Looking for a Tech, Forum?

[lovinwaves]

I see these types of threads occassionally http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=51899 , or I see these types of requests imbedded in threads.

Just wondering what everyone(well, mainly Darren ;) ) thinks about having a sub-forum requesting local technicians help? Or, should these types of questions be directed to a specific forum that already exists?

Or, what about having a database with our resident techs listed (that want to be listed of course), and their location?

I have actually helped 3 complete strangers install their carseats from this forum. It was a simple question of, "is there a tech on here that is in the KC area that can help me?"

[Simplysomething]

I like the idea of a database.

[azgirl71]

I like the isea of CAr-seat.org having its own tech/instructor data base. I think it could really be helpful to some of the people who do not know how to go about finding a tech. Plus they seem to be more comfortable if they are from here as opposed to just a firehouse or police dept.

[CDNTech]

I like the database idea as well... I've helped 5 or 6 people that found me off of this forum to date.

[Stretchy Glue]

I like the data base also. You can avoid listing too much personal info by listing cell phones only, and a county or region of the state.

[TerisBoys]

Or just list by state/county and have them PM for info.

That way the techs can feel out the people that are asking for help.

[Stretchy Glue]

That's a really good idea Terri

[lovinwaves]

My husbands specialty at work is creating databases LOL :whistle:

"ohhh Honey.."

[scatterbunny]

Love the idea of a C-S.Org technician database! :thumbsup:

(And I think Darren's still recovering from his KIM Conference trip ;) )

[joolsplus3]

It oughta be a specialty designation... "Car-seat.org approved CPST"

:love:

[Judi]

I have gotten two calls lately, for installs. Weird, never have before. Also did one install for someone on here, well two if you count the KDMF install 150 miles away.

I would like a database for c-s.org, or something.

[CPSDarren]

This is something on the list for the future. It will also be incorporated into CEU credit and access to the technical professionals forum eventually. Until I get around to that, if you would like to register for "the list", you may do so by following the instructions for step #3 in this post:

http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=26521

I will be sending an email about this to all those who have access to the tech forum in the near future. There will be a post in the tech forum where techs can "opt in" to a public thread with a list of techs by location, provided they are current and listed under Car-Seat.Org at SafeKids USA.

[scatterbunny]

There's Darren. :) Are you recovered yet?

[CPSDarren]

Lots of stuff on my list for the forums and blog right now, but the vacation itself was fine!

[jodibug]

I hope that you can create this soon. I wish I could find someone near me.

[Judi]

Where are you?

[CDNTech]

This is something on the list for the future. It will also be incorporated into CEU credit and access to the technical professionals forum eventually. Until I get around to that, if you would like to register for "the list", you may do so by following the instructions for step #3 in this post:

http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=26521

I will be sending an email about this to all those who have access to the tech forum in the near future. There will be a post in the tech forum where techs can "opt in" to a public thread with a list of techs by location, provided they are current and listed under Car-Seat.Org at SafeKids USA.

Darren... Canadian's can't do step #3... is there an option to have a Canadian database?

[CPSDarren]

The SJA you sent to get tech forum access will suffice to be on the list:-)

I'll send an email and start a thread for those interested this week!

[Simplysomething]

Could we have, on the database... like a year became a tech thing (though, I do know that length of time being certified doesn't equal most knowledge). And not all of the techs who are registered at C-S.org are ....uh... the worthy. lol

It oughta be a specialty designation... "Car-seat.org approved CPST"

:love:

Maybe we could have different designations.

Like a "Registered with C-S.org Tech"--for those who just registered, but never post in the help forums or don't post anything that helpful (the ones who just reiterate what others have said).

For those who are working to make sure they are giving out factual and correct information at all times and are truly helpful something like "C-S.org Approved Tech"

For the Gurus and the folks who know everything about every seat belt imaginable and every car..something like "C-S.org Recommended Tech"

And I'd make them not automatic, other than the "C-S.org Registered" designation. The rest should be merit based.

[Patriot201]

Simply,

I think your ideas are outstanding. I love the idea of having the title a tech receives be "merit-based."

There are some outstanding techs on this site, who really know their "stuff," are patient educators, and are truly concerned with teaching parents/caregivers about how to use their seats. Those techs are often the ones who are "out there" helping the community with installations.

Your ideas are excellent. :)

[CPSDarren]

The tech signup is here:

http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=52323

An email about the signup and SK USA affiliation to Car-Seat.Org is being mailed now to all those with tech forum access, current email addresses on file and who have opted to receive emails from Admin.

I should have some time to finish this next week!

I'm not sure we are willing or even able create and impose qualifications for an elite tech title. Unfortunately, inexperienced and uninterested techs are a fact of life online, but much moreso locally. I suspect just registering here and following the steps to be listed are a good step forward! It's a good idea, but not an easy one to implement and it adds a lot of work, too.