SketchUcation Online Services Agency IDEA!
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@gaieus said:
Edit: instead of the poll Mike posted, I have created an online survey. Please, if you feel like completing it, go here.
%(#000080)[UPDATE 18th April '09
Hi Guys,Just to update you on the response. We have had 20 replies so far and some interesting ideas. It definately looks like there could be scope for a SketchUcation Services Agency that would offer quite a few services. The suggestions so far have been, On-Line Training using SketchUp and other associated applications, Texture Making Service, SU to Google Earth proceedures etc.
I notice that about half of the responses have made comments and supplied their contact details. Just in case any of the people that did not supply their contact details and would like to hear abput follow up, please either revise their submission or ping me a quick email / PM.
One of the main advantages for both the SketchUcation On-Line EXPERT and for the CLIENT is that SketchUcation Online Services Agency will be in a position to handle the payment collections / payments. As we all KNOW, well any of us that have tried to do transact online services, there is a STUMBLING BLOCK when it comes to PAYMENT TERMS. If taking deposits is not always a guarantee that the final job will be paid for. And the Client is not always confident that the work confident that the works will be completed AS AGREED when a deposit has been paid. SketchUcation is devising a Bonded Contract System that will facilitate both parties and eliminate these concerns.
Thanks to all that have responded so far.
Mike]
Hi Guys,
As mentioned on the Gloom & Doom thread http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/posting.php?mode=reply&f=179&t=18161 I would like to bounce an idea that I've had at the back of my mind for some time. I imagine that the current economic climate may be as good as any time to consider launching a SketchUcation Online Services Agency.
Anyone with half a brain would realise that we have an abundance of SketchUp Experts here on the Forums that cover a very broad range of disciplines.
While its often the case that a Newbie gets a quick response to a SketchUp (and other) questions, I feel that there may be a niche for an Online Services Agency. SketchUcation has the facilities to act as a 'go between' for both parties, the SketchUp Expert and the Client.
The above poll will give us an idea if this is feasible or even possible. I would appreciate if anyone interested could take the time to complete the survey. The end results should give a good 'open' indication of the market requirements and expert availability also client requirements.
Its only lately that such Online Services are becoming possible for the sole operator / agent with the launch of YuuGoo, Skype and Mikogo. All that is needed is a coordinating service and this is where I feel SketchUcation can step in.
Please feel free to outline anything that you consider I have overlooked. Also I would appreciate hearing any thoughts on the idea.
Mike
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Mike,
Although much work must have gone into that poll for sure, consider that there is only one option to choose. Like a yes here or a 10 dollar fee there - not to speak about different opinions. A forum poll like this is not suited for such a questionnaire. If you wish, I can create an online questionnaire that is suitable for the task.
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Thanks Csaba,
I bow to your expertise. I will leave it up there for the time being as is may get some gray matter churning over.
Yes please tidy up if you have time.
Mike
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OK, I have made the online survey and updated your first post.
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Thanks Csaba, nice job
I have just looked it over and see that we have quite a few very positive replies. If anyone is interested in making comment on the idea please do so.
I will kick off with this comment.
I notice that the average advised Online hourly rate is $25. There is one case where an expert is willing to supply services for $15 per hour. I am wondering how it might be possible to standardise rates, even if it is possible.
I know only too well that $15 in certain countries can have as much buying power as $30 plus in the USA and Western Europe.
As I said, I am a little stumped on this and would like to hear thoughts on what is the best approach.
Mike
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Well,let the "database" grow a little first. It's now late evening in Europe and early afternoon in America and a lot of regions could not chime in yet.
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how can I join the expert group?
cheeersss
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It would be a nice idea. I am here for the Italian Support Team
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I'd also like to participate. I can see great opportunities arising out of this!
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Is this going to be inside the current SCF forum or a seperate website?
Somehow I hope that all these side kick activities are detached from the forum.
I would like a clean Sketchup forum browsing experience without being distracted by other stuff.What is wrong with a Sketchup forum pur sang?
Wouldn't the Expert/Client concept (the internet is full of these already?) jeopardize the forum idea of people helping people ?
I would hate to see that commercialised.
Is it going to be like that? -
Very good idea
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Chris and all,
This (if ever implemented) will have nothing to do with the forum itself. The forums are here for people to help each other, showcase their works and all that (just like so far). How exactlyit should be done, we don't know yet. The whole concept of "asking" people if there were interest was some kind of "prerequisite" anyway (so that we don't start something new without any interest so to say).
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I see. Thanks for the explanation.
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hi Guys,
Thanks for all the replies. I have been monitoring the replies on the Survey and there is an overwhelming majority in favour of the proposition, actually its 43 to 1 in favour. The one against remained anonymous!
A venture like this will in no way dilute the good will and helpfulness of the SFC, this would be impossible I think.
The survey is simply a way to determine whether or not there are SCF members that are interested in taking on contract work via the Net and transacting this via SketchUcation for guarantees of payment and fairness.
It is also a proposed venture that will in some way offer some paid employment opportunities for the SFC managers in the future.
I wish to advise that we have made substantial progress on this venture and I would like each of the members that responded positively to the survey to please forward me the email addresses that they would like me to forward more details to. We have email addresses on file but I would like to send to advised email addresses. This information can be PMd to me.
Thanks All,
Mike
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