Wanted: Knifemaker / Craftsman / Related Services

B

Bob W

Joined
Dec 31, 2000
Messages
17,079
Quick question on this sub-forum area. When I click the sub-forum header I get a message, "There are no posts in this forum." No one has ever posted in this area? Or I am locked out?
I see this in the forum headline, "Anyone can post threads, however ONLY KnifeMaker / Craftsman / Materials Providers may reply to threads." which is easy, in itself, to understand. But does that also mean that paid Gold members cannot even read the topics there?

:confused:
 
The only folks that can see, and potentially respond to threads are knifemakers, craftsmen, and service provides. It helps to corral business for the folks in orange suits. It's not necessarily meant to be a place to read topics, that is what the discussion forums are for. A part of the knife exwchange, it's designed for business.
 
The For Sale forums are for "business" too, but I can read those. Is there a reason why this particular Exchange sub-forum would have a different rule than all of the other Exchange sub-forums?
 
Bob W said:
The For Sale forums are for "business" too, but I can read those. Is there a reason why this particular Exchange sub-forum would have a different rule than all of the other Exchange sub-forums?
Click to expand...

The answer is in the first two sentences of my previous reply. If you are a registered member (no paid membership) you cannot see or read the "Want To Buy) threads already in there. Again, it's not the only forum designed that way. The political arena here is only viewable by paying members. Why? It prevents random people from jumping in and turning it into a free for all. The Wanted Knife maker forum is for Knife makers. When someone wants something done, they post their request in there. Then members with a knife maker membership can reply and provide the service.
 
Bob, look down at the bottom of the forum page. Thread Display Options should show a period of time prior to now, if not, choose how far back you want to look.
 
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I also (just now) found this older topic asking the same thing, which explains the situation well enough.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ifemaker-Craftsman-Related-Services-no-access

The reason I was asking, I was considering posting there but wanted to get a 'feel' for how the section works first. For example, if someone posts an idea, do multiple makers put forth options and attempt to compete for the job? How 'dead' is it in there? If one makers replies to a proposal, do all the other makers stand back and let the first to answer have at it? Those sorts of things, just wanting to peek in the door before committing to a party, or dip a toe in the water before jumping in the deep end. :)

I suppose I understand the logic behind the rule, but the closed nature of the sub-forum makes me hesitant to post there.
 
Bob, the idea is to give the paid knife makers and craftsmen an advantage on projects where they get paid for their work, over regular members (paid or otherwise unregistered even) that may try and snipe those projects or lowball. If you have an idea for something you want to be done to a knife, your thread goes up, and makers capable and willing to do the work will chime in. You can then select from any of the craftsmen that respond.

The same thing gos for the Knives Want To Buy section. A person posts their request for a knife in there. Paid Gold or higher members can then see those threads, contact the person and make a deal that way. If it were not for those limited access areas, the entire forum would be chaotic and a free-for-all. It's a perk of being a paid member here, just like the private messages, ability to sell, posting in exclusive forums, etc.
 
I see it this way, I pay good money to be able to show my work and hopefully get people to order my work. But, if I did not pay this membership and could still see the "Services Wanted" forum I could simply solicit work from there without paying for the membership. In short it would be cheating the system and cheating those who pay for the privilege to show and sell their wares.

That forum is made so that knife makers, craftsmen, and service providers can have a place where they can watch for someone needing their services. There isn't much "competition" going on, just an honest "here is what I do, does that fill your needs" .

There is also a place where a lot of knife makers and craftsmen list themselves and their specializations. "Services Offered" There you can browse among the craftsmen and see how things work there, its similar in a reverse sort of way. Its in the same exchange section.

I hope this helps a little.
 
OK. That all sounds fine, and makes sense. I certainly trust that something goes in there if you say so. :)

------------------

Now here's an entirely different question, one that I thought was answered but could be in doubt now.

Original question from 2011, not that long ago:
I have some blade blanks that could use handles and final edge finishing, and am considering having someone else do the work. Where would be the proper place to start a topic such as that?
The target audience is most likely the guys in the "Tinkering" forum section, or maybe "Shop Talk" to reach beginner makers. But will a soliciting for services topic be allowed there?​

And here was the answer from Blues:
Bob, you can post a query for recommendations in "Maintenance & Tinkering". I see such threads there regularly.​

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...r-section-for-quot-Services-Wanted-quot-topic

Is it still acceptable two years later to put a "help wanted" topic in the Tinkering section? Seems like once in a while I need a good "tinkerer" rather than a professional knife maker.
 
Your really doing your homework! :)

As far as traffic, there are currently 676 threads with 2,226 posts in there, not bad.

Couldn't hurt to post a shout out in the tinkering forum, but dont be surprised if it gets moved to "services wanted" Its up to the moderator of that forum and/or any reports to the staff.

In the sheath forum posts like that get moved because of the same issues of sheathmakes without the proper membership going behind the scenes to solicit business. "Membership has its privileges." :p
 
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