My first observation about this and other boards that struck me as interesting is tolerance. We are all different, some tall; some short (that is me). Some have been in the industry for more years than I have been alive, and some are just starting. Some have every certification under the sun, and some are still waiting to attend a class. Some are married, some are single, but the one thing that I enjoyed the most about our tolerance, is the tolerance of age. We have the old PadMan, the Wise old grasshopper, various gurus, and then there is me. I started as the youngest certified owner the IICRC had ever seen. They welcomed me with open arms.
I came first to the Delco board as a young kid without a clue, that changed rapidly. I then ventured to CleanFax and learned more than I thought possible…until now. I signed on to ICS on the first day and remained a “lurker” for quite some time. I was frightened to show my ignorance. I made my inquiries privately through e-mail, and they all were answered. I then became an active poster and learned more and more each day. Through experience and trial and error, I too have developed into a so-called expert in some areas. I have felt more acceptance here than anywhere else I have been. Everyone here accepted me as an equal and helped me with my problems. The ultimate feeling of being someone came when a lurker e-mailed me about a question.
I have shared many a laugh here...I would just like to thank each and every one of you for making the dream of an interactive forum for the sharing of knowledge a reality. Brandon J. Miller