[Nathan]

Hey guys

As some of you know I'm currently putting together a DIY site called www.diychatroom.com

In my view there are three major flaws with most contractor boards.
First, most of them are designed poorly.
Second, they become infested by people who cause trouble and have nothing good to say.
Last, they become a place for homeowners to ask contractors questions instead of a place for contractors to share business and trade knowledge.

www.diychatroom.com is an attempt to solve that last problem. Any homeowners who have questions about any given topic can do so on this site.

I need your help!

I'm trying to put together a few DIY Guides to home improvement. They will be a resource the site will offer.


These guides need to provide basic steps for homeowners to complete home improvement tasks.
Example:
How to hang wallpaper
How to Install laminate flooring
How to build a deck
etc...

These guides are not for advertising any certain product over another or for telling a homeowner they should hire a contractor to do this task instead of doing it themselves.

If you choose to write a guide it will be read for quality and used only if it’s clear and accurate. (Some editing may be done as well)

I'm not paying anyone for these but if you do decide to write one you may ad a short paragraph to the end of the guide telling people who you are, where you are located, your company name, as well as a website or phone number where they can reach you.

I'm not sure if anyone will be interested in this or not but if you are let me know.

Thanks!
Nathan

 

[Nathan]

That sounds like a great idea Nathan and I am sure it will take off. I would be very interested in contributing to this and will put some thought into it in the coming days. I would also like to like it to my website so my customes can participate as well. Will you be posting a list of topics you would like to approach ?

I’m trying to figure out topics right now. There are a few sights out there that cover every topic under the sun. You can talk about finances, pets, crafts, etc… I was thinking of going that route but I think I’m just going make it a DIY Home Improvement site. Maybe Auto repair too, not sure yet.


And I would love you to link to any site I create. I think it give you more credibility as a contractor, supplier, or whatever if customers can see that your ideas are published. That’s the idea behind having a paragraph at the end of the guide for credit!

I look forward to hearing what you would like to contribute. Contact me at: [email protected] if you have questions on specific topics… I don’t want two people doing the same thing; I know your time is valuable.

Thanks!
Nathan

 

[Nathan]

I don't know if you want to link to these, or do something else. Comments?

I wont be linking to guides but publishing them on the diychatroom.com site.

All those topics sound great, just keep in mind that the purpose of these guides are not meant for advertising but for information; although you can provide a link at the bottom.

-Nathan

 

[Nathan]

I have a bunch I wrote for our company web site and some just to practice answering questions.

I'll mail them to you in a word format in the coming days.

Some are repeats from Pgriz, some are fresh and new, most are about roofing. I've some general ones as well as some about windows and siding etc...

Sounds great Grumpy, I really appreciate it!

-Nathan

 

[Nathan]

Ok, sorry for the long delay! I spent the weekend sick as a dog!

I understand what you’re saying about not wanting to write a guide to something like flooring because there are so many different types, but there has to be some overlap.
I guess what I'm looking for is general info on a subject.
You guys are pros and I know there are a hundred different ways to hang wallpaper but for most homeowners they just need the basics.

I think a basic "how to" guide on a subject with a quick disclaimer telling people that other products exists that may require a different installation will do.

-Nathan

 

[Nathan]

I still haven't received an email from anyone about what they would like to contribute.
If anyone is still interested in writing a DIY Guide please email me at [email protected]

Thanks!
Nathan

 

[Nathan]

I'm looking for about a page to a page and a half, but it really depends on the topic.
Were not writing a book here, just some basic How To's.

Almost any format will work... I'll put it into HTML later. So, .DOC .TXT. RTF .HTML ... anything.

 

[Nathan]

To see an example of one of these DIY Guides go here: http://www.diychatroom.com/guides.htm

Let me know what you think!