yeah this is gettin old. I can understand it's not run by full time guys but at this point it should be up and running. Even after the last fiasco it hasn't been right for a couple of months..double postings, no notifications for new posts, etc.

AND I did donate, twice.

I agree with previous statements..ESI is still too lite and even here in the custom installers lounge it's not protected. Not sure IP is 100% protected but at least it's not wide open like here.....

IP is a real good place to have those conversations, had a real good conversation last night with joel and tucker...thanks

#annoyed

Its ironic that a super techy site is so buggy!

I tried on several occasions to become a member and was completely ignored. I understand busy, I'm busy too. I still went out of my way to take the time to do what was asked of me to become a member though. To not even get a response is a little disrespectful. Having said that, I quit trying and even worrying about it long ago...

Can't be worse then RTI forgetting to pay their hosting bill!

I'm not going to bitch about something that is virtually free and it's a great resource for all of us who are members!!!

I have no idea what Ed's referring to, he was welcome there, every CI is welcome there, it's one of the reasons I keep it 100% politics and religion free, so that it stays focused only on CI's helping each other. I don't think there has been a flame at ESI since it was started.

The traffic is lower but there are a ton of great conversations and it's 100% CI only private forum and the light never goes out.

The only challenge is confirming people who can't provide a legit business email of a CI firm to confirm them with, so some people have signed up that I haven't been able to let in as they can't or won't enter a business email address so I can confirm they are legit CI's. If that's been an issue for you feel free to PM me here so we confirm you and get you in.

Hi Trent,

I'm sorry but if it is ESI you are referring to it is CI only, no manufacturers, so that would be why you weren't approved. Please understand, I pay for it out of my own pocket and make 0 dollars from the site, it's basically "there" for CI's to use, but I only have so much time to spend on emailing people.

That said, your point is valid, I'm going to start sending out emails to people we can't approve explaining why.

Thanks,

David

Because the people who run it have real full time jobs. 

IP is back up

Gotcha...thanks for the explanation. I wasn't aware it was CI only.

I wonder why it's CI only. I can understand wanting to be able to bag on crappy manufacturers or manufacturers with crappy customer service, etc without fear of reprisal, but keeping out people who can address our problems directly? I envision a bunch of guys going around and around in circles trying to figure stuff out without help from the folks who can answer the questions. Imagine Trent, Brent, the Snap guys, even Fred being banned here! But don't do it, please!

It's a peer to peer community for CI's where they can have private discussions. All the people you mentioned are great, it's just not what ESI was created for.

Ernie, I totally support ESI being for CIs only.

Just recently I started a conversation on IP about pricing of certain MFG's product. I was considering Fred's place as well as few others.

Fred's place ended up earning my business but if it had gone the other way, I would not want reprisal from my sales rep for lost business.

We also share pricing strategies that 'might' give certain distributors that are granted access an unfair business advantage.

Whats wrong with ESI having a manufacturers section? Still have a private CI section. With IP going down the toilet, would seem like a time to make ESI even better and become the leader. Potential exist for it to become so much more and even a for profit site should that desire exist.

Nothing, I'd do it in a second if it would have sufficient traffic, but I don't want a dead forum, and that's what would happen, because there would be a post in those forums once in a blue moon, and the 5-10 manufacturers who participate would have no incentive to visit.

IP has a lot more traffic, and the manufacturers zone is a dead zone.

@david. You got me assigned almost instantly. My issues were not with you or esi. It was more with certain personalities that let it be know I was not welcome their loss not mine. I have 20 years in the industry and a boat load of knowledge