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Poll closed Poll
Question: What is your impression of the new kit choice page?
*** This poll has now closed ***


Kit choice photos are offensive    
  1 (2.5%)
Kit choice photos are just fine    
  8 (20.0%)
Page is difficult to understand and use    
  2 (5.0%)
Page is easy to understand and use    
  7 (17.5%)
Offering two kit levels is a bad idea    
  1 (2.5%)
Offering two kit levels is a good idea    
  8 (20.0%)
Everything I see here is splendid    
  4 (10.0%)
Other opinion, comment in thread    
  9 (22.5%)




Total votes: 40
« Last Modified by: Tom Roberts on: Feb 21st, 2015 at 9:32am »

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Sneek Peek (Read 834 times)
Abndanger
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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #15 - Feb 21st, 2015 at 2:30am
 
Tom,

Have you thought about putting a youtube video up?

I reviewed your kits and agree with everyone one how hard it is to do a comparison. If, I were new to the market and looking at buying a Pico(Which I was at one time). I found it confusing at first. Maybe this can be part of your standard to bump the market Wink

A lot of people are visual in reacting. If they see a still picture or written item of something they WOW, but if you show them ACTION in a video or and audio with excitement, you have now captured their attention Wink

Lay some SHOCK & AWE on them Cheesy

I have been looking at mixing up my website for my business. Been talking with my IT on new ways without cloudy. I am thinking of doing a few youtube skits to get people to think more and catch their attention Wink

Yes, I called you and you broke it down for me. That is part of the game is to get people to call. But what if, you did a couple youtubes to demonstrate the value in each kit?

Example being, the first video you show the lesser equipped kit and you then go to a vehicle and try to diagnose it. You say wait. I can't even do a RC test with out and amp clamp, or connect my low amp probe to fuse holder to check the current draw or I am trying to diagnose a COP but only have one X10 but would like to compare it at the same time with another cylinder Wink

Then do a youtube of a more complete kit and showing how this kit has more to offer and how they will get more value because of the accessories and less limitations Wink

I know when doing research on any equipment I plan to purchase. One, I do quick search on the forums. Two, I do a Google for reading, which sometimes with all the goonie googoo it doesn't make full sense to me. Third, I look for youtubes of the product and fourth, I call and talk to friends who may or may not have it Smiley

Also, Ian brought up a good point on basic numbers with the forum. I would say there are only 20-25 active users for the forum. So, when selling a kit which includes the membership they may not fully understand its value.

I know being technically a member for 7 yrs now. I have not been active till within the last year. I never knew the true value in the site. Also, as with most forum which are public. A lot of times people get ridiculed for trying to learn or understand something of value to them.

This is not the case here in the private forum. everyone is serious about their profession. But the issue is, how do you go about involving and showing value?

Maybe with everyone's input from all over the globe, experiences, views, age & wisdom you can derive a plan to capture your niche in the market even MORE Smiley

Every business has loyal followers. The main issue is to keep your current loyal followers while increasing your customer base to become the loyal followers as well. Smiley

Yes, some pop on from time to time and show some activity. What seems to be the most active is the general discussion and CSI in the members.

I wonder what would it take to get more members active and post more case studies. Is it family life, time difference, lack of personal interaction which keeps people from being active on the forum
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Logic
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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #16 - Feb 21st, 2015 at 2:59am
 
Tom,

Perhaps the non Picogroup members should need to go through a information page on log in to remind them that there is a cost to running this site and that purchasing a scope from you is playing it fair.

I think that if a General group member has nearly 500 posts here and he is using a snap on scope....that is not fair and reasonable to you.


You have stirred my pot Tom !!
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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #17 - Feb 21st, 2015 at 8:39am
 
What about putting together quarterly email blasts with a snippet/teaser from the forum, maybe a CSI, and sending it out to the forum members to try and get some of the less active members interested? Or even non members by posting it on the web somewhere outside of the picogroup area
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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #18 - Feb 21st, 2015 at 10:03am
 
crackerclicker wrote on Feb 20th, 2015 at 8:36pm:
Davey & Ian, be careful with de facto banning non-Picogroup help.  My guess is that you guys mean to say Pico specific help, as in advanced "buttonology" and technique.  If that's the case, then yeah, that makes perfect sense, but if you're suggesting something along the lines of conveniently forgetting to tell someone to use 1 micro-second intervals when sampling secondary ignition then we're starting to go too far. 


Hi Larry,
I am conflicted with this.

If I help someone that is not a Picogroup member and tell them need 1µs sample rate for secondary am I then to tell them what setting they need, the correct buttons to push, or tell them to contact their vendor for that info  Smiley

Or if someone asks if this thing has jumped timing, I would NOT give them a reference waveform from here or explain how to use the CKP to determine that?
So I how could I help them without giving away knowledge and info I gained as a member of the Picogroup?

Hi Tom,

Is there a way you could help shoppers compare Pico model specs all at one place and what is included in the different kits?

Maybe something like a spread sheet that opens in a separate tab / window that what is included or not part of the kits in a glance. Maybe a check box type or if one kit has 2 ding-dongs and that kit has 4 ding-dongs a number box?

The "What does this mean" shows me the benefits and advantages of what you provide with the sale however doesn't really show me why.

just my humble opinions  Smiley
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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #19 - Feb 21st, 2015 at 10:21am
 
I simply think there's a fine line between being helpful and being an elitist  Undecided.
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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #20 - Feb 21st, 2015 at 12:06pm
 
crackerclicker wrote on Feb 21st, 2015 at 10:21am:
I simply think there's a fine line between being helpful and being an elitist  .


Larry,

It is not a matter of being elitist, it is a commercial matter and Tom's livelihood. And ours for that matter
I have many phone calls a day from other workshops asking me how to repair BMWs.

Why? because they know I have the answer, they know that I can most usually diagnose it for them over the phone.

I have learned to limit that now and get them to subcontract the work to me.

I'm not forthcoming anymore, it was taking too much of my time with the endless calls.

I'm not trying to make an argument with you but my position,is probably elitist,and rightfully so, as is you position in the Picogroup, you have purchased wisely and meet the criteria to be in the elite Picogroup.

Does that mean that you should offer your help and knowledge to every person who registers in the general group, possibly people who such up every free resource thy can on the net.

I share a lot of information with the Picogroup only because it is the Picogroup, and I hope that I can encourage my fellow Picogroup members to be both the elite scope users but also elite repairers.

This is not a communist state and the commercial and elitist considerations are valid.

Tom is clearly,concerned about his commercial position, we had better be also, there is no such thing as a free ride.




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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #21 - Feb 21st, 2015 at 2:16pm
 
I want to make sure we're on the same page.  You're saying if someone using a Snappy scope in the General Public Area asks for some pointers in troubleshooting a problem we should tell them we can't help until they buy a Pico?  Yeah, that'll be good for the image of both Autonerdz and Pico (sarcasm). 

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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #22 - Feb 21st, 2015 at 2:47pm
 
Your putting words in my mouth my good,friend,

I'm just discussing out some of the realities and perspectives.

Do you think, and I'm genuinely seeking you,opinion here, that a person should,come here on a permanent basis,obtain help and never make a financial,contribution?

Should a customer come to our workshops,and take our work for free,
if a customer comes to your workshop and keeps asking you how to diagnose and repair his car but always does his own work leaving you without any remuneration, is that acceptable to you?
This is Tom's work and I would think we all care about his interests

Clearly I do not have all the answers,to this,and it is a matter for Tom really, he may evolve his philosophy based upon our debate, but I'm not keen to help someone if,that person does not contribute to Autonerdz by simply buying product.

Also do not forget that this is the Autonerdz Pico site, not the Snap on site, perhaps Snap on could help pay Tom's costs.

Don't think I'm looking for an argument with you, I'm not, I really do have concerns about contributions.

How do you feel about it?


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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #23 - Feb 21st, 2015 at 4:14pm
 
Logic wrote on Feb 21st, 2015 at 2:47pm:
How do you feel about it?


I try to address some of the other points later.  But as for the sharing and help that goes on in the public areas, I think it's great.  The public areas have been a good feeder for us and many do sooner or later come around to step up their game and get a Pico and all that goes with it.

I don't mind a few teasers as long as we don't give a way the store.  Good content and community in the public section keeps folks coming back for more.  I'm fine with that and actually encourage it.  Sure, some will never catch on and that's OK too.  They may mention the great free resource they have found to their friends.   Wink

You can't win 'em all.  But the forums are the single biggest driver of new blood to us and I would not want to anything to put the brakes on that. 

Once other scope users get a real taste of what their life could be like by downloading and looking at Pico files and learning some of the things they could do then that helps them move toward us when they are ready.  We can wait.  Sometimes it tales a while for them to get there.  A little polite encouragement can help too.  They get an opportunity to see the level of professionalism that you all display publicly and some just have to have the rest of the pie.   Wink

I would never want to be rude or pushy though.  Not my style anyway and that can serve to be counterproductive.
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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #24 - Feb 21st, 2015 at 4:39pm
 
Tom Roberts wrote on Feb 21st, 2015 at 4:14pm:
The public areas have been a good feeder for us and many do sooner or later come around to step up their game and get a Pico and all that goes with it.



I started out on the public side of the forum, with a Snap-On scope Wink

Just sayin ... Smiley

It's awfully hard to convince someone that they need something if they don't know what the "something" is.  Giving people an idea of what goes on behind the curtain, be it through teasers, trail memberships, or the public forum, goes a long way to teaching someone what you have to offer.
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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #25 - Feb 21st, 2015 at 5:33pm
 
I'm same as Derreck. started out with nothing and found this site. always wanted a scope (pico) but was quite ignorant about it. no one had used a scope or owned one that I knew of. Hung out in the public area soaking everything in. This was when Preston was really active. That guy is really aces. Helped explain a lot and made the learning enjoyable. Saved up a bought a kit from Tom. I remember replying to his email with my login for the private area. told him it would be epic. I spent an entire week, all my spare time. read every single thread. was hooked.

I believe if you want to be the best you need to surround yourself with the best. I never once looked anywhere else for a picoscope. never priced shopped. the moment I found the site I knew this was it. the professionalism of Tom and Brian is amazing. along with all the forum members.

I understand where Logic is coming from. We have invested in the Autonerdz idea. the blood,sweat and tears that the members have given should be kept in the private forum. But I'm being a hypocrite when I say that, considering what the public forum has done for me. I see both sides and have to say I don't know where I stand. the one thing that does set me off is when I see it on iATN. but unfortunately you cant keep everything in a bubble.

as far as the pico store. looks good. whenever I compare products I like to have all the features listed to be the same. so for example if you have 2 kits and one has 10 items and then other has 15. make the list of the first 10 to be the same order. this makes it easy to compare. hope that makes sense.

I will forever be an Autonerd and always recommend this place to anyone I talk about scopes.
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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #26 - Feb 22nd, 2015 at 6:59pm
 
Logic wrote on Feb 21st, 2015 at 12:06pm:


It is not a matter of being elitist, it is a commercial matter and Tom's livelihood. And ours for that matter
I have many phone calls a day from other workshops asking me how to repair BMWs.

Why? because they know I have the answer, they know that I can most usually diagnose it for them over the phone.

I have learned to limit that now and get them to subcontract the work to me.

I'm not forthcoming anymore, it was taking too much of my time with the endless calls.

I'm not trying to make an argument with you but my position,is probably elitist,and rightfully so, as is you position in the Picogroup, you have purchased wisely and meet the criteria to be in the elite Picogroup.

Does that mean that you should offer your help and knowledge to every person who registers in the general group, possibly people who such up every free resource thy can on the net.

I share a lot of information with the Picogroup only because it is the Picogroup, and I hope that I can encourage my fellow Picogroup members to be both the elite scope users but also elite repairers.

This is not a communist state and the commercial and elitist considerations are valid.

Tom is clearly,concerned about his commercial position, we had better be also, there is no such thing as a free ride.


I used to give away the farm... When I stopped doing that, I started getting calls to get paid to find out what's wrong. I openly share with those who also share.


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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #27 - Feb 22nd, 2015 at 7:08pm
 
crackerclicker wrote on Feb 21st, 2015 at 2:16pm:
I want to make sure we're on the same page.  You're saying if someone using a Snappy scope in the General Public Area asks for some pointers in troubleshooting a problem we should tell them we can't help until they buy a Pico?  Yeah, that'll be good for the image of both Autonerdz and Pico (sarcasm). 




Troubleshooting a problem is no problem if I can look at your capture and see that XYZ is bad, questionable, or ask for a capture of this, that, or the other.

I try to draw the line at teaching someone how to use a scope. The line is pretty fuzzy, so I try to stay well back from it...  Undecided

Just my $0.02



Logic, I wonder how many of those members in the shadows are lurkers? I don't post much in the technical sections because I don't have anything to really share...but I've learned quite a bit.


Tom, I'm going to agree with a diagnostic video on Youtube once in a while. Just simple scope operations, with a follow on about how more than ever, scopes will be needed for diagnostics in the future, and the benefit of a Pico purchase from Nerdz. How many scopes and Verus' has Danner sold, I wonder?
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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #28 - Feb 23rd, 2015 at 3:52am
 
Matt H wrote on Feb 22nd, 2015 at 7:08pm:
I wonder how many of those members in the shadows are lurkers? I don't post much in the technical sections because I don't have anything to really share...but I've learned quite a bit.


Always good when somebody pins a term on the spirit of a discussion.

"Lurkers"

My first reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lurker

Well that says it all

Good work.

On another subject we all have something that we can share, even if we just go and have a play.

The secret of our group is to engauge, discuss experiment and try, look at Abndanger in the last week, he will come away with a lot at the end of his Dodge Journey (sorry could not help that), but so will we in helping him with his understanding.

When somebody puts in like he does he has my support and willing help, but yes in my view it has to be mutual.

I support Tom, respect him greatly, that is no secret, and I will post material simply because of Tom. However outside that there has to be a decent relationship between us as there does need to be something in it for all of us.....not just for the Lurkers..





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Re: Sneek Peek
Reply #29 - Feb 23rd, 2015 at 7:52am
 
The only caution I would share is that no matter how much you tell someone they are not going to have the support, access to forums and the "Real" value, they are going to claim later that Autonerdz wouldn't give them support after the sale.... It is just human nature, they know, but they will only hear and see the low price, versus the higher price.

I see this in customers who want to bring their own parts, I would tell them there is no warranty, but when the part failed, they would tell every one who had ears that we would not stand behind our work, so I no longer offer service to people who bring their parts Wink

I can also guarantee you will get negative reviews posted because they will have buyers remorse for not getting the complete package and blame Autonerdz for their own stupidity.

Having said that, I understand you are in a global market and also have a real good customer base that will defend you and share our experience with the "good" prospects out there.  Cheesy
 
Good Luck Smiley
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