No More Break/Fix
As of today, I am officially no longer available for computer repair or consulting. I’ve been making a strong move into the web and graphic design field and I just don’t have the time to juggle the old with the new. I’ve got to move forward.
If you need any technical help in the future, let me make a few recommendations:
- Do NOT go to the Geek Squad. They are overpriced and mostly hire kids straight out of high school with an A+ Certification at best. That’s not to say that the employees don’t know what they’re doing or won’t do a good job. They do and they will but they only see a fraction of the price you’re going to pay for repair and you’ll pay way more than they’re worth.
- Ask around. More often than not, there is a someone you know who does this kind of work for a living and could use the extra cash. They will also typically charge about half as much as retail repair shops like Geek Squad or CompUSA. Check out Craigslist or mention that you need some work done within your circle of friends. Trust me, someone knows a nerd that needs some work.
- Do NOT expect free service or advice just because it’s a family member or friend. One of the things I’m really looking forward to putting behind me is the near constant onslaught of people wanting me to fix their computers for free! Really? You’d gladly pay a stranger but expect me to do it for free because we’ve spent Thanksgiving together? I really don’t mind helping people out unless it’s expected. Just keep in mind that this kind of work takes talent and time and both of those are worth something. I’m a big fan of the bartered lunch, a bag of my favorite candy, or homemade cookies, but that’s me. The point is to show appreciation beyond a thank you.
- Stop being a cheap skate. It just may be time to buy a new computer. Don’t hand off your 10 year Compaq Presario to a technician and expect a miracle. The average computer life span is between 3-5 years. Most manufacturers won’t even offer a warranty past 3 years because they know it’s bad business. Computers aren’t built to last forever. So if you’re having problems, maybe it’s because it’s time to invest in a new rig.
So that’s it. I’m pulling the plug. If you’d like some work done on your website or need a new logo or graphic work then shoot me an email.
Thanks everyone!
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Will….message received.
from our standpoint it has all been about trust,competancy and enjoying the company. Sorry to lose you .
ask around? ok..I'm asking , do you know someone specifically? you know our needs better than anyone .
we wouldn't know where to start , or compare , they all sound good..until they're not, then your committed.
this is a more important relationship than a woman's hairdresser.
ps…this Sharing is Caring thing on the left is bugging the shit out of me
Hey, I feel like I did this all wrong with you guys, and I'm sorry, but my intention wasn't to blind side you and it certainly wasn't directed. I have been inundated with work lately and I'm stressed out. Things are falling through the cracks and I'm losing valuable time with the fam.
I always knew I was going to abandon this ship, but the past couple of weeks have been brutal and I had hit the eject button before I imploded. I needed to make an official announcement so I could keep my focus where I want it.
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you and Diane and it was always more than the work. I will be sure to get you in touch with someone perfect for your needs. I've already asked my brother but he doesn't have the time because of school.
I have no intentions of ostracizing you guys though. We still have a friendship and future opportunities so please don't think I'm building a wall. Just moving forward.
I'm definitely keeping the Sharing is Caring thing up now that I know that.
I've just started playing dumb about computers when I meet new people. It's much easier than finding ways to get out of doing free work for people or resenting the people that talk me into it. Doesn't work for old family and friends, but at least I've moved away from most of them so I can't help them that much.
Just be aware you'll run into the same thing with web sites and graphic design. Oh hey, your cousin is getting married! Can you whip up a program for their wedding and make a wedding web site real quick? Your uncle is starting a business and he heard the internet was a great way to be a millionaire! Can you help?
Bleh.
That's new people though. I tend to pull the same dumb shtick too but I've got so many people I know (mostly coworkers) who want me to fix something almost constantly. I could move, I guess. LOL… I've had my eyes on Denver for a while now. We could get together and have a laugh about our families and friends broken computers.
I've actually already run into this already but I've taken what I've learned from computer repair and I stomp that crap out immediately. I've got no patience for it anymore… or time.
Good call. I feel ya! Best of luck in the web and design world; is that just freelance?
Thanks! Freelance for now. There is some movement on owning a business with a friend, but it's a bit down the road still.
That is awesome. I've already started doing this at work as much as I can get away with. I have a entire data center along with internet-based services that I'm responsible for. And a phone system. The quirky thing your laptop is doing needs to go to people whose skill level is appropriate for that.
It's a different matter for clients, as a small business of 4, 5, 6 employees can't really segment this, they pay the same either way, and they pay for my expertise precisely because I can handle any needs they have. However, new clients that I seek out will be along the design/web 2.0 spectrum, just as you are doing. But my very closest friends always know they can ask, and they know who they are.
Déjà vu.
Oof, yeah. See, this is why I don't like Buzz. Feedback loops: http://a.wholelottanothing.org/2010/02/my-persona...
P.S. I second that Sharing is caring! annoyance.
LOL, well it's going to stay around for just a little bit longer. It was really just a jQuery experiment.
I told Brett that he inspired me to work on a new design with a more minimalist approach. It's still in test but I'm hoping to go live around April/May. I'm going to be doing away with a lot of the fluff but not all of it. It won't be as light as yours or Brett's but definitely inspired by them.
Hey bud, I think my fan went out on my Vid card and I can't get my email to open. When can I get that phone call to fix these issues?!?!? Thanks for putting this first – Donnie
Ass. I'll give you a buzz later tonight to verbally abuse you.