Can a customer get acess to theese forums?

Mekanik · August 1, 2007

Can a customer get acess to theese forums? I'm just curious. Theese forums arent limited to just techs are they?

Keith Browning · August 1, 2007

The short answer is no. To access this FORUM you must fill out the registration form and submit it. The form then sits in my control panel until I approve it and unlock the account, then, and only then can you log in here. I verify people based on who I invite and I call the dealership and ask for you!

Now, there have been times early on that I was a little relaxed about it and somebody could have lied and snuck in. It is possible. There are many members that have never made a single post despite visiting at least once a week. Yes, I can see who logs in and when when I need to. Nobody has made a post that has raised suspicion yet.

If you know of anyone who has, or claims to have and wish to report them or discuss it in private, please send me a PM or an email. We aren't disclosing any trade secrets anything of importance so it's not a big deal any way.

There are techs I know were declined because they didn't think filling in their full name, dealer or company and work telephone number was necessary. I don't think its asking too much. No info? No access.

For the record, this forum is intended for: FORD, INTERNATIONAL technicians, all other dealer personnel, ALL Ford Motor Company employees from top to bottom, ALL International employees from top to bottom, Blue Diamond Truck, ANY training instructor OEM or private, Ford part suppliers, like Siemens, Raycor, Visteon...

...and like I mentioned, a few select individuals I invited.

We have members from the U.S. military, serving abroad and at home and a few Ford techs from abroad.

Keith Browning · August 1, 2007

A funny side note, Bill Ford applied to become a member. He used is Hotmail address which I thought was peculiar as he has his own web domain. I declined that one immediately. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/icon_crazy.gif I hope I was right in calling that one out. It would have been pretty cool having him login. I just don't know if Jim Warman could have contained his joy though! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif

Mekanik · August 1, 2007

What if someone claims to work at an independent shop?

I can't believe Bill Ford wanted to be a member. He might actually be fun to chat with /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/boxing.gif.

Keith Browning · August 1, 2007

What if someone claims to work at an independent shop?.

I have nothing against independent guys BUT, the idea of this private forum is for "Ford people" to congregate in peace and discuss "Ford issues" in general. We have a few independent techs here and I am fine with that. Some came to me as independents and a couple of you have recently left the dealerships and are certainly welcome to stay. But remember, this is not open to Independents as a rule. Who knows what direction the future will lead this web site. It still has far to go in achieving recognition and attracting more members from dealers and so on.

Originally Posted By: Mekanik

I can't believe Bill Ford wanted to be a member. He might actually be fun to chat with /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/boxing.gif.

You did understand that I believed that the guy was not really Bill Ford right? I did email him back and he did not respond. Personally, I don't think Bill Ford has any desire to have direct contact with us.

Jim Warman · August 2, 2007

If Kieth allowed independents in in droves, it wouldn't take long for this place to look like iATN... some of the help requests they send out look like they were penned by guys thinking of taking "shop" next semester.... and often start out with "this is my own (my dads, my sisters....) car.... ".

Bill Ford, you say??? Let riff raff like that in and the next thing you know Blacque Jacque will be rapping on the door...

Keith Browning · August 2, 2007

You mean good 'ol Jacques the Knife?

Mekanik · August 2, 2007

Originally Posted By: Mekanik

I can't believe Bill Ford wanted to be a member. He might actually be fun to chat with /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/boxing.gif.

You did understand that I believed that the guy was not really Bill Ford right? I did email him back and he did not respond. Personally, I don't think Bill Ford has any desire to have direct contact with us.

/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/shrug.gif

It was late in the day, it's hot and humid and I think the diesel fumes may be getting to me. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

Jim Warman · August 2, 2007

I fart diesel fumes..... /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/king.gif

Yes, Kieth, that would be flat rates best "buddy" - slash and burn, his own self....

I see no use for any input from the "bean counter" brigade... but wouldn't it be great to get some involvement from engineers regarding some of the strategies in module fault identification and such...

DieselD · August 8, 2007

I was wondering how you actually verified employment.

Again Im glad for the way its setup here. I absolutely had the hell child boards of TDS and the like.

Jim Warman · August 8, 2007

When I signed up, I had no idea that Kieth was going to check my "pedigree"... I hope that he at least checked to see if our toll free number worked in the US.... OTOH, if he had asked, I could have told him that I was who I claimed to be /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/rockon.gif

Doubting Thomas that he is.... I can only wonder if he asked if I was this big of a dick in real life, too?

Keith Browning · August 8, 2007

Quote:

I was wondering how you actually verified employment.

Remember filling out the form? The where you work and work telephone number must be filled out. Most of the time I will call you, at work. I may not actually speak to you directly, but I call. My apologies to those who picked up the phone and nobody was there. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/blush.gif I have spoken with some members though and every so often, nobody has ever heard of who I am calling for. I have other methods as well, but thats for me to know. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

Then there's guys like Jim who lets it all hang out and there is little doubt who they are. Remember, I am a member of just about every forum out there including the Genuine Quality Care Ford Message Boards on QCDealer.com Hang your email address out for all to see there, you get an invite! My methods are not perfect and it sometimes comes down to my mood when I get a new member notification whether I check or not but there is a system in place and it is used. Unlike most boards, there is a REAL person behind admissions and every registration is reviewed so you can't just skate right in.