grow into something some day.

That expression "Another country heard from." is something that my Dad has always said. I guess it's pretty self explanatory...it just means that someone else has voiced their opinion.

[Lindy]

Obviously things are as slow up there as they are down here in the States. I prefer to always think of a glass as 1/2 full, instead of 1/2 empty, but the ailing economy is maker that harder to do ... seems that the 1/2 full glass has a leak that needs to be plugged.

I know of quite a few independent decorative contractor supply stores that are closing up shop due to amount of business not being enough to keep the doors open. Guess it will boil down to survival of the fittest. A great many contractors I know are trying to get "real jobs with a steady paycheck" to tide them over these rough and challenging times. There are even a few manufacturers that will soon be following suit as well unless the economy recovers soon and people begin spending money again on what is basically "I want that," instead of "I really need that," scenarios.

I'm particularly worried about our big three auto makers (GM, Ford, and Chrysler). Seems we can waste billions in the unjustifiable war in Iraq and the rebuilding of this foreign country infrastructure, as well as over 700 billion to bail out "white collar" Wall Street (which I can't see has produced as of yet even 1 little iota of good); however, the powers that be in Washington can't spare a dime that would enable American's "blue collar" workers to keep their jobs. I am sure that management personnel at the "big 3" are raking in obscene salaries in spite of the fact that have mismanaged their business's and been rooted in producing antiquated gas guzzling vehicles instead of steering toward fuel efficiency and hybrids; however, why punish their victims (plant workers, feeder industries that produce parts/accessories, car dealerships across the country, etc) which effects millions of American workers and their families. I was shocked to hear on the news that the average Detroit (union) auto workers make $75.00 an hour (which includes their benefits, whatever that means) ... when the non-union auto workers (in southern States) average $48.00 an hour ... this sounds like the greed and power of the Detroit unions might hold part of the blame as to insolvency of auto makers as well. The credit crunch hasn't helped matters (if there is no money to loan, few have cash in the back to buy a new vehicle). Obviously there is plenty of blame to go around ... but, the government needs to at least provide the auto makers a bridge loan (life preserver) to keep their doors open. I hope that Washington opens up the pocketbook pronto, providing the funds necessary to sustain the the auto industry, giving them some breathing room ... it may just be postponing the inevitable, but so be it, not only for the sake of the economy, but also to sustain the livelihood and well being of all those who's world revolves around the survival of the auto industry. We must keep those wheels rolling!

Lindy

[NS'Creter]

I'm with ya on that Lindy. By the time that ripple effect ends it will be felt globally. It's huge and it's scarey. All of these coorperations are so top heavy basic gravity dictates that they will eventually topple. We just got a new boss at our local power generating facility. Not the guy in charge of the whole province...the local plant. Because of the "Right To Information" and the "Public Utilities Board" they publish the salaries of these guys...his is $1,000,000.000 (annual) plus benefits for health and pension and vehicle plus a profit share. Did I mention that he was local?

[Lindy]

Wow ... that salary and benefits package should be "a crime" since it has to be covered in the rate you and others pay for service. I don't understand how salaries of certain CEO, along with their bonuses, grew to be the norm to begin with (regardless of what type of business it is) ... hundreds of people, that would are perfectly able to professionally perform, would be jumping at the bit to have these CEO or executive positions for less than half. All countries have a minimum wage ... there needs to be legislation passed as to maximum wage when it comes to certain entities (like public utilities) who currently have a license to steal. Same goes for the CEO's of the auto makers, financially/banking business, huge insurance corporations, etc ... if there was, the economy would recover much quicker by cutting cost at the top of the ladder.

Lindy

Lynn

[NS'Creter]

"Maximum Wage"...what a great idea! As soon as something like this is suggested some folks get their guards up and scream "Socialism!" it's not the same thing. Clearly, all jobs and professions are subject to a ceiling or cap when it comes to earnings. Even the NHL has implemented a salary cap. I also feel that when it reaches certain levels it should be performance based with appropriate objectives outlined in the deal. A million bucks (plus,plus,plus) annually to manage a plant that's been in operation since the 60's seems excessive to me. The ultimate slap in the face to us consumers was that the very next article in the newspaper (to the announcement of this guy's appointment and salary) was that Nova Scotia Power Inc. had been approved by the Public Utilities Review Board for a rate hike. We were all very glad because we were worried that we didn't pay enough for electricity. If I get to build the house that I've been planning it will be off the grid.
As far as the "Big 3" goes, I think it's obvious that most people in North America want them to stay. As I said, the ripples will be felt globally if there's a shut down. I think that there should be assistance given, but I think it should be incentive/performance based. Major issues and objectives could include; the number of jobs that remain, the number of new jobs created, environmental aspects (plants and vehicles), loyalty to North American suppliers and a salary range for all positions which includes minimums and maximums. In short, they should be good corperate citizens...yes, I mean better than they are now.

[Lindy]

I am all for Obama rolling back the Bush tax cuts to what they were during the Clinton administration ... the 5% of wealthiest American's (which includes corporate CEO's) don't need a tax cut, the other 95% of us do. I never really thought about it before, but your right, even pro football players have "salary caps." The corporate fat cats that galavant around in corporate jets, who are the root of the problem with the "big 3 automakers," should be GROUNDED and have their wings clipped. Furthermore, they should have to live off the fat they have collected (salary/benefits/bonuses) until the companies they head up are out of the red and profitably in the black again.

Lindy

[NS'Creter]

That would make them true team players wouldn't it? And they could certainly live comfortably from their accumulated wealth. We can't expect true fairness or actual justice though. Yes that's a cynical outlook, but all too true as well.