Making Optiboard a more welcoming place!

**OptiNovice86** · 07-16-2012, 04:18 PM

I agree 100%

**kcount** · 07-16-2012, 04:40 PM

I'm in.

**Judy Canty** · 07-16-2012, 05:02 PM

I remember those days quite well. In fact, there was a time when many of us refused to converse with members who hid behind screen names.

**kcount** · 07-16-2012, 06:52 PM

I just refuse to talk to people that are beneath me.

**Java99** · 07-16-2012, 06:55 PM

I will try to be part of the solution. New or not, real name or screen name, in my country or not, in a chain or not.

**LENNY** · 07-16-2012, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by Judy Canty

I remember those days quite well. In fact, there was a time when many of us refused to converse with members who hid behind screen names.

Is LENNY ok?

**opty4062** · 07-16-2012, 07:54 PM

I have received a great deal of help and knowledge from Optiboard and for that I am thankful. I still feel like a "newb" here. I even feel some apprehension about posting questions or opinions. But it is far worth it in the long run. I will try yo be more active in being welcoming and helpful when I can.

**nicksims** · 07-16-2012, 09:28 PM

Nice idea. I'm all for it. And my vent- I enjoy coming here. I'm always learning something new and enjoying the commentary. I'm neither insulted by the angry comments nor personally offended. I love some good sarcasm, a joke and the occasional giving of grief. But there is a limit and every time that limit is crossed here, well crap, I've just wasted more freakin' time reading someone's whiny response instead of something worthwhile or entertaining. The super-obnoxious- they just aren't funny. They are simply a waste of all of our time.

As for the newbie questions that seem dumb, ignorant, or frustrating to those who whine at their pathetic little questions? Frankly, I enjoy those pathetic little questions. They sometimes remind me of things that I learned MANY years ago. And those little tidbits, adages, or methods sometimes change. So I enjoy the commentary on those questions- they make me think about what I've learned, what I've forgotten, is this current, etc. This isn't a closed room session only for the elite, it is an open forum, open to all in the profession, good or bad, experienced or young.

Now I think I'll grab gallons of used grunge water from the ultrasonic and piles of cheesy green nosepads, boil some stew, and throw in a consumer posing as an optician.

So Fezz, good idea. Looking forward to see how this develops.

**fjpod** · 07-17-2012, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by Wes

We are a dying breed. The current method of bringing others into this field is failing us all. Someone should not be unleashed on the public as an optician until they have been trained, preferably formally. That's my point. What is an optician if anyone can do it at day one? It is literally NOTHING. That must change.
I don't suppose anyone actually noticed that I pointed out that I realize I have to work with the system we have until it can be changed, or that I also volunteered to help others and do so often, when you quoted me.

Well said.

**fjpod** · 07-17-2012, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by LENNY

Is LENNY ok?

No, Use your real name. LOL.

**Now I See** · 07-18-2012, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by Judy Canty

I remember those days quite well. In fact, there was a time when many of us refused to converse with members who hid behind screen names.

Ruh, roh!!! (in my best "scooby-doo" voice!)

I would really like to see a forum like that, Fezz. The thing is, if we want to produce a fine wine, we have to nurture the budding Opticians around us, otherwise they will wither on the vine, and we're left with a bunch of dried up ol' raisins!

PS....and, yes, thick skin is helpful on O'board, luckily I worked in a lab when I first started optics that helped me toughen up before I found O'board.

**Kara** · 07-18-2012, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by Now I See

PS....and, yes, thick skin is helpful on O'board, luckily I worked in a lab when I first started optics that helped me toughen up before I found O'board.

That's where I got my thick skin! Well, that and the theatre!!!!

**EyeManFla** · 07-18-2012, 01:50 PM

When I got into the business, all the old timers I knew looked on bringing in an apprentice the same way they brought new members into the Blue Lodge. If they thought you were worthy, you got in.

**Judy Canty** · 07-18-2012, 02:15 PM

Yeah, I spent my first year in a wholesale lab. Of course, this was the early '70s, when the only way to talk to us was on the phone. No anonymity there, ever! I can't remember a single episode where I suffered verbal abuse from anyone. The good old days!

**NCspecs** · 07-18-2012, 03:27 PM

I'm willing to participate. I'm always for civil and articulate discourse.

**LENNY** · 07-18-2012, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by fjpod

No, Use your real name. LOL.

It is my real name!

No one can pronounce my last name!

**Lee Prewitt** · 07-19-2012, 10:46 AM

Great idea Fezz! Count me in to help when I can.

**MakeOptics** · 07-19-2012, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by Wes

We are a dying breed. The current method of bringing others into this field is failing us all. Someone should not be unleashed on the public as an optician until they have been trained, preferably formally. That's my point. What is an optician if anyone can do it at day one? It is literally NOTHING. That must change.
I don't suppose anyone actually noticed that I pointed out that I realize I have to work with the system we have until it can be changed, or that I also volunteered to help others and do so often, when you quoted me.

Wes,

You are beginning to sound dangerously like me with your attitudes. If I can tune your focus a bit. Keep in mind you recognize that the newbies are being brought into this system that is broken, I agree whole heatedly. Once they are here we should nourish them and watch them grow. Now if you want to focus your attention, look at the ones who have had nourishment for years and still ask dumb questions, still ask the same dumb questions, that have never bought a book, etc. If these weeds are allowed to grow they take nourishment from the flowers that can bloom. If the newbies were nourished they would choke the weeds out.

**sharpstick777** · 07-20-2012, 10:45 AM

Good quote PhiTrace...

Originally Posted by PhiTrace

Wes,

You are beginning to sound dangerously like me with your attitudes. If I can tune your focus a bit. Keep in mind you recognize that the newbies are being brought into this system that is broken, I agree whole heatedly. Once they are here we should nourish them and watch them grow. Now if you want to focus your attention, look at the ones who have had nourishment for years and still ask dumb questions, still ask the same dumb questions, that have never bought a book, etc. If these weeds are allowed to grow they take nourishment from the flowers that can bloom. If the newbies were nourished they would choke the weeds out.

**Wes** · 07-20-2012, 11:19 AM

And there are about a dozen newbs whining incessantly on multiple threads about not yet receiving their exam results. Let's go make them feel welcome!

**Steve Machol** · 07-20-2012, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by Wes

And there are about a dozen newbs whining incessantly on multiple threads about not yet receiving their exam results. Let's go make them feel welcome!

Hmmm...how is that 'whining' and why do you feel compelled to insult them?

**Wes** · 07-20-2012, 11:39 AM

Despite the fact that the mid-Atlantic region has been hit by one of the worst non-hurricane storms in a century, and despite the fact that Judy and I have informed them of this on these threads, many still seem to want to take "snotty" (to use Ryser's term) jabs at the competence of the organizations they seek certification from. That's rather ironic.

**Uilleann** · 07-20-2012, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by Wes

Despite the fact that the mid-Atlantic region has been hit by one of the worst non-hurricane storms in a century, and despite the fact that Judy and I have informed them of this on these threads, many still seem to want to take "snotty" (to use Ryser's term) jabs at the competence of the organizations they seek certification from. That's rather ironic.

The "snot" is coming from inside the house! (catch the pun?) Trying to project it onto the newcomers doesn't help anyone, and serves only to further undermine the credibility of the elevated few here perched on the stump of their seemingly bloated egos and personal agendas.

Knowing Fezz, I'm certain this was not his intent with his opening query in this thread.

**MakeOptics** · 07-20-2012, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by Uilleann

The "snot" is coming from inside the house! (catch the pun?) Trying to project it onto the newcomers doesn't help anyone, and serves only to further undermine the credibility of the elevated few here perched on the stump of their seemingly bloated egos and personal agendas.

Knowing Fezz, I'm certain this was not his intent with his opening query in this thread.

Well stated but you know that because it's true means your are going to recieve some sort of backlash from that statement. I guess that's why you put the bomb on the end of the line. That's a neat little feature.

**becc971** · 07-20-2012, 02:52 PM

give the newbs credit that they actually went to get their certifications, especially if they work in a state that doesn't require it! a lot of people nowadays wouldn't be bothered if they didn't have to. I studied for MONTHS for mine ... and once the sting wears off from that i'll be trying for my master's when i get a little more time under my belt and some learnage (<--technical term) ... and i'll be grateful to everyone who helps me along the way

and i hope to be able to use this as a resource and have people be respectful and helpful!!