Lets face it SM&P bought CLS...

[USIC1]

Everything has that SM&P twist to it...

All the changes are about moving toward the SM&P model...

Its sad but true...

Not trying to promote this as a negative...

It wont help the ss minnow anyway...

Ps anyone notice translore expires 7/31

OOHH MMEEE OOOHH MMMYYY!!!!

[GWJ_CAS]

Ps anyone notice translore expires 7/31



Translore is junk anyway...sidewalk chalk would be better than Translore.

[Lucky219]

It would figure that sm&p would take the lead after all the guy who is the president is from sm&p. I do have a question to any one at sm&p what kind of health insurance do you have? We are getting BSBC.

[sprayandpray]

It would figure that sm&p would take the lead after all the guy who is the president is from sm&p. I do have a question to any one at sm&p what kind of health insurance do you have? We are getting BSBC.

We have BCBS Anthem in Texas-pretty standard 80/20 and a choice of 2 deductibles. This is a PPO policy.

[yahoo]

i've heard some pretty good things about sm'p....everything else is about the same as all other locating comps. right?????

[GasMan]

wow, we use translore too....i dont care for it at all.

[locomike]

i hear cls is suppose to be going to sm&p c-4 by the end of the month. i know q manager from utiliquest/sts is easy as h**l to operate:Crash:

[Goldenboy]

I just wonder if they ever resticker our trucks to USIC what the contractors will come up with. We all know that SM&P is Spray More Paint and CLS is Can't Locate Sh&t. What will USIC be.

[TBONE]

Who knows United States Idiot Convention :rotflol::drinks:

[frostypeters]

:confused:umm...

Utilities Sinking In Crap???

Best I can think of...

[sprayandpray]

I just wonder if they ever resticker our trucks to USIC what the contractors will come up with. We all know that SM&P is Spray More Paint and CLS is Can't Locate Sh&t. What will USIC be.

I had already voted for "U sic Bastards":puke:

[Locateforlife]

I find it real interesting that you all show up for work each day, collect your paychecks on Friday and yet you appear to hate your jobs. If you truely believe that the combining of the two largest and most respected companies is a bad thing then I suggest that you go find a job at a fast food joint where they don't know the first thing about quality or customer service.

I for one think that the combining of the two companies is a good thing. Yes CHANGE is hard but in the long run CHANGE in inevitable. (Just ask the Clintons:yahoo:)

I have not seen or heard anything that would lead me to believe that the combined companies will be SM&P, or CLS all I know is that I am proud to be a DAMAGE PREVENTION TECHNICIAN.

The two companies are gelling together under the USIC header but for the time being remaining individual (with the exception of IL & IN).

I have heard so much bad mouthing of both companies that it is almost as if you are all back in fourth grade again fighting on the playground over who gets the kick ball.

You all need to grow up, decide if this field is the correct field / career for you and go from there.

[frostypeters]

Locatorforlife,

I have one comment & two suggestions for you.

Comment...
Everyone on this site (well, at least the ones that post, can't speak for the lurkers) is proud to be a locator & love what we do & take pride in it. We complain about the things that are wrong with the industry that we love.

Suggestions...

1-Go back & really read our posts. Some of the guys are misguided in the postings, but with a community of this size you're going to get that. But in large you will see that pride in our work is the single biggest common ground between us all.

2-Get a dose of reality. There are issues that need to be addressed in the industry. SM&P & CLS are far from perfect and far from being universally respected. That is not bashing them, it's being honest. They have warts, all companies of that size do. In large, we talk about the issues that bother us. Again some of us go off topic from time to time and/or go too far. That because we are passionate about what we do & want to feel that the leaders of our industry care as much as we do, which does not always happen.

If our complaining bothers you. Don't read the forums. Or go back to your meetings and try to start the changes that are needed. Either/or I don't care.

Now I'm taking my ball home because I don't want to play with you anymore...

[PowerSweep]

Locatorforlife,

I have one comment & two suggestions for you.

Comment...
Everyone on this site (well, at least the ones that post, can't speak for the lurkers) is proud to be a locator & love what we do & take pride in it. We complain about the things that are wrong with the industry that we love.

Suggestions...

1-Go back & really read our posts. Some of the guys are misguided in the postings, but with a community of this size you're going to get that. But in large you will see that pride in our work is the single biggest common ground between us all.

2-Get a dose of reality. There are issues that need to be addressed in the industry. SM&P & CLS are far from perfect and far from being universally respected. That is not bashing them, it's being honest. They have warts, all companies of that size do. In large, we talk about the issues that bother us. Again some of us go off topic from time to time and/or go too far. That because we are passionate about what we do & want to feel that the leaders of our industry care as much as we do, which does not always happen.

If our complaining bothers you. Don't read the forums. Or go back to your meetings and try to start the changes that are needed. Either/or I don't care.

Now I'm taking my ball home because I don't want to play with you anymore...


I applaud you ColdPrick.....I mean FrostyPeters.
I think if everyone would read these posts, they can see exactly what you are saying.

There are a lot of caring people here on this forum. As well as the occasional lost soul that just wants to read his own misguided thoughts.

There is no company out there that isn't covered in warts. The best we can all hope for is that the one we work for is making an appointment with a dermitoligist to have them removed.
Everyone should keep in mind.... like us, every company is trying to earn a paycheck. In order to do this, they have to attempt to get the most out of their employees. Some managers are good at doing this and maintaining positive relations with their employees, some are not so good.

I was just turned on to a very good concept..... manage upward. Sometimes, you have to manage your manager to get the results you are looking for. I am researching these techniques & putting them to use with some success. I am sure that as I get better at this, my job will get better as well.

[Locateforlife]

I think PowerSweep and, FrostyPeter are right. But in reading the posts over the last 12 months I have read allot of complaints but no solutions to the problems. We all know that there are upper management on here and that they read these posts. How about instead of complaining about the problems, which exist in all industry, you start recommending some legitimate, plausible changes. Remember these changes can only start if they are brought to your local level and they start with YOU.

[LadyLeatherneck]

Frosty & Power: Very good analagy. Very positive post! I would give you both an A+ if I were qualified to grade you.

Locate: If you look clearly into the posts with an open mind you will see that there are recommendations for positive change in them. Maybe you haven't read those posts. Keep digging, there's more there than meets the eye. Also, everyone likes to throw the "complain" word out a lot around here. I'm not so sure "complain" is the right word, especially if we're trying to be positive around here. Seems the use of that word, in itself, is the pot calling the kettle black. I prefer to look at our posts as a positive way to effect change. Since we all know these posts are monitored by those who are in power, in our small and unimportant way we are trying to help our companies and definitely not hurt them. The fact that we are spending our "not getting paid for this" time on www.thecablevine.com should speak for itself. Or are you and all the others not really listening. You can hear us "complain", but can you listen to our suggestions and make them useful in this industry? The ball is in your court! We are trying here. Are you? As I have said before, your success is our success and vice versa. Why would anyone spend their off time communicating with others in the same boat if they didn't care? The Powers that Be should take head, pay attention, learn, and take action on what they "hear" on the vine. Maybe this industry would thrive. Wouldn't that be a great thing?

[gypsygirl]

:iagree: LL... great post!! :yelclap:

[sprayandpray]

Well, I can only speak for myself, but I frequent this site to learn what other locators are experiencing and feeling in this industry I have chosen for myself. The moment I think this site has become another Management Forum with all the BS associated with 'corporate speak' is when I find another forum. I want views from all sides and if some of them are gripes without solutions, so be it. The main thing is the exchange of gripes, ideas, some solutions, many other questions and the ability to express these in an open forum. The one thing I do not need is for someone, anyone, to come along and assume the position, just like a liberal, that we members as a whole, need to be told what we can discuss and how to do it! By God, if I have a complaint without a solution and I want to throw it out in this Forum, I don't believe anyone but Steve has the right to deny me that airing.
Locatefor Life, I don't have a problem with your posting your opinions, but I do believe you are way off base with this one

[gypsygirl]

:iagree: Spray ... I totally agree with you. This is a forum FOR locators BY locators... I was under the impression that part of having this forum was to be ABLE to vent and let out some of the frustration and "issues" that we may have. There may not always be a solution or even that we are LOOKING for a solution in as much as just being able to get it off one's chest is therapy in itself. This is just a heck of a lot cheaper than seeing a shrink! But then again... maybe it is covered under my insurance??? :noway:

[RoadMap]

I find it real interesting that you all show up for work each day, collect your paychecks on Friday and yet you appear to hate your jobs. If you truely believe that the combining of the two largest and most respected companies is a bad thing then I suggest that you go find a job at a fast food joint where they don't know the first thing about quality or customer service.

I for one think that the combining of the two companies is a good thing. Yes CHANGE is hard but in the long run CHANGE in inevitable. (Just ask the Clintons:yahoo:)

I have not seen or heard anything that would lead me to believe that the combined companies will be SM&P, or CLS all I know is that I am proud to be a DAMAGE PREVENTION TECHNICIAN.

The two companies are gelling together under the USIC header but for the time being remaining individual (with the exception of IL & IN).

I have heard so much bad mouthing of both companies that it is almost as if you are all back in fourth grade again fighting on the playground over who gets the kick ball.

You all need to grow up, decide if this field is the correct field / career for you and go from there.

WOW! WHAT A KISS ASS!!!

[ifinditunderground]

I think PowerSweep and, FrostyPeter are right. But in reading the posts over the last 12 months I have read allot of complaints but no solutions to the problems. We all know that there are upper management on here and that they read these posts. How about instead of complaining about the problems, which exist in all industry, you start recommending some legitimate, plausible changes. Remember these changes can only start if they are brought to your local level and they start with YOU.

LFL Nicely put.......Great Job. :clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping: :clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping: :clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping:

[USIC1]

How bout those dolphins???


:p


:jumpinsmile:

[sprayandpray]

QUOTE=USIC1;3646]How bout those dolphins???


:p


:jumpinsmile:[/QUOTE]

Are you referring to the Miami ones or the ones caught in Tuna nets? Actually, neither one has been doing really well lately so I guess it doesn't really matter!

[CubFan]

I just wonder if they ever resticker our trucks to USIC what the contractors will come up with. We all know that SM&P is Spray More Paint and CLS is Can't Locate Sh&t. What will USIC be.

If they use CLS supervisors USIC will be known as Useless Supervisors In Charge.............. Just my opinion :waving:

[USIC1]

AMEN TO THAT!!!


:thumbsup2:

[LadyLeatherneck]

Think of how much money the companies could save if they would eliminate dead weight. They could divy out their pay and the money they would save to pay for their benefits and vehicles to the locators.

[USIC1]

How bout the bonuses for the first year with USIC maybe a subscription to weight watchers...

And they all need to get slips signed to validate there attendances...


:yahoo:

[GODFATHER]

I find it real interesting that you all show up for work each day, collect your paychecks on Friday and yet you appear to hate your jobs. If you truely believe that the combining of the two largest and most respected companies is a bad thing then I suggest that you go find a job at a fast food joint where they don't know the first thing about quality or customer service.

I for one think that the combining of the two companies is a good thing. Yes CHANGE is hard but in the long run CHANGE in inevitable. (Just ask the Clintons:yahoo:)

I have not seen or heard anything that would lead me to believe that the combined companies will be SM&P, or CLS all I know is that I am proud to be a DAMAGE PREVENTION TECHNICIAN.

The two companies are gelling together under the USIC header but for the time being remaining individual (with the exception of IL & IN).

I have heard so much bad mouthing of both companies that it is almost as if you are all back in fourth grade again fighting on the playground over who gets the kick ball.

You all need to grow up, decide if this field is the correct field / career for you and go from there.

OMFG!!!! Ok People what we have here is a Corporate Man who has knee pads permently attached to his knees along with a helment so he dont hurt his purdy little head while under the desk of whom ever he is suckin off!!!!

[GODFATHER]

We all know they are monitoring this site in fact its probably run by one of them just so they can keep tabs on all their employees and see what all they have problems with but this by no means, means that you need to keep kissing the preverbial corporate ass here too....

[LadyLeatherneck]

Are you referring to the Miami ones or the ones caught in Tuna nets? Actually, neither one has been doing really well lately so I guess it doesn't really matter!

I bet it matter to the dolphins!!!!:woot:

[underground quester]

I think PowerSweep and, FrostyPeter are right. But in reading the posts over the last 12 months I have read allot of complaints but no solutions to the problems. We all know that there are upper management on here and that they read these posts. How about instead of complaining about the problems, which exist in all industry, you start recommending some legitimate, plausible changes. Remember these changes can only start if they are brought to your local level and they start with YOU.


Locate for Life:

Good points LFL.

It is difficult for many people though to sift through all the crap served up over time and think a solution through rationally. It is also a difficult process as managers in some cases do not want to hear your solutions, or, they want you to have all the answers to the problem.

In my many years as manager I appreciated someone who approached me with a well thought out solution to a problem. I also appreciate that lots shy away from offering a solution because their manager is not approachable, or, is an ASS.

It should be pointed out as well that most companies have warts as do most employees. The best I believe we can hope for from management is that they will care enough to find out what each individuals issues/problems are as they relate to the corporation and work at putting practical effective solutions in place.

But, we must all remember, we cannot be all things to all people and neither can management. I encourage each of us to put in suggestions, or post them here and hope YOUR manager sees them. If they like the idea, hell, they can take the credit for instituting the idea...i don't care...but a problem I had now goes away...YEEEEESSSSS!!!!

However, not all solutions are a fit in all corporations, so do not get pissed if for some unknown reason your idea is not moved forward. Keep trying, sooner or later they will see you as someone who cares...if you do it right.

I am no longer in management...having spent a better part of my life there...
I really like the freedom I now have to get my job done and not have to worry about all the other management type crap. :yahoo: :popcorn: :yahoo:

Please remember also that this forum allows those of us who are locators to talk to, complain and "bitch" if you will to other locators who understand and at times agree/offer solutions. It's better than coming home and bitching to your spouse, who does not understand the issues nor can they necessarily offer workable solutions. In the end our complaining to them as a captive audience stresses them out and puts a strain on the relationship. :Crash:

Please keep this in mind as you go forward. Some people need an outlet for their frustration and this is as good a place as any IMHO :peace:

[yahoo]

welll said uq............hope it was understood loud and clear????

[underground quester]

OMFG!!!! Ok People what we have here is a Corporate Man who has knee pads permently attached to his knees along with a helment so he dont hurt his purdy little head while under the desk of whom ever he is suckin off!!!!


Godfather:

All of us have opinions.

Clearly some you do not agree with, like those offered by like Locate for life

And that is okay. We cannot all agree.

Here is my opinion:

Your posts add LITTLE/NOTHING to this forum.
They are deeply offensive to those of us who truly enjoy this forum.
Your use of profanity is appalling.
In short, you are not necessarily proving yourself to be a member we need to hear from.

Steve has put a great deal of time and effort forward so that all of us who call ourselves professionals have a place to meet, exchange ideas, BITCH and generally relieve stress.

What do you bring to the forum?

Perhaps it is time you do some naval gazing! :mad:

[Paint Grenade]

Godfather:

All of us have opinions.

Clearly some you do not agree with, like those offered by like Locate for life

And that is okay. We cannot all agree.

Here is my opinion:

Your posts add LITTLE/NOTHING to this forum.
They are deeply offensive to those of us who truly enjoy this forum.
Your use of profanity is appalling.
In short, you are not necessarily proving yourself to be a member we need to hear from.

Steve has put a great deal of time and effort forward so that all of us who call ourselves professionals have a place to meet, exchange ideas, BITCH and generally relieve stress.

What do you bring to the forum?

Perhaps it is time you do some naval gazing! :mad:
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW:popcornsmile::popcornsmile::popcornsmile::popc ornsmile::popcornsmile::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn: :popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::yikes::yikes: :yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes:

[Goldenboy]

To those who dont know Godfather, may get a different vibe from him. But, those who work next to him fully understand where he is coming from. after all 13 years and working for sups that don,t know ^%$# and we as a team\crew have been thru a tough last 3 years cant get help cant keep staffed hell our managers cant keep us paint flags or batteries very frustraighting and I thaught we could vent and get things off our chest.

:peace::peace::peace:

I do not know Godfather. I see there must be 4 or 5 of you from the same area on here which is cool your spreading the word. I do agree with UQ that the personal attacks on members are not needed and not appreciated. LocateforLife is a member here and doesn't need to be belittled like that. If he is management or not doesn't matter. If he is management I give him props for coming to a site full of angry locators.

So for the most part try not to make personal attacks on members.

[GODFATHER]

NO biggie LOL!!!! Just saying my piece like everyone else here and BTW I wasnt the only one saying that exact thing and if they dont want the profanity then they can change the Vbulletin rules to change them. We are all in the locate business which is working with construction people on a daily basis im sure we all have bad language and if you dont then good for you.... ;)

[sprayandpray]

Hey, a little bit of profanity for the purpose of emphasis is acceptable and necessary sometimes. We are not attending Church here, but we aren't hanging out in a Junior High Boy's Restroom either. I was once told in so many words that the use of profanity is just a sign of a weak vocabulary.

Now go get your shine box!:p

[BruceAlmighty]

I think PowerSweep and, FrostyPeter are right. But in reading the posts over the last 12 months I have read allot of complaints but no solutions to the problems. We all know that there are upper management on here and that they read these posts. How about instead of complaining about the problems, which exist in all industry, you start recommending some legitimate, plausible changes. Remember these changes can only start if they are brought to your local level and they start with YOU.

HIRE MORE HELLLLLLLP!!! McFly :hammer:

[TBONE]

All I know is everything we are getting as of late has SM&P plastered all over it .ohh nothing will change guys it will be just uper management things nothing at your level will change :rules::toasted:

[GODFATHER]

Oh and I FYI!!!! I will never naval gaze I will leave that to the corporate suck butts....

You guys can have all the man love ya want LOL!!!!