I have been doing a little private messaging with another member who stated that he was reluctant to actively post in this forum because of the typical responses from the established members; those fellows who are supposed to be supportive of the newbies.
I think he has a good point.
Questions to this forum often seem to follow one of these formats:
1. I'm a newbie, and would like to get in the business. Most of the advice is geared towards chasing them away from the trade.
2. I have a tree problem, I need some advice. Most of the responses run along the lines of "don't do it, you are unqualified". I personally believe that they already know that; this is why they asked for advice.
3. Equipment and hardware questions. Everyone seems to enjoy answering these questions.
4. Tree climbing and trimming technique questions. Everyone seems to enjoy answering these questions also.
I think that it is a shame that most of the questions posted in this forum gather up a long series of negative responses that are clearly intended to discourage the aspiring arborist to seek another trade or to abandon whatever project they were attempting. I think it is entirely appropriate for us to give advice that includes all of the usual precautionary comments, but I really do not think that it is our job to dump disillusionment and despair on everyone that posts in this forum.
I sincerely doubt that anyone will ever be sued for the advice they give here online, and I really doubt that all of the discouraging advice is genuinely aimed at the original poster's best interests. We all know the tree work is dangerous, but I personally believe that a good deal of the advice is rooted in trade protectionism.
I also think that a lot of the negative responses are the result of regret on the part of the experienced tree workers for their own career path. I think it behooves us to figure out a way to be realistic with aspiring tree workers without being so discouraging and negative on the topic.
Your comments are welcome! Feel free to let me have it, either pro or con, agree or disagree. :msp_sneaky:
I think he has a good point.
Questions to this forum often seem to follow one of these formats:
1. I'm a newbie, and would like to get in the business. Most of the advice is geared towards chasing them away from the trade.
2. I have a tree problem, I need some advice. Most of the responses run along the lines of "don't do it, you are unqualified". I personally believe that they already know that; this is why they asked for advice.
3. Equipment and hardware questions. Everyone seems to enjoy answering these questions.
4. Tree climbing and trimming technique questions. Everyone seems to enjoy answering these questions also.
I think that it is a shame that most of the questions posted in this forum gather up a long series of negative responses that are clearly intended to discourage the aspiring arborist to seek another trade or to abandon whatever project they were attempting. I think it is entirely appropriate for us to give advice that includes all of the usual precautionary comments, but I really do not think that it is our job to dump disillusionment and despair on everyone that posts in this forum.
I sincerely doubt that anyone will ever be sued for the advice they give here online, and I really doubt that all of the discouraging advice is genuinely aimed at the original poster's best interests. We all know the tree work is dangerous, but I personally believe that a good deal of the advice is rooted in trade protectionism.
I also think that a lot of the negative responses are the result of regret on the part of the experienced tree workers for their own career path. I think it behooves us to figure out a way to be realistic with aspiring tree workers without being so discouraging and negative on the topic.
Your comments are welcome! Feel free to let me have it, either pro or con, agree or disagree. :msp_sneaky: