Hi, Northart.
I'm with you, at least some of the way. I don't think it takes all that long to sort out the wanna-be's from the 'real thang' in pretty much any BB situation but especially with vintage machinery.

When it comes to tye-tulls, y'all up there in the great U-nighted Staytes done got us beat DownUnder. Our unions don't have any 'op'ratin injunnears', although we do have most of the others that you mention. Operators DownUnder are just operators. Some are one-skilled, some are multi-skilled and, like most anywhere else in the world, some, the careless and/or just plain unlucky/unwary, are just killed.

There is a bit of a hierarchy among operators with dump truck operators being about the bottom of the food chain and gradually rising up from there. And just as with BB's, it doesn't usually take all that long to pick the good-uns from the not-so-good-uns out on the job either.

I've never been much of a respector of titles. Rather, I tend to respect ability, knowledge and understanding. I also respect the willingness to learn. And I salute you, Sir Northart, for plying your trade well in an environment that I would not choose to live in full time. 'Cos it's too Gard-amm cold for more'n half the year.

You have a wonderful day. Best wishes. Deas Plant.

Just thought I'd chime in on this for a minute: The forum "titles" are pretty much just for fun, as you'll see by surfing through a variety of hobbyist forums. Yes they generally indicate how prolific a poster is on a given forum, but common sense dictates a "buyer beware" attitude when soliciting advice from the Internet. So touches to a forum application such as the title system merely adds a little flavor to the community.

Walt,
Junior Member, simply means you aint talked enuff yet, to be sumthin else..

walt, even if the person on here was experienced,ie; 10 years in the IUOE, or years as a "tech" for a dealer, or perhaps someone that works as a drywall hanger for a living, they should be made to feel welcome. the system used as JB has stated is for fun etc. as deas plant said, it doesn't take to long to figure it out . these pics show what is apparently how not to do it, all part of someones experience process. rigandig

walt, here's some more.

and some more

and that's all folks.

Hello Rigandig,

My intent is not to make anyone unwelcome, for challenging ,the title thing . To me, it is insulting for someone to be given, a title of Catskinner, Foreman that never has been one !

How ridiculous ! This says any BB poster that acquires so many post is deemed to be one !

For us that have spent our lives in performing the work is denigrated. Cheapened in other words.

That's why I say dump this BB title thing , for marketing purposes ! We got along fine without it, on the previous BB. Now it's just to create chit chat ! And put a simple Occupation Title, by the posters handle. Forget the flair for theatrics,comical aspect.

Also restore the Emoticons of "Crying", "Applauding", "Smoking or Thinking" which were more applicable to the emotions.

I appreciate and value people, Identifying themselves as to Occupation: Real College Degree Engineers, Salespeople, Mechanics,Ranchers, Farmers, Loggers,Dealers, Parts People,Operators, Restoration People, Contractors, Owners,Electricians, Enthusiasits, Students,Novice, etc.,

Whatever level YOU ARE. Just having an interest in Caterpillar, Antiques, History,Products,etc . I personally Welcome Everyone.

Let the viewers describe Themselves for the audience !

I agree with Nortart no rewards for how much you post, some of the highest posters on the old BB post just to see their name up and make it sound like they have 100 yrs of exp. opperating ,wrenching and hauling Antique Caterpillars. When in fact they have very little hands on, what they know they have read or heard from someone else. Im bringing it to GWH and Jeff Huff asking them that only icon we show is that user is a paid up member in good standing with ACMOC all other who use site for free will be nothing or maybe label them as they are FREELOADERS

Hello Willie,

I always welcome your posts ! This is just a marketing gimmick ( the titles below a members name for number of posts, ) .

Reminds me of the Encyclopedia Salesman, Fuller Brush Salesman, Watkins Dealer, Tupperware Parties, etc.

I just don't think we need to participate in market gimmicks to promote the ACMOC !

Faithfull promotion of Antiquities of the Past is the more responsible way to go ! Reminders for the Future generations !