Techie Rant...

[knerona]

I'll do side work, no problem. Its $100/hr with a 2 hour minimum.

the worst is my mom, good lord. she peddles my tech skills to her friends all the time.

"Take it to the geek squad, that's what they're for!"

every desktop support issue can be solved with this flowchart.

LOL. That's what I do!!

[boxcutter3005]

I have a lot of the same problem, they seem to think i can take their computer to work with me and work on it while i do other repairs.

[dotalchemy]

I actually do lie now.

When folk who know I work in IT ask me to look at their systems, I just say that I don't work in that area of IT. If they question what I do, I simply explain the depths of vSphere, Oracle or internal Linux repo management.

Their blank stare usually results in me not having to screw around with their PoS system for three hours while they complain about popups and toolbars.

[Deadbolt]

my opinion on the matter is if the topic they are coming to me with is interesting and their conduct is suggesting that they are eager to learn rather than have a quick fix, I'm more than happy to mentor

but if all they want is a quick fix, its RTFM and pound sand

[echo6cavedog]

I have a sign over my desk that reads:

Yes, I'm a Systems Administrator. No, I will not fix your computer.

[ibanezfoo]

I have a sign over my desk that reads:

Yes, I'm a Systems Administrator. No, I will not fix your computer.

I have a t-shirt that says that.

I agree with all of you guys. I'm a Sr. Sys Admin/Network Admin and I get that crap all the time at home and at work. People come in pretending to need help with their work computers not realizing we know all the software and settings so we catch them instantly trying to get free help for their home computers. I don't even help my own family with computer stuff - I do this crap all day and get paid for it, why would I want to do even more of it at home and for FREE? Not even my own mother!

Unfortunately we aren't allowed to lock our doors at work to keep people out. I always send them to the help desk guy's office. He has a side business working on computers at home and he doesn't take crap or do freebies for anyone. But he does an awesome job so they pay him.

Its not that I don't like helping people, I actually do. But I do not like helping people that haven't even given the problem the most basic look. Even something as simple as rebooting (cures 98% of Windows problems). I had one guy call me about a computer not powering on. I kept telling him it sounds like someone kicked the plug out. He got mad and yelled at me saying something like "how stupid do you think I am? You don't think I have it plugged in?!" and slammed the phone on me. At least he had the balls to call back a few minutes later and admit someone had clicked the plug out of the back of the machine. I'd imagine its like a mechanic having somebody come in and complain about not being able to see out of the window and him saying something like "well, did you even attempt to wipe the mud off the windshield?"

[TWoods450]

My wife peddles my skills to her friends and coworkers, and wonders why their computers sit in our house for two weeks. I tell her I get paid to work with computers, if I'm not getting paid I'm going to do it at my leisure. Her friends that pay get quick service though, some of them even prefer to overpay, I'm more than ok helping these people.

[qarren]

The FLOWCHART is the exact reality. Very nice representation... I'm laughing while reading this thread. Very entertaining but, TRUE.

[the86d]

I HAVE THIS ISSUE ALL THE TIME, and I never really thought about it until I saw this post.

[knerona]

Does anyone watch "The IT crowd"? Funny Brit comedy about an IT dept. It's streaming on Netflix.

[the86d]

Does anyone watch "The IT crowd"? Funny Brit comedy about an IT dept. It's streaming on Netflix.

No, but I might check it out.

I am known as "Nick Burns" here at work...
I don't mind.

[ibanezfoo]

Does anyone watch "The IT crowd"? Funny Brit comedy about an IT dept. It's streaming on Netflix.

Yes that show is awesome. I would get them from <wherever> to watch before Netflix was around. If you work in IT, you can definitely relate to things in the show... like being under some ladies desk wiring something and then they come back and don't see you and sit down. You can't say anything because you don't want a sexual harassment suit slapped on you. Funny stuff.

[ibanezfoo]

No, but I might check it out.

I am known as "Nick Burns" here at work...
I don't mind.

MOVE!!!!!

Heh we had a guy here named Nick that every always called Nick Burns too.

[Deadbolt]

if you get cornered on something just pull the Nerd Rage Ace :

wax technical so hard it hurts usually gets smiles, nods and "uh huh well ill let you know when we have a discussion on that"

- the discussion never happens lol

[Andric]

LOL, funny you mention that. I have a hottie neighbor who is a CMT and I fixed her computer once years ago and she offered to give me massage in exchange. Considering the value of a massage and the work I did, it would have been perfect/equitable compensation. Being a business owner, she completely understood the value of the service I provided and her offer would have been quite acceptable...except I just didn't want to go there if you know what I mean. I've thought about that decision more times that you can possibly imagine.

If you are in LA please feel free to send her my way for all future computer problems

This has actually worked out for me:
- I fix my drycleaners computers - free drycleaning for five years.
- Built/manage a small website for my Dr. - I always get appointments and can text him anytime with questions or scrips.

But you are all right, the worst is when my Mom calls for tech support