I do think depending on the situation that it's unfair to expect a rookie not to share their information. Sometimes we do things for so long that we take the basics for granted. For example, how many times have you seen someone tear down a table knowing they have to take the slate off, but not knowing that doesn't mean unscrew all of the backing from the slate? The basics could mean more to that guy. Some of these do-it-yourselfers are just trying to learn. How many of us came into the biz knowing everything we know now?
For a guy to get SOME basic information here on the forum and try to do some work himself, then contribute on what he learned is normally perfectly fine. He's just trying to help just like we experienced mechanics are. Don't forget that making mistakes is one of the quickest ways to learn.
I think there are some of us here on the forum (I won't mention any names) that are pretty quick to jump a guy's case and call him a hack if he does something different than us, instead of helping him learn why we consider our way better. I also think most of those people are insecure in their own abilities and afraid that if they teach a guy something, he might surpass them.
Now I'm not saying we should all be here to dispense free advice to anyone and everyone. There are certain "tricks of the trade" and advanced techniques that I do think should be reserved for some of the certification trainings and instructional DVDs that are in the works. But in my opinion, there's a handful of guys on here that I would consider "leaders" on this forum (Glen, John, Pat, Jay, Donnie, etc. etc. etc.) who are really trying to exchange information to better the industry and raise (or establish) the standards for what we do. If you notice, those guys (most of the time) don't take an attacking tone, or jump to call a guy a hack when he does something different. They all have their different ways of communicating the information. Sometimes it's to quiz, or to question the norm, sometimes it's to offer the name and number of someone close and qualified. But rarely is it to throw out the hack word.
Now don't get me wrong, there's plenty of times I've read a post and thought "What a f***ing IDIOT!" and sometimes I almost clicked "Submit Reply", but times like those, I go read another post somewhere and try to think of a more tactful, helpful response. I just think about a time 10 years ago when I worked for a guy who owned a room and had been doing table work for 30 years. That sure gave him credibility in my mind. However, I've learned a TON since then. Plenty from on the job experience and plenty from the more experienced members of this forum.
I do think a certified mechanic avatar tag is an awesome idea. That might show someone that there's a good chance the information they're getting is reputable. (with the exception of the water-filled Tupperware level idea...what a f***ing IDIOT!).
Just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.
